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Arsenal fans celebrating their team’s victory over rivals Man UnitedIt was another exciting weekend in the Premier League that saw a lot of changes in the league table. Gameweek 8 kickstarted on Saturday at Selhurst Park which hosted the match between high-flying Crystal Palace and West Brom. The home team picked up yet another impressive 2-0 victory over the Baggies courtesy of Yannick Bolasie and Yohan Cabaye’s goal.It was then followed up by Sergio Aguero’s 5-goal thriller which stunned the attendants at the Etihad Stadium. With the victory over Newcastle United, Manchester City reclaimed their spot at the top of the league, who are now two points ahead of Arsenal.Super Sunday saw two of the anticipating derby clashes, including one at Merseyside. Everton, who have been impressive right from the start of the season hosted Liverpool at Goodison Park. Like any other derby match, the one in Merseyside was filled with intensity and controversies over the course of the match. However, the match ended in a 1-1 draw with both teams happy to share a point each.Another derby was held in London between Arsenal and Manchester United. The rivalry between the two clubs was intense back in the early 2000s, who battle against each other on all fronts. The home team asserted their authority when Alex Sanchez scored the opener which was assisted by none other than Mesut Ozil. 74 seconds later, Ozil doubled the lead for the Gunners and they were already in a commanding position.It was then followed up Sanchez’s screamer which ended at the top corner of David De Gea’s net. The Red Devils were outgunned as they had never conceded three goals in quick successions. The scoreline was recorded as the fastest 3-0 victory against United in Premier League history since 1995.To top off a good, action packed weekend in the Premier League Christian Eriksen saved Spurs’ blushes by netting two wonderful free kicks.So who makes it to the team of the week this time around? We’ve used a 3-5-2 formation this week.
#1 Goalkeeper
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Petr Cech – Arsenal
The North London club may have found the missing jigsaw in their puzzle. They have finally found a world class keeper which has been lacking in their squad ever since the departure of ex-England goalkeeper David Seaman.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper made crucial saves throughout the whole game. During the first half, when his team was already in cruise control, Cech did well to keep his concentration well by being commanding in the air when balls were thrown at by United players in the penalty box. The 33-year-old stretched out his leg to deny Martial’s attempt on goal when he spun around captain Per Mertesacker who was fairly beaten by the high-flying youngster’s skill.
During the second half of the game United tried their best to exert pressure on Arsenal’s defence but the goalkeeper did well to command his team as they were all well organised at the back. Cech went on to pull off a stunning save from Rooney’s half-volley effort. The Czech international had a good game and kept yet another clean sheet for his steam.
#2 Defence
Phil Jagielka – Everton
The Everton captain formed a rock solid defensive partnership along with Funes Mori in the Merseyside derby clash. Jagielka formed an imposing figure at the back, winning the aerial duels and shutting the attacking threat from rivals Liverpool.
Although, the 33-year-old and his teammates conceded a sloppy goal from a corner kick in the first half, he did well to contain Daniel Sturridge’s pace and trickery throughout the whole game. The defender limited Sturridge’s chance on goal who barely had clear cut chance and was left disappointed at the final whistle.
Hector Bellerin – Arsenal
The young Spanish defender has been one of the regulars in Arsene Wenger’s team and he continues to impress the manager with another outstanding performance. Bellerin came up against Ashley Young on the right flank and he troubled the United full back with his pace all afternoon.
The build up to Alexis Sanchez’s opener started off from the right flank when Bellerin exchanged passes with Mesut Ozil. Although his initial cross into the box was cleared off by a United defender, Bellerin did well to recollect the poor clearance and quickly passed it to Ramsey who played a fine through ball to Ozil right before he assisted Sanchez.
Jeff Schlupp – Leicester City
The 22-year-old scored a winner at Carrow Road and ensured another victory for this season’s surprise package Leicester City. Schlupp received a brilliant reverse pass from teammate N’Golo Kante followed up putting his left-footed shot into the far corner. The Ghana international was a constant menace to the Canaries and his goal was nothing less than he deserved. It was enough to send his team, Leicester City, to 5th position in the table with 15 points.
#3 Midfield
Kevin De Bryune – Manchester City
It looks as though the investment on Kevin De Bruyne is paying off real quick as he has now netted 3 goals to his goals in just 4 appearances for the Manchester outfit. Not only did he score in the weekend, he registered two assists to his name. The former Wolfsburg midfielder scored a spectacular volley against Newcastle United and it just goes to show more is yet to come from the young Belgian star.
Christian Eriksen – Tottenham
The Danish International saved Tottenham’ s blushes by scoring two wonderful free kicks in the weekend against Swansea City. It looks as though the player is back to his best despite suffering from a lot injury setback this season. Eriksen made his debut in the Premier League in Septemeber 2013 and no player has ever scored more free-kicks in the league than him. His tally of six includes two against Swansea.
Mesut Ozil – Arsenal
Ever since he made his club record move to the Emirates in the summer of 2013, the German international has been receiving sticks from the fans and pundits for not ‘showing up’ in the big matches. But this weekend, Ozil was in sublime form as he played a pivotal role in Arsenal’ s incredible victory over rivals Manchester United. The 26-year-old first set up the goal for Alexis Sanchez and then 74 seconds later, he scored one himself by slotting one home into David De Gea’ s corner.
Alexis Sanchez – Arsenal
The Chilean international was outstanding for the Gunners in their away trip to Leicester and he was even better this week against Manchester United. Sanchez opened the account for the home side when he scored an exquisite goal and his screamer for the second goal made it impossible for David De Gea to even get a fingertip save.
He has now scored six goals in three appearances for the North London club. Arsene Wenger is very lucky to have a player like Sanchez, who could have easily gone through the motions complaining of fatigue since his return from his Copa America success with Chile.
Sadio Mane – Southampton
Teams have gone to Stamford Bridge this season with one plan – to capitalize on Branislav Ivanovic’s lack of pace and Southampton did just that through Sadio Mane who troubled the highly experienced defender with his pace and guile. The Senegalese forward made life difficult for Ivanovic who got beaten so many times during the match. Last season, Mane was the star man of this fixture and last Saturday he replicated the same performance by scoring in the 60th minute. His movements were just too difficult to defend against.
#4 Forward
Sergio Aguero – Manchester City
The Argentine ace man is one of the three players along with Robert Lewandowski and Cristiano Ronaldo to score 5 goals this season. Before his 5-goal thriller at the weekend against Newcastle United, Aguero was on a ‘goal-drought’ of such sort for his club Manchester City in the league but he made a remarkable comeback by banging in 5 goals past Tim Krul. It was a good day for the former Atletico Madrid striker and whoever had him as the captain in their Fantasy Premier League team must have had a pleasant weekend.
Graziano Pelle – Southampton
The Italy international led the attacking line for the Saints and he did well to hold up the play for his teammates at Stamford Bridge. Before the kickoff, Pelle looked second best as he was up against John Terry and Gary Cahill who were rock solid for Chelsea last season. But the Southampton striker faired well and was brilliant on the night.
His knock-down provided the goal for Steven Davis. He provided another assist to Mane by playing a fine through ball who ended up putting the ball beyond Asmir Begovic. Pelle put the icing on the cake for his club by finishing it off with a goal of his own.
