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Here’s our Premier League team of the week from the latest round of fixtures.
Thibaut Courtois – Chelsea
Courtois was again impressive as Chelsea recorded nine consecutive wins, with the Belgian keeping another clean sheet in the Premier League.
With managers wanting goalkeepers to be good with their feet, Courtois certainly impressed with 81% passing accuracy throughout whilst dominating his area and being a calm and collective presence in between the sticks as always.
Hector Bellerin – Arsenal
Arsenal fans will feel much more assured now their Spanish right-back has returned to action, and in some style too.
Continuously being an offensive threat, he helped change the game when he came on from the bench, registering an assist for Theo Walcott.
Bellerin, who is key to this Gunners side, managed 94% passing accuracy whilst creating another three chances too in a quality display.
Phil Jones – Manchester United
Since his return to the Manchester United squad, Phil Jones has been immense and has certainly cemented his place in the United XI for the immediate future.
In a must-win game against Spurs, Jones was excellent against the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli keeping them at bay.
The Englishman made five interceptions, six clearances whilst winning 100% aerial duels in a dominating display.
Laurent Koscielny – Arsenal
Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal’s finest defender since the likes of Sol Campbell and Martin Keown for sure.
He helps Arsenal pass out from the back and completed 88% passing accuracy against the Potters, whilst making four clearances and winning 50% of aerial duels as he helped his side extend their unbeaten run since the opening day of the season.
Christian Fuchs – Leicester City
Leicester City looked back to their best again against Manchester City as the Champions absolutely blitzed Pep Guardiola’s side.
Defensively the Foxes were solid, and Fuchs for me was a standout performer at the back against City as he kept the likes of Jesus Navas at bay, ensuring the Spanish star had little impact on the game.
Fuchs managed 10 clearances and two interceptions in a fine performance as he helped his side get back on track.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan– Manchester United
Who knew that Bundesliga player of the season, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, was so good. Well, everyone is the answer, that’s why everyone was so baffled by Jose Mourinho’s early season treatment of the Armenian.
Each game the United star has played, he has been above every other teammate and is simply in impeccable form.
He was magnificent against Spurs, he was causing Danny Rose so many problems and scored an immense goal whilst completing three take ons and creating one chance.
Unfortunately, he looks to be set for a spell on the sidelines for a few weeks after picking up an ankle injury, which is a shame for the whole league, as he is a true joy to watch.
Granit Xhaka – Arsenal
For so many years, Arsenal have been crying out for a physically strong, all round dictator from deep and have finally find the perfect player in Granit Xhaka, the Gunner’s Switzerland gem.
Against the Potters, Xhaka managed to maintain an 88% passing accuracy whilst creating two chances and three clearances in a solid performance.
Jeff Hendrick – Burnley
Burnley’s record signing finally lived up to his billing against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon as he scored a beautiful volley from 25 yards, like Jamie Vardy’s goal against Liverpool last season.
He helped Burnley end their run of three straight defeats, helping his side take the crucial three points. Hendrick was solid in midfield and created one chance whilst making five interceptions helping his side defensively.
Stefano Okaka – Watford
Well, what a performance from Watford man Stefano Okaka. Against a very strong Everton back four, the Watford striker had a field day in a brilliant display.
His first goal was a touch of art, a sublime piece of skill which is rarely pulled off with such precision, whilst scoring his second goal with a powerful header then going on to run the Everton defence ragged all afternoon.
Diego Costa – Chelsea
Diego Costa, simply the best number 9 in Europe. Although Chelsea were not having it their own way against West Brom, Costa was still working hard, closing down from the front, helping out defensively and being a real nuisance for the Baggies back four.
His goal was a thing of beauty, he nicked it from the defence before driving it into the top corner exquisitely.
The Spanish international created three chances and three take ons in another fine performance, he was playing at left-back in the latter parts of the game to help his team out which just shows how hungry he is this season.
If Costa keeps on scoring and playing the way he is, Chelsea will be crowned champions come May.
Jamie Vardy - Leicester
Jamie Vardy was having a party against Manchester City on Saturday evening.
The Englishman looked back to himself against Guardiola’s men, he was making runs, rediscovering his relationship with Mahrez and closing down efficiently from the front.
Vardy scored his first ever hat-trick against City and showed glimpses of his old self, he completed three take ons too whilst maintaining high energy levels throughout.
He has come under strong scrutiny for his goal-scoring drought but has finally put that past him as he sets his eyes on helping Leicester get back into the top half of the table.
