Premier League Team of the Week XXIII feat. Chelsea and Spurs stars

Add as preferred source on Google

Gérard Deulofeu: The Spaniard really couldn’t have done much more to drive his side forward on the day and should not collect any blame for the fact that Everton lost the encounter at home to Swansea. Deulofeu displayed terrific vision, dribbling ability and a final ball that deserved to supply at least a couple of goals throughout the ninety minutes. In fact, six chances can be directly attributed to the feet of Everton’s number 19. Both he and his manager; Roberto Martinez, should be greatly dismayed that neither Lukaku nor Ross Barkley were able to make the runs at the right time to get on the end of his crosses. Neil Taylor was often left isolated against the La Masia product and the left-back could not cope at all. Deulofeu produced step-overs and rapid changes of direction to beat Taylor at will, a trend that has been felt by many a full-back when facing Everton this season.

Embed from Getty Images

Cesc Fabregas: Arguably Arsenal’s greatest error against Chelsea; and one that may well have indirectly caused their defeat, was allowing far too much room for Cesc Fabregas to operate in. He thrived on the space and he was able to pick out well-directed passes over the top of Arsenal’s defence, with an invigorated Diego Costa frequently being the beneficiary. With the security of John Obi Mikel and Nemanja Matic behind him, the former Gunners hero was able to be far more progressive than most of this season and occasionally even ran in beyond Costa to provide an additional threat, taking on an opponent successfully on four occasions.

Fabregas’ natural creativity in tight spaces could not be shackled by a somewhat lethargic Arsenal in the first half in particular, but with a wilting attacking influence as the game wore on, he made an effect on Chelsea’s defensive efforts, putting in six tackles. The Spanish international midfielder won five free-kicks but was arguably very unlucky to not win the most important collision of them all, as Laurent Koscielny clumsily bundled into the Spaniard in the penalty area but to no avail. Overall, Fabregas will be delighted with his performance against his former side and a return to the peak of his powers seems on the horizon.

Dele Alli: Aside from the dramatic events at Carrow Road, the most talked about moment from this weekend’s Premier League action is probably Dele Alli’s wonder-strike late on in the game at Selhurst Park. Spurs had not had everything go their away against Crystal Palace but as is seemingly becoming an increasingly frequent occurrence, Dele Alli was the architect behind a Spurs rescue act. Requiring the sort of technique that we have seen Neymar produce in 2015 and in years gone by; legends such as Thierry Henry, Alli was able to initially create space for himself by flicking the ball over his marker before thumping a strike into the bottom corner. The former MK Dons youngster also hit the cross-bar late on from the edge of the 18-yard box and created two chances for his team-mates. Yet again, Alli exhibited fantastic link-up with Harry Kane and with a delighted Roy Hodgson in the stands at Selhurst Park, could the England manager be aspiring to take full advantage of this burgeoning partnership in Euro 2016? All the evidence suggests that Dele Alli is the real deal and England must look to capitalise on any genuine talent at their disposal.

Embed from Getty Images

Roberto Firmino: Roberto Firmino bagged a brace against Norwich City and his ability to finish off chances proved to eventually be vital to the final outcome. Had Liverpool and Firmino not been as clinical, it is highly likely that they would not have come away with all three points. His first of the day came after a smart run beyond the Canaries’ defence was topped off with a precise left-foot finish into the far corner. Calmly knocking the ball past Declan Rudd in the second half, Firmino finished off a flowing attacking move with an adept dink. The skilful Brazilian came up with a fine double against Arsenal recently and really seems to be taking to his role as a false number nine very well indeed. He occupied the back-line with intelligent movement and willing running rather than a sustained physical presence which would be offered by an archetypal number nine, such as the misfiring Christian Benteke.