EPL Team of the week
We are going with a 4-4-2 formation for this week’s edition of the Barclays Premier League team of the Week.
GK: Joe Hart (Manchester City) The sole reason why Manchester City came out on top against Arsenal was the performance of the England number one. Hart pulled off some fantastic saves to keep Arsenal at bay, denying Robin Van Persie and Aaron Ramsey on a number of occasions.
RB: Kyle Walker (Spurs) The England under-21 international full back is quickly starting to feature on the wish lists of the top clubs in Europe. Against Sunderland, he was a constant threat on the right flank. Although he did not have much to do defensively, as far as assisting attacks on his flank is concerned, we give him full marks.
CB: Martin Skrtel (Liverpool) The big Slovak’s form of late has been absolutely brilliant as is testament from the fact that he is keeping Jamie Carragher out of the team. Skrtel came up with yet another accomplished display and also scored a goal to cap his day at Villa Park.
CB: Vincent Kompany (Manchester City) The Manchester City skipper turned in a good performance at the back as he caused enough problems to keep out the likes of Gervinho and Robin van Persie out of the picture. Put his body on the line on several occasions and made some excellent tackles to keep the Gunners at bay.
LB: Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal) Vermaelen was deployed as a left back against Manchester City by Arsene Wenger and he did a commendable job on the flank. Launched several attacks and kept David Silva quiet for most of the evening. He made some vital blocks and clearances for the Gunners in what was a quality match.
RM: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United) The Ecuadorian has proved to be indispensable for United time and again and when his name features on the team sheet, you expect the best out of Wayne Rooney, who thrives on his service from the right. Valencia used his body and pace well and provided some inch perfect crosses for the strikers.
CM: Michael Carrick (Manchester United) Carrick has been back to his best in the past three to four weeks. The passes have been flowing, things are simple in the middle of the park and the strikers enjoy more freedom up front. Carrick scored a wonderful solo goal after collecting the ball in his half that easily qualifies as the goal of the week.
CM: Yaya Toure (Manchester City) Toure was the man who made the difference in the middle of the park for City. Although Arsenal enjoyed a lot of possession on the ball, Toure made sure that the Gunners could not get the break through. Although he did not play much part in attacks, defensively, the Ivorian was brilliant on the night.
LM: Craig Bellamy (Liverpool) Bellamy just loves to play against Aston Villa. The Welshman underlined his importance in Kenny Daglish’s squad with a goal and an assist at Villa Park.
ST: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) Rooney opened the scoring for United on 52 seconds at Loftus Road in London and turned in a vintage performance thereafter. United could have had six goals in this match as they completely dominated Queens Park Rangers in their own backyard.
ST: Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea) If this young man continues to turn in the performances for Chelsea, he will be on the England first XI at next year’s Euro alongside Wazza. He provided yet another reason for Andre Vilas-Boas to keep Fernando Torres out of the lineup when he outplayed Wigan’s left back before shooting past the keeper ferociously.