As it’s Monday morning, it can only mean one thing. Garth Crooks’ ‘Team of the Week’, and after yet another thrilling weekend of Premier League action, here is the starting XI that impressed the BBC pundit this weekend.
GOALKEEPER – JOE HART (Manchester City)
Manager Manuel Pellegrini has brought Joe Hart back into the fold and acknowledged that the England keeper is indeed his number one. Hart’s performances against Liverpool and Crystal Palace over the Christmas period proved the Chilean was right. The save from Palace’s Jason Puncheon, when he was practically playing with one eye almost shut, was immense. It looks like the witch-hunt that has followed Hart for some time might finally be over.
DEFENDER – SEAMUS COLEMAN (Everton)
I don’t know what it is about Everton manager Roberto Martinez’s teams, but when footballers play for him they always seem to get better. Seamus Coleman is definitely one of those. His goal against Southampton epitomised a player on top of his game.
DEFENDER – PER MERTESACKER (Arsenal)
I could have picked anyone from the Arsenal back four – they were that good against Newcastle. However, it’s Mertesacker who continues to be the standout player in defence for the Gunners. He’s competitive, but with a cool head these days. Finally, Arsenal look like they have a leader on the pitch.
DEFENDER – NEMANJA VIDIC (Manchester United)
He’s been out of United’s starting line-up in recent games, but when he returns it’s as though he’s never been away. At the age of 32, I question how long he can keep putting his body on the line for the cause. But, as long as he can, he’s a must for United.
DEFENDER – MAYNOR FIGUEROA (Hull City)
I liked this player when he was playing under Martinez at Wigan, and I was a little surprised when he didn’t follow his old boss to Everton. Nevertheless, the Honduran is playing the sort of football for Hull manager Steve Bruce that made him a firm favourite with Martinez. The Tigers destroyed Fulham and Figueroa played his part.
MIDFIELDER – TOM HUDDLESTONE (Hull City)
He hadn’t scored a goal in over two years and now some are suggesting Tom Huddlestone should be considered for England’s World Cup squad. I must admit, I’ve never heard of a player being applauded into the dressing room after a game, which tells you all you need to know about this performance. His goal, of course, means that the much-awaited hair-cutting ceremony may begin. I don’t know who’s more relieved – his mum or the barber!
MIDFIELDER – MATHIEU FLAMINI (Arsenal)
The last time Arsenal won anything meaningful, they had players like Patrick Vieira, Martin Keown and Tony Adams to sort the opposition out. Nowadays, they have a battalion of talent who can play, but not so much bite. So, it’s just as well they have someone like Flamini who can come into the side in difficult away games, sit in front of the back four and growl. I thought he did it rather well against Newcastle.
MIDFIELDER – EDEN HAZARD (Chelsea)
What a game of football. Even referee Howard Webb allowed this game to flow and, in some cases, let it get a little spicy while not sending anyone off. It was in that red-hot Stamford Bridge cauldron that Eden Hazard produced some of the game’s most inspired football against a determined Liverpool side who were unlucky not to come away with a point.
MIDFIELDER – FERNANDINHO (Manchester City)
The demands over the festive period can render players tired and lacking spark. Not so Fernandinho, who is just starting to come to terms with the Premier League. And just at the right time for City.
FORWARD – NICOLAS ANELKA (West Brom)
This lad has not made my TOTW for some time. Since his last selection, he’s struggled to get in West Brom’s starting line-up and Steve Clarke, the man who brought the former Chelsea striker to The Hawthorns, has been unceremoniously sacked as manager. It was reported that some of the reasons for Clarke’s enforced departure were the poor return from his summer signings and, in particular, question marks over the acquisition of a 34-year-old Anelka. Two goals against West Ham, taken with blinding casualness, doesn’t look like he’s lost it to me.
FORWARD – ROMELU LUKAKU (Everton)
The quality of the finish deserved to win the game. The Belgium striker has looked a little off the pace in his last few outings. While the fixture against Southampton wasn’t a classic, Martinez and his players will consider the victory far more important than the performance, particularly at the end of a most gruelling Christmas period. The win keeps the Toffees in the top four.
What are your thoughts on this line-up then?
Comment below!
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
