The London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal seemed to all but determine the title race with 14 matchdays still to go. The weekend kicked off with fresh calls for Wenger’s removal, while Liverpool saw their title hopes all but shattered at the hands of Hull City. Manchester United won big after a long time as they defeated defending champions Leicester City by three goals.
Manchester City pulled a victory out of nowhere when they were close to a draw with Swansea City, but the outstanding game of the weekend was the meeting between Everton and Bournemouth. A total of nine goals were scored in 90 minutes as Romelu Lukaku was in unusually scintillating form as he scored four to wrap up an extraordinary victory.
After an exciting weekend of unexpected football, here’s a look at Sportskeeda’s team of the week:
Goalkeeper
Vito Mannone
Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone made eight saves at Selhurst Park, two more than any other keeper this matchday. While the rest of his teammates couldn’t stop scoring against Crystal Palace on the opposite side of the pitch, the Italian made sure his side’s defensive record was pristine after maintaining a clean sheet.
Defenders
Antonio Valencia
Antonio Valencia took a while to settle in his new role as a right-back for Manchester United and he finally seems to have found his footing. One of Jose Mourinho's most reliable players, the Ecuadorian was significantly involved in the game.
He whipped in the most number of crosses into the box for United, one of which directly led to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's goal.
A clean sheet and a considerable number of passes, aerial duels and recoveries make him one of the most effective fullbacks of the week.
Andrea Ranocchia
Andrea Ranocchia already looks like a great signing for Hull City. The defender on loan from Inter Milan started sheerly by chance after Michael Dawson hobbled off during the pre-match warm up, the defender proved his worth by displaying some great defensive ability against a potentially lethal Liverpool.
The Italian won all his aerial duels, made two blocks and made the assist for Oumar Niasse’s goal.
Lamine Kone
Lamine Kone was on fire against Crystal Palace as he gave his team an early lead in the first half with a volley from the ground.
But it was his defending that was really impressive on Saturday night. Strong in the air and against his opponents, the centre-back made sure they didn’t concede on his watch.
Marcos Alonso
Marcos Alonso was rampant along the left flank, getting three shots on target, more than any other player on the field, against Arsenal. When the ball bounced off the bar and fell in his way, the Italian didn’t fail to hit his mark scoring the first of Chelsea’ three goals. His sturdy performance at the back was rock solid too until Olivier Giroud scored in added time.
Midfielders
Pedro Obiang
Obiang’s presence in midfield proved to be crucial in West Ham United’s victory over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium. A pass right through the centre of the opposition’s half put Andy Carroll through on goal.
The 24-year-old scored the Hammers’ second with a shot from outside the box which passed through a crowded box, confusing the keeper and sneaking into the back of the net.
James McCarthy
James McCarthy was heavily involved in his side’s 6-3 drubbing of Bournemouth. A quick pass immediately after kick off set Romelu Lukaku up for the first goal. The second goal of the night came from the Irishman himself as he netted the second of the night after Lukaku played a pass right at his feet.
The midfielder allowed the opposition very little time on the ball, forcing them to concede possession especially in the first half.
Eden Hazard
Undoubtedly the best player against Arsenal, it seems like Eden Hazard has put behind last year’s woeful season. Eden Hazard was impossible to keep tabs on and orchestrated the best goal of the weekend, if not the month, as soon as he was given the chance.
Collecting the ball a yard inside his own half, the Belgian broke through the middle of the park with no regard for any defenders in his way and scored a jaw-dropping goal to cement his side’s lead even further.
Ross Barkley
After a poor first half of the season, Ross Barkley’s form seems to be on the rise in light of his performance against Bournemouth. A piece of sophisticated footwork and Barkley sent Lukaku on the way to his fourth goal.
His goal came on the cusp of full time as he found himself in yards of space beating the offside trap. The 23-year-pld circumvented Artur Boruc and was already celebrating his goal before it hit the back of the net.
Forwards
Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku’s hat-trick was the 300th of the Premier League making him the highest goalscorer of the current season. The Belgian forward was in beast mode as he scored four goals making it look as easy as child’s play.
Chips, lobs and cheeky finishes summed up the 23-year-old’s night. His every move seemed to be the right one as he dribbled past defenders as he made all his goals look like child’s play.
Gabriel Jesus
The 19-year-old’s dream start in the Premier League continued as he netted Manchester City’s first goal of the night. Appearing out of nowhere, the Brazilian forward kicked the ball into the back of the net to give the Citizens the lead.
He came to his team's rescue yet again when it looked like they’d have to be content with a point. Even though his header was saved by the keeper, he palmed it clumsily into Jesus’s path who was in a prime position to score the winner.
Manager
Marco Silva
Marco Silva learned his lesson after their goalless draw against Manchester United last weekend and made five changes to his lineup for their game against Liverpool. The alterations worked wonders as the Tigers downed the Reds by two goals at the KCOM Stadium.
Sturdy defending and two providential goals later, Hull City injected life into their bid to survive relegation and burnt a hole in Liverpool’s title dreams.
