Premier League: Team of the Week XXIV

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Right-Forward: Jermain Defoe (Sunderland)

David Moyes will be relieved that the transfer window passed without relieving him of his leading scorer. With a relegation battle looming large between now and May, the Scot will be relying on the forward’s goals, and the capped England international was in the mood to add to his tally at Selhurst Park, his quick-fire brace in first-half stoppage-time ensuring Sunderland went into the break four goals to the good.

Sunderland will need consistent performances like this from Defoe if they are to retain their Premier League status, a factor that may well sway the tide as to whether or not they can hang onto him come the end of the season.

Centre-Forward: Romelu Lukaku (Everton)

Everton were simply clinical as they hit a lacklustre Bournemouth for six at Goodison Park, but at the heart of their torment was the imposing presence of Romelu Lukaku, whose four goals ensured he secured the Premier League’s 300th ever hat-trick.

His goals were an exhibition of quality and instinctive finishing. His opener was an exquisite curled finish after just 30 seconds, before he showed his ruthless streak, accepting Simon Francis’ shocking pass across the defence to help himself to his second; those goals coming either side of an assist for James McCarthy. The Belgian completed his hat-trick in the second-half with a sweeping side-foot volley past Artur Boruc, before netting his fourth after collecting Ross Barkley’s back-heeled pass and firing into the corner.

When in this mood, the former Anderlecht and Chelsea man can be unplayable, which Bournemouth found out to their peril.

Left-Forward: Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)

Gabriel Jesus’ inclusion in Per Guardiola’s starting line-up ahead of Sergio Aguero was a surprise, yet he was at the heart of a stubborn Swansea side’s torment as he netted twice to win a game that on paper should have been academic.

His opening goal after 11 minutes was an exhibition of his pace and power, racing in behind the defence to slot home, and when Gylfi Sigurdsson looked to have snatched a share of the spoils for the visitors with nine minutes to go, Jesus showed a forward’s instinct to react quickest and prod in a stoppage-time winner after Fabianski had parried his initial header.

Since his arrival from Palmeiras, he has already proven a big hit, netting three goals in his first three appearances for the Citizens and becoming only the third Brazilian to score in his first two Premier League starts. With speculation rife regarding Sergio Aguero’s future at the club, City fans can rest assured that Guardiola already seems to have identified his long-term replacement.

Premier League: Team of the Week XXIV

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Coach: Marco Silva

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