Match-week 24 results have led to some interesting developments in the Premier League table. Here is our team of the week.
GOALKEEPER
Without a shade of doubt, Thibaut Courtois has been outstanding by everyone’s standard last week. The Belgian pulled off some brilliant saves to keep the Blues in the game. Given what was at stake in the match against Arsenal, his display has put Chelsea 9 points ahead of second placed Tottenham Hotspur.
DEFENDERS
Marcos Alonso- While his goal was surely debatable, with some stating that the Spaniard fouled his compatriot, Hector Bellerin, before heading the ball, there was no doubt that he simply bossed the left flank throughout the game.
Lamine Kone- His season went from bad to worse after Ivory Coast crashed out of the AFCON last week. Things looked pretty downside with Sunderland’s last season’s saviour and it looks like he has got back his mojo just at the right moment. Not only did he score the opener against Crystal Palace, Kone was a rock at the back making 9 clearances and three crucial interceptions.
David Luiz- The Brazilian centre-half was once again at his best in the crucial game at Stamford Bridge. Although Arsene Wenger made his job way easier by deploying Alexis Sanchez to cover for, he hardly gave any space for Arsenal to counter at full throttle. The second half saw Chelsea defending most of the time and Luiz’s incessant interceptions and clearances frustrated the Gunners.
Antonio Valencia- Although Manchester United hardly had to face any threats from struggling Leicester City, the Ecuador international looked devastating at times. He had 17 passes in the attacking third creating two dangerous chances up front.
MIDFIELD
James McCarthy- The Irish international hardly got chances to prove himself in the first half of the season as he saw himself more on the sidelines owing to bad form and injuries. However, now with the congested midfield cleared out by Koeman, the seasoned midfielder seems to have got back his touch. He got a goal and an assist in the high scoring game against Bournemouth.
Pedro Obiang- West Ham United’s season is really looking bright now with Slaven Bilic’s setup finally falling into places. And his most preferred midfielder could play a huge role in their revival, it seems. Apart from his goal and an assist in the game, he was clinical in his role recovering the ball seven times and playing some delicious balls in the attacking third.
Gabriel Jesus- Is he the season-changer Pep Guardiola was asking for? The most important thing Jesus has brought into the team is urgency. It is his ultra-tenacious display that earned City the win over the adamant Swansea City.
Eden Hazard- Hazard has probably scored the goal of the month with his brilliant solo effort against Arsenal. The Belgian was a continuous thorn in Arsenal’s back line and he got the fruit for his persistence.
Henrik Mkhitaryan- Mkhitaryan has been on and off for Manchester United and Jose Mourinho has been criticised by many for underutilising him. And last week was one of his better ones. The Armenian international scored one and set up another for United giving them a much-needed win in the weekend.
FORWARD
Jermain Defoe- Defoe continued his brilliant run this season taking his tally to 14 goals for Sunderland. If the Black Cats survive relegation this season, the former England forward will be hugely responsible for it.
