It was an exhilarating weekend of action in the Premier League as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City all claimed victories.
The Premier League table remained unchanged as the dust settled over the latest round of league fixtures. Chelsea remain as leaders of the pack, after having ended Tottenham Hotspur’s undefeated streak in the Premier League. Their main competitors including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are also close on their heels.
Meanwhile, Manchester United had to endure more frustration as they could only manage to salvage a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against West Ham United. Here are TheHardTackle’s picks for the Team of the Week for gameweek 13.
(GK) Darren Randolph
The goalkeepers of the Premier League seem to be in inspired form against the Red Devils at Old Trafford. After Lee Grant and Tom Heaton put in match saving performances against Man United for Stoke and Burnley respectively, Irish keeper Darren Randolph has now done the same for West Ham.
Randolph made some impressive saves from Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. His best moment though was when he denied Marcus Rashford in a one-on-one situation in the first half.
(RB) Antonio Valencia
The Ecuadorian winger has settled in quite nicely into his new role at right-back. Valencia was once again at his menacing best against West Ham. The 31-year-old was the most creative outlet on the wings, beating the Hammers’ defence with pace and trickery.
However, his efforts were ultimately in vain as the Manchester United forwards couldn’t make the most of his nine crosses into the box.
(CB) Angelo Ogbonna
The West Ham defender made the most interceptions for the Hammers against Man Utd. The Italian’s most telling contribution of the game, however, was when he blocked Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s goal-bound shot in stunning fashion.
This would go on to become a decisive moment in the game, as West Ham successfully kept out a very attacking United front line.
(CB) Virgil van Dijk
The Dutch centre-back showed his former task master just what he was missing out on, as Ronald Koeman tasted defeat on his return to Southampton. The Saints took an early lead, with Van Dijk and co. subsequently preventing Everton from scoring.
The Saints centre-back made the most interceptions in the game (5).
(LB) James Milner
The veteran Englishman was once again a telling factor in the Reds game against a very defensive Sunderland side.
The 30-year-old penalty specialist scored yet another one against the ailing Black Cats. His journey as a left-back under Jurgen Klopp continues to intrigue.
(RM) Victor Moses
The Nigerian midfielder, who was neglected by former Chelsea manager Mourinho, has been a revelation under new manager Antonio Conte. Moses has been one of the best players in the team in his role as right wing-back.
Moses proved to be the redeemer for Chelsea as his goal ended Spurs’ undefeated streak in the Premier League.
(CM) Fernandinho
The Manchester City midfield pivot helped to stabilise proceedings even as Burnley were eyeing an upset after scoring the opening goal.
The Brazilian is often overlooked in a power packed City midfield, but he notched up an assist and was one of the best players on the pitch this past weekend.
(CM) Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool captain has become one of the most important players in the team under Jurgen Klopp. Henderson once again displayed calm, assurance and attacking intent in midfield to keep Sunderland at bay.
(LM) Leroy Fer
The game between Swansea City and Crystal Palace was the biggest adrenaline rush of the weekend, as the Swans claimed a 5-4 victory — their first under Bob Bradley.
Leroy Fer’s brace was hugely important for Swansea as they managed to eke out a much needed victory to leapfrog Sunderland from bottom place in the Premier League table.
(ST) Sergio Aguero
All the paper talk of Guardiola being displeased with Argentine striker Sergio Aguero would have been quashed — if only temporarily. The Manchester City forward was at his very best against the Clarets, netting two goals.
Aguero is now joint top scorer in the league along with Chelsea forward Diego Costa.
(FW) Alexis Sanchez
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may just have pulled off the masterstroke of the season when he took winger Alexis Sanchez and played him as lone striker. Bournemouth were bamboozled by the Chilean’s brace as the Gunners notched up another win.
Sanchez is now third on the scoring charts, with eight goals and three assists.