Manchester United’s midfield dominate our team of the week.
The team put in their best performance since way back when Alex Ferguson was in charge, and even then United rarely dominated a game at Anfield like they did in spells yesterday.
The game will be remembered for two polar performances, the brilliance of Juan Mata, and the madness of Steven Gerrard, but United’s midfield was excellent.
We’ve also opted for three players from Arsenal, Chelsea’s best player, a clean sheet machine and an Irishman we’re hoping can carry his form into international duty.
1. David Ospina
How much must Wojciech Szczęsny regret having that cigarette? The Arsenal goalkeeper was caught smoking in the showers after a game in January, David Ospina replaced him and has been solid in goals ever since. The Colombian pulled off a reaction save in the side’s 2-1 win over Newcastle, and looks to have fully claimed the number one jersey.
2. Seamus Coleman
The Everton defender played a huge part in his side’s 2-1 win away to QPR. Coleman scored a cracking goal, and then helped set up the Toffee’s winner. Hopefully Seamus can carry his form into Sunday’s game against Poland.
3. Ryan Bertrand
Bertrand put in another solid display for Southampton, registering clean sheet number twelve for the season and set-up the side’s fortunate second goal.
4. Gabriel Paulista
Arsenal’s new Brazilian defender performed admirably against Newcastle on Saturday, making a series of clearances and interceptions as the home side chased an equaliser.
5. Federico Fernandez
Solid and composed, Fernandez dealt well with the physical threat of Christian Benteke and was one of the few defenders to keep a clean sheet this weekend, helping Swansea to a 1-0 win over Aston Villa.
6. Marouane Fellaini
Awkward, effective and a f******* nuisance, Marouane Fellaini has become a key player for Manchester United. The Belgian was dominant in the air, brought his team mates into play and scrapped to retrieve the ball when his team lost possession.
7. Juan Mata
The Spaniard’s best performance since joining Manchester United last year, and it’ll take something special to beat it. Mata was the best player on show this weekend. From his cool finish for United’s opener, his excellent link-up play with Herrera to his scissor-kick volley to win the game, the midfielder was brilliant from start to finish.
Yesterday was strangely just Mata’s second Premier League start since January, but his place looks secure now, as does, potentially, United’s place in the top four.
8. Ander Herrera
An all-round midfield performance from Ander Herrrera. He linked up with Mata, played a perfectly weighted, incisive pass for United’s opener and harried Liverpool’s midfield. The Spaniard was full of energy and skill, and held his position well as part of his team’s compact midfield.
9. Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud scored his sixth and seventh goal in his last eight games and put in another really effective performance. Held the ball up well and proved the difference in a game Arsenal looked to be cruising, but could’ve ended up dropping points in.
10. Harry Kane
The Tottenham Hotspur striker scored one of the least ascetically pleasing hat-tricks in the history of association football, but if he keeps his current scoring rate going he’ll be Sir ‘Arry. And to think he could’ve been Harry O’Kane.
11. Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard seems to be the only Chelsea player who isn’t exhausted. The Belgian’s team mates look, at times, burned out and ready to collapse over the Premier League finish line.
Hazard continues to be effective though. The winger scored a beautiful goal yesterday and was Chelsea’s most dangerous player throughout their 3-2 win over Hull City.
Premier League Team of the Week:
