Premier League Team of the Week V feat. Liverpool and Everton stars

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Coach: Walter Mazzarri (Watford)

Formation: 3-1-3-3

The former Reggina, Sampdoria and Napoli boss faced off against another of his adversaries from his time in Serie A over the weekend, with José Mourinho and Manchester United the visitors in Hertfordshire on Sunday. Although the two have since patched up following a series of run-ins in Italy, the manager Mourinho once said “would never become a thoroughbred” returned to haunt him when Mazzarri’s Watford side toppled the Red Devils 3-1.

Mazzarri’s approach of closing down, hurrying and harrying, and giving United minimal time on the ball worked to perfection, Etienne Capoue deservedly putting Watford ahead, before a late Juan Zuniga strike and a Troy Deeney penalty secured the points. Mazzarri could not contain his delight when Zuniga smashed home the winner five minutes from time treating the supporters in attendance to a little waltz on the touchline.

His Hornets side were physical, but in a manner in which they conserved their energy for their late flurry whilst simultaneously neutralising the threat of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and forcing England skipper Wayne Rooney to endure a frustrating afternoon.

Despite his insistence that he and his Portuguese counterpart now get on well after their feud in Serie A, it is still a win from which Mazzarri may take a great deal of pride, and his dancing on the touchline following Juan Zuniga’s winning strike also suggests that this was a win that meant a great deal. A good all round afternoon for an improving Watford, and Mazzarri now has back-to-back wins and his first triumph at Vicarage Road. Who knows, maybe there really is a thoroughbred emerging from within?

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (Sunderland)

Were Sunderland not so poor at White Hart Lane against Tottenham Hotspur, Pickford’s performance would have seen him end up on the winning side rather than the wrong side of a 1-0 away defeat. Spurs were dominant throughout the contest, but they would have won by more than Harry Kane’s 59th minute goal were it not for Pickford’s performance, the 22-year-old making a string of eight vital saves to keep his side in it. He was only undone by Tottenham’s 22nd attempt on goal, and ended up facing a total of 31, nine of which were on target.

Pickford also saw more of the ball than any other Sunderland player, and was unlucky not to have an assist to his name when Jermain Defoe latched onto his long ball forward only to fire straight at Hugo Lloris. A perfect response to his mistake at Southampton a few weeks ago, and he may just have a big role to play if the Black Cats are to stay in the Premier League for yet another year.

Seamus Coleman (Everton)

Coleman’s strike against Middlesbrough at Goodison Park cut the mustard in a style fit for a striker rather than that of a defender. Of course, he is known to enjoy getting forward and he has a remarkable potency in the opposition penalty area, but he didn’t neglect his defensive duties either, making a total of six clearances, two tackles and two interceptions to help keep the ‘Boro at bay.

Now back from injury, he has shown just why he is so important for Everton, and the Toffees’ latest victory sees them up to second, a dream start for them and for new manager Ronald Koeman.

Scott Dann (Crystal Palace)

His headed goal at Selhurst Park against Stoke City might not have been as easy on the eye as the one he scored against Bournemouth which salvaged a point for Palace, but it was just as critical in helping put the Eagles out of sight in the first-half.

Stoke City look bereft of confidence with arguably their most talented side ever on paper, and Dann was merciless in punishing their vulnerability from set-pieces. That is however another big win for Palace, and their 4-1 scoreline sees them further towards the right end of the table and will begin to ease the pressure on Alan Pardew.

Dejan Lovren (Liverpool)

As well as putting the Reds ahead with an instinctive finish – his first Premier League goal for the club – the Croatian was magnificent in keeping Chelsea at bay in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge. He formed a solid partnership with Joel Matip, and put in a comfortable, assured overall display to help nullify the threat of Diego Costa.

Lovren is becoming a vital component of the defence under Jurgen Klopp, and his Liverpool vision on this showing may just be beginning to take shape.

Sebastian Prodl (Watford)

With three defenders already in, room had to be made for Sebastian Prodl after his performance in Watford’s 3-1 win against Manchester United. Given his ability to play as a sweeper or defensive midfielder in front of the defence, that is where we decided to place him to help protect his back three and free up the midfield to get further forward.

The Austria international kept Zlatan Ibrahimovic quiet on a day where the Red Devils only mustered two shots on target, and his strength and presence caused United various problems from set-piece situations.