Premier League Team of the Week: Gameweek 10

A derby-filled weekend of Premier League fixtures comes to a close, and Jose Mourinho once again stole the headlines for all the wrong reasons. His side suffered a fifth defeat in 10 games this season after Slaven Bilic’s high-flying West Ham won 2-1 with Nemanja Matic, Mourinho and assistant first-team coach Silvino Louro sent off.The Tyne-Wear derby was also packed with controversy, with Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini sent off for what the referee deemed to be a clear goalscoring opportunity for Steven Fletcher when replays suggested goalkeeper Rob Elliot had the ball covered. The game ultimately ended in an emphatic 3-0 victory for Sunderland, their sixth successive derby victory over their Tyneside rivals.The Manchester Derby was surprisingly a dull affair, with both sides sharing the spoils in a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford. Other results saw Arsenal overcome Everton in an impressive 2-1 victory, while Spurs’ Harry Kane scored his second hat-trick of 2015 in a 5-1 drubbing of newly-promoted Bournemouth. Jurgen Klopp was denied a first Liverpool victory when Sadio Mane’s 87th-minute finish cancelled out Christian Benteke’s superb header 10 minutes earlier.So who are the lucky ones to make it to this weekend’s Premier League XI? Formation: 3-5-2

#1 Goalkeeper

Costel Pantilimon – Sunderland

The 6’8’’ tall goalkeeper – who has been in the media’s firing line since the start of the season for his sloppy performances in goal – chose the high-profile Tyne-Wear Derby to return to his best form.

His concentration amongst controversy on the other side of the pitch was intact throughout the game, making 8 saves in total to deny a Newcastle attack fresh from their 6-2 thrashing of Norwich last weekend. His performance at the Stadium Light on Sunday also helped his side earn not just a first victory for Sam Allardyce, but also a first clean sheet.

#2 Defence

Kyle Walker – Tottenham Hotspur

The Spurs right-back was in sublime form for the flanks for Mauricio Pochettino’s side in Sunday’s 5-1 thrashing of the Cherries at Dean Court. He was as safe as houses from the back, with a 91% passing success rate and 6 successful tackles throughout the match.

His frightening approach up front to deliver crosses into the Bournemouth box also made it a day to forget for left-back Charlie Daniels.

Nicolas Otamendi – Manchester City

The highly-rated Manchester City defender – who partnered Vincent Kompany for the first time in the City defence – seemed to regain the form that made him a transfer target for major clubs at the end of his last season at Valencia. He showed true resilience at the back, making 5 key tackles and 3 clearances to deny the likes of Ander Herrera and Wayne Rooney through the middle.

If kept injury-free, Manuel Pellegrini will be hopeful this centre-back duo continues to build a solid partnership in the coming weeks to boost his side’s chances of regaining the Premier League title come May 2016.

Scott Dann – Crystal Palace

To keep an in-form Jamie Vardy quiet up front can be recorded as a personal achievement, and Palace centre-back Scott Dann will be extremely pleased in doing so on Saturday at the King Power Stadium. Yes, Vardy did ultimately score, but that was thanks to a costly error by his centre-back partner Brede Hangeland.

With 8 successful aerial duels, 3 clearances and 2 key interceptions, the 28-year-old continues to thrive under Alan Pardew at the heart of the Eagles’ defence.

#3 Midfielders

Yann M’Vila – Sunderland

For Sunderland to beat their bitter Tyneside rivals Newcastle, they needed to make sure their defenders and shielding-midfielders were on top of their game. And Yann M’Vila did exactly that. After a lacklustre first half, his performance improved drastically in the second half, making 3 tackles, 4 clearances and 4 interceptions to ensure Newcastle were never really allowed to have a clear attempt at goal.

Even when they had managed to get their shots away, Pantilimon was in a mood to deal with everything aimed at his goal. His impressive control to direct the ball towards Billy Jones from a corner to stab home Sunderland’s second was a silver lining to his near-perfect afternoon at the Stadium of Light.

Lucas Leiva – Liverpool

The tireless 28-year-old was instrumental to Liverpool’s much improved defensive performance against Southampton on Sunday evening. He managed to keep a dangerous Southampton attacking midfield in Sadio Mane and Dusan Tadic at arm’s length, making 8 tackles and 4 interceptions to ensure that the supply to Graziano Pelle up front was paltry.

Mauro Zarate – West Ham

Starting his first game since returning from injury, Hammers’ winger Mauro Zarate showed his manager Slaven Bilic why he should be considered as a regular first-team player with one of his performances of the season against defending champions Chelsea. His vision for the game was conveyed through his 100% passing success rate.

In addition to that, his alertness in the box to pounce on a mistimed clearing header by Diego Costa to smash home West Ham’s opener also gave his side the confidence against a Chelsea side who were mostly disciplined till that point. His desire to win the ball back from the opposition was also apparent, making 3 successful tackles inside the Chelsea half to complete an unforgettable day for the Argentine.

Mesut Ozil – Arsenal

The German assist-machine once again displayed a masterclass of his technical brilliance with the ball at his feet against Everton. His deft touches frustrated the Toffees’ defence and his beautiful cross for Olivier Giroud to head home earns him yet another green tick in manager Arsene Wenger’s book.

Ross Barkley – Everton

Though eventually ending up on the losing side, 21-year-old Ross Barkley’s excellent performance ensured that Everton were in the game right till the very end. He was a constant menace to the Arsenal defence, completing 5 dribbles and making 5 key passes to give Everton a handful of opportunities to snatch an equaliser in the second half, which they were unable to convert.

#4 Forwards

Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur

A second hat-trick for Harry Kane in 2015 – albeit against an out-of-sorts Bournemouth – makes him an automatic entry into this Week’s XI. After struggling in the initial weeks of the season, the 22-year-old seems to have rediscovered his goalscoring form that made him an instant star in England last season.

He managed to take advantage of some woeful defending by an injury-hit Bournemouth to convert 3 out of his 5 shots on target into goals. He was also impressive aerially, winning 7 aerial duels against centre-backs Steve Cook and Sylvain Distin to stamp his authority on the game.

Odion Ighalo – Watford

The 26-year-old striker has been in terrific form in 2015, and Watford’s victory away to Stoke City will once again be remembered for the Nigerian’s constant threat alongside Troy Deeney in front of goal. His cute back-heel to Deeney for Watford’s opener and his strength to dispossess Marc Wilson to set up Almen Abdi for their second makes Ighalo a terrifying prospect for Premier League defenders in the coming weeks.