Premier League: Team of the Week VIII

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Right-Forward: Charlie Austin (Southampton)

Given Charlie Austin’s rich vein of form, he may be receiving a phone call from England interim-boss Gareth Southgate before too long. As goals from English forwards become increasingly scarce, given Jamie Vardy’s lack of form and Harry Kane’s injury, Austin has stepped up to the plate with seven goals in his last six Southampton appearances.

His former club Burnley were the latest victims this weekend, but it wasn’t just his goals which impressed, but the way in which he defended from the front and also got back during set pieces to help out his back-line. He is quickly turning into a major focal point in Claude Puel’s Saints side, and his importance to their cause is evident. Whether or not he will ever have something to offer England however is down to powers beyond his influence, but given the most recent Three Lions display in Slovenia, they could do little worse.

Centre-Forward: Romelu Lukaku (Everton)

Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku stunned the Etihad into silence with his wonderful solo run and goal on Saturday, but far from that piece of individual brilliance, it was his contribution to his team’s defending that also drew the eye, and our approval when picking this week’s stars. He was the first line of defence, always looking to press the Manchester City defence, and when necessary he would go back to help his team with his strength and aerial ability.

His one moment of brilliance was the highlight of Everton’s day going forward, and even though they were indebted to Maarten Stekelenburg’s performance in preserving a point, every time 23-year-old Lukaku got forward, he made City look exposed. His goal means he now has six in his last five for the Toffees.

Left-Forward: Junior Stanislas (AFC Bournemouth)

Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth humbled Hull City on the South Coast on Saturday, and Junior Stanislas was at the heart of the Tigers’ torment, creating three chances, the joint-most by a Bournemouth player in a Premier League game this season. The 26-year-old once on the books of West Ham  United is proving to be a consistent performer in the Cherries’ ranks, with a wonderfully taken goal and a coolly audacious penalty capping off an electrifying display. Bournemouth have owed much to their good home record since their promotion to the Premier League in 2015, and Stanislas is proving pivotal to that form. He now has three in his last two games on the Cherries’ home turf.

Premier League: Team of the Week VIII XI

Coach: Ronald Koeman

Featured Image: All Rights Reserved by Serg Hoholok.