Premier League: Team of the Week IX feat. Chelsea and Liverpool stars

Add as preferred source on Google

Goalkeeper: Victor Valdes (Middlesbrough)

Middlesbrough’s trip to Arsenal seemed something of a mismatch prior to kick-off on Saturday afternoon, but much to the credit of Aitor Karanka’s side, the ‘Boro gave more than a good account of themselves and were unfortunate not to win the game themselves following Gaston Ramirez’s profligacy in front of goal. For keeping them in the game, ‘Boro were indebted to their goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who when under pressure was the coolest head inside the Emirates and did well to thwart Arsenal and preserve a clean sheet when the hosts continually battered on the Middlesbrough door as the game wore on. His personal duel with former Barcelona team-mate Alexis Sanchez was a joy to behold, and it made for one of the more exciting goal-less draws that will be seen in the Premier League this season.

Right Centre-Back: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Chelsea’s versatile Spaniard in the back-line has been called upon to feature all across the Chelsea defence this season, and with John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic both missing through injury, he has stepped unto the breach well in Conte’s new-look three-man Blues defence and was magnificent once again in the win over Manchester United, his four tackles more than any other Chelsea player on the day, with a joint match high of clearances with five and two crucial blocks.

His endeavours helped Chelsea salvage a fourth clean sheet this term, and ensured that Jose Mourinho’s Stamford Bridge return was an unhappy one.

Centre-Back: Winston Reid (West Ham United)

The New Zealander makes it into the reckoning for consecutive weeks after another impressive showing in West Ham United’s 1-0 victory at home to Sunderland. He contributed three key defensive blocks, more than any of his teammates, to keep David Moyes’ Black Cats at bay, before his moment of glory late on. He popped up right at the end with his first Premier League goal since May to earn Slaven Bilic’s side another vital three points.

Left Centre-Back: Christian Fuchs (Leicester City)

Leicester’s Austrian full-back made his 41st appearance for the club on Saturday, and besides providing his usual presence in the Foxes back-line, he came up with a moment of sheer quality, taking some time off from his defensive duties to get in amongst the goals, unleashing a stunning left-foot volley that gave visiting goalkeeper Steve Mandanda no chance. It was his first Leicester goal, and what a wonderful one it was. That put Leicester three goals to the good on the day, and pretty much killed off Crystal Palace’s challenge.