Defenders
Bacary Sagna
Pep Guardiola was right to put his faith in Bacary Sagna as the right-back maintained his side’s clean sheet at the Olympic Stadium. The French international did a brilliant job of keeping Manuel Lanzini in check, one of the few Hammers who have been in form this season.
Scott Dann
Crystal Palace defender Scott Dann has eight goals since the beginning of the 2015-16 season, more than any other defender in the Premier League. The English defender continued in a similar vein when he netted his side’s first goal against Bournemouth. Converting from close range, the centre-back headed the ball in from Damien Delaney’s cross. However, even keeping a clean sheet for his side wasn’t good enough to keep the Eagles out of the relegation zone.
David Luiz
David Luiz gave Chelsa the lead in the first half as he caught out Liverpool with a quick free-kick. His goal for Chelsea after 1386 days wasn’t his only contribution of the night as he made 10 clearances and put in a solid defensive performance.
Despite the minor injury he picked up during the game, the Brazilian centre-back played on to keep his side in the game against a determined and dangerous Liverpool attack. In command of his penalty area, the Blues fan-favourite also won six of his seven aerial duels and rarely ventured out of his own half.
Stephen Ward
The fortress that is Turf Moor remained impenetrable thanks to the efforts of Burnley left-back Stephen Ward. Clean sheet aside, Ward was a threat going forward as well. The Irish international created three goalscoring opportunities from open play, more than any other defender in the gameweek. The 31-year-old kept up a frequent supply of crosses from the left that gave the Clarets an edge over the visitors.
