EPL 2016/17: Team of the Week, Gameweek 24

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04:  Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal is challenged by Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on February 4, 2017 in London, England.  (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Arsenal’s hopes of winning the title all but vanished after losing to Chelsea

Defenders

Antonio Valencia

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01: Sam Clucas of Hull City chases Antonio Valencia of Manchester United  during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Hull City at Old Trafford on February 1, 2017 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Antonio Valencia made the assist for Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s goal and kept a clean sheet

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

Ranocchia battling it out with Liverpool’s Sadio Mane

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

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04:  Lamine Kone of Sunderland celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Sunderland at Selhurst Park on February 4, 2017 in London, England.  (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Lamine Kone celebrates his goal against Crystal Palace

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

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04:  Marcos Alonso of Chelsea celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on February 4, 2017 in London, England.  (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Marcos Alonso registered three shots on target against Arsenal

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.

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