Gameweek 28 of the Premier League was a subdued affair with half the teams not taking part. Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City were all involved in their FA Cup 6th round ties giving their opponents some rest during the weekend.
Everton recorded an emphatic victory over West Brom while Liverpool escaped a potentially humiliating draw against Burnley. Hull City renewed their bid to stay afloat after defeating the Swans as Bournemouth and the Hammers played out a scrappy encounter.
On that note, here’s a look at Sportskeeda’s Team of the Week:
Goalkeeper
Lee Grant
Lee Grant was crucial to his side leaving the Etihad with a point as they held Manchester City to a goalless draw on Wednesday night. It looked like David Silva got the best of him on two occasions but the 34-year-old managed to keep the Spaniard out. Grant’s two saves ensured the hosts were pegged back in their bid to close the gap to the league leaders.
Defenders
Right-back: Seamus Coleman
Seamus Coleman helped Everton walk away with a 3-0 victory against West Bromwich Albion. A threat going forward, Coleman worked the flanks and kept up a flurry of crosses from the right wing. The Irish international also defended well against set pieces, the one area where the West Brom players are always dangerous.
Centre-back: Michael Keane
Michael Keane was as influential as ever in Burnley’s back line in his side’s visit to Anfield. The centre-back made five interceptions against Liverpool and won nine of the 12 aerial duels he attempted. The 24-year-old also made eight recoveries and two blocks before saving an actual goal from going in.
The Clarets may have even walked away with a point had it not been for Can’s sensational goal.
Centre-back: Ryan Shawcross
Ryan Shawcross was really impressive in the heart of Stoke’s defence as he provided some solid cover ahead of his keeper who wasn’t bothered too much. The centre-back kept close on the heels of Sergio Aguero who was never allowed too much leeway.
Making six interceptions against Guardiola’s men, the 29-year-old was a rock for Mark Hughes’ side.
Left-back: Erik Pieters
Erik Pieters’ troubles began when Kevin de Bruyne shifted out to the right flank. After encountering a few difficulties against the Belgian, the left-back soon settled into his battle for the night and really impressed, especially while confronting the playmaker.
The 28-year-old won all three of his tackles and made an important block to win a hard-fought point for the Potters.
Midfielders
Defensive midfield: Emre Can
Emre Can helped seal the win for Liverpool with his goal on the hour mark. The Reds looked dangerously close to dropping points against a team from the bottom half yet again. however, the Turkish midfielder lined up Divock Origi’s pass past keeper Tom Heaton to place it just inside the bottom-right corner.
The 23-year-old was strong in the air, winning six aerial duels, and also created a couple of goalscoring opportunities for his teammates.
Defensive midfield: Morgan Schneiderlin
Morgan Schneiderlin seems to have settled in well at Everton and the Frenchman put in a great performance against West Brom. He was dominant in the centre of the park completing 75 passes with an 83% passing accuracy in the final third.
The Frenchman doubled his side’s lead just before half time after making a powerful run from midfield. He did well to withstand Jake Livermore’s challenge and aim his shot over Ben Foster.
Attacking midfield: Oumar Niasse
Oumar Niasse didn’t start for Hull City against Swansea but still ended up winning the game for his side after coming on in the 63rd minute. The Senegalese forward caught Swansea on the counter as he raced down the left wing to score past Fabianski for the opener.
He struck again just a few minutes later when a loose ball fell to him after some poor defending from the Swans to give his side a two-goal lead and an eventual victory.
Attacking midfield: Joshua King
Joshua King dominated the headlines this weekend after his hat-trick against West Ham United. His performance was especially outstanding since he missed his penalty in the opening stages of the game.
His scrappy finishes ended the Cherries’ poor start to the year where they hadn’t won a single one of their eight games. The 25-year-old already had two goals before he netted a third in injury time in what was a mid-table classic.
Attacking midfield: Kevin Mirallas
Kevin Mirallas scored the first goal of the night for the Toffees after he was at the right place at the right time. Foster saved Ross Barkley’s initial effort but could not get back up in time to save the Belgian’s close-range attempt after the ball fell to him inside the penalty area.
Mirallas was a thorn in the Baggies’ side as he took on defenders repeatedly and created chances for his team.
Forward
Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku found himself on the scoresheet, netting Everton’s third goal. He beat everyone around him to rise the highest and guide Barkey’s cross into the back of the net. His 19th goal of the season, this is the Belgian forward’s highest goal tally in a single season. The 23-year-old also registered an assist for Schneiderlin’s goal in the first half.
Manager
Hull City manager Marco Silva made the relegation battle even more interesting by defeating Swansea who looked set to push out of the danger zone. Bringing on Oumar Niasse on the hour mark was a stroke of genius as the forward turned the game around for his side, handing them an eventual victory and all three points to give them hope as the season enters its final stages.
