Defenders
Martin Olsson
Martin Olsson got the better of Peter Schmeichel when his shot went beyond the keeper’s reach to increase Swansea's advantage to two goals just before the half-time whistle. The full back capitalised on some neat passing to beat the Danish keeper at his near post. The Swedish defender kept up his end of the bargain at the other end of the pitch as well, keeping a clean sheet against the defending champions.
Michael Keane
Michael Keane along with the rest of his backline had the daunting task of keeping the champions-elect at bay and did a pretty commendable job at that. His great sense of positioning rendered Diego Costa useless for most of the night as the English defender won an astounding 83% of his duels against Chelsea. The 24-year-old won five of his six aerial duels and made two blocks in his own half.
Alfie Mawson
Alfie Mawson is the highest scoring defender in the Premier League this calendar year, a record he shares with Marcos Alonso who also has three goals. The centre-back scored his side’s first goal after Robert Huth failed to clear a free-kick. The 24-year-old scored from just eight yards out with a volley that left Leicester at a disadvantage. Some astute defending that included two blocks sees the Englishman make it to the Team of the Week.
Ryan Bertrand
Ryan Bertrand had an impressive outing against the Black Cats as the left-back was heavily involved in his side’s considerable victory. With a 95% passing accuracy, the former Chelsea player created three chances and supplied his teammates with nine crosses around the penalty area. Clean sheet aside, his runs gong forward paid off when he provided the assist for Manolo Gabbidiani’s first goal after his cross found the Italian.
