EPL Mid-term MVPs for each team

Alexis Sanchez has lifted Arsenal’s players ever since his arrival

To borrow one of the many well-known quotes of Yogi Berra, “It was like déjà vu all over again” – in this case, not once but twice. After watching Arsenal perform against Manchester City and even the one that came up short against Spurs, I really thought the Gunners were finally ridding themselves of the ghosts of the past. Then came yesterday’s Champions League game against Monaco and I seemed to be watching a replay of the second goal scored by Manchester United – and it happened twice!

While many among the Gunner faithful are calling for Arsene Wenger’s head, let me repeat my cry for Steve Bould to be drawn and quartered. While we are about it, how much can we salvage of that huge bundle we blew on Ozil? ‘Nuff said. I was so depressed I thought I would think of some other team for a change.

Well, why not all of them – well, at least most of them since I haven’t watched enough of all of them. That led me to the thought of Mid-Term MVPs. Rather than going with the popular choice, which is to pick the top scorers, this list is more about those who are making a difference to the level of the team. Along the way, I will hand out some honorable mentions.

Arsenal

Without a doubt, the one player who wants to win, not just every game, but every ball has been Alexis Sanchez. Indeed, thanks to him, I have seen Santi Cazorla picking up on the act, at least intermittently. Honourable mention: Coquelin – Perhaps the best “acquisition” in January. He doesn’t have the size of Patrick Vieira, but whatever they fed him at Charlton, he seems to have learned the defensive midfield role. The closest comparison would be Fernando/Fernandinho of Manchester City.

Aston Villa

Nobody. That is one club that is really reeling, possibly out of the EPL.

Burnley

Danny Ings has energized the club – yes, with his goals. What it has brought is hope to go along with what have been very competitive performances. Honourable mention: Manager Sean Dyche for keeping the faith in his system and keeping his players’ spirits up through the many weeks they spent in the cellar.

Crystal Palace

Yannick Bolasie – For his consistent creativity on attack, setting up chances for himself and his teammates. Honourable mention: Manager Alan Pardew, for his ‘je ne se quoi’ which somehow leads to points.

Everton

Steven Naismith – While most of the attention is focused on the flash and style of Ross Barkley or Kevin Mirallas, the tireless work rate and timely goals from Naismith are the only things standing between a surprisingly flat Everton and the relegation zone.

Hull

Elmohamady – There was once a statistic quoted by a commentator last season that said Elmohamady put in the highest number of crosses in the EPL and by a wide margin at that. I dare say that holds true this season as well. His entire game is simple – get up that right flank as often as possible and send in a cross. They are none too shabby on quality either.

Leicester City

Vardy – He is a super sub rather than a starter, but Vardy has the speed that can open up defences and pose some questions, something he has done every time he has come on.

Liverpool

The easy choice might be Raheem Sterling, though he has come off the boil due to the prolonged absence (till recently) of Daniel Sturridge. However, my choice is Emre Can. What? If you analyze Liverpool’s season carefully, the turnaround came when Brendan Rodgers was able to go to a 3-5-2, which was enabled by Can’s ability to transfer his skills to the right side of the back line. (This is what I meant by raising the team to another level).

Honourable mention: Jordan Ibe – You may remember how high I was on this kid and watching him perform through two full games, he displays the assurance of a seasoned starter. By assurance, I mean both confidence and the ability to back it up.

Manchester City

James Milner – Again, while most plaudits are justifiably expended on the likes of Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Yaya Toure, Milner is the workhorse they turn to – to close out a game, fill a spot, or provide a spark. Consistency and timely goals such as the last minute equalizer against Hull earned him my vote.

Manchester United

David de Gea – This one isn’t even close. The way United have been floundering almost all season, De Gea has kept them in games where they had absolutely no right to be in contention. Forget the overtures from Spain and pay whatever it takes to keep him. Just count the number of points he has earned for the club just this season. Heck, he has singlehandedly kept them in the hunt for a Champions League spot.

Newcastle

Daryl Janmaat – If nothing else, he gets the iron man award, having played every minute till he was substituted towards the end of the last game. He has been excellent at both ends of the field, with several long end to end runs, good crosses and timely interceptions. Honourable mention: Ayoze Perez, of whom nothing was expected from the experts, but who has shown he can play in the higher echelons.

QPR

Charlie Austin – Sometimes it is the top-scorer. In this case, it is Austin, because he is among the league’s top scoring leaders while playing on a team that is close to the bottom.

Southampton

Graziano Pelle – He hasn’t scored in a while, but his size and hold up play enables Southampton to take the pressure off with long clearances. His passing off the hold up is outstanding.

Honourable mention: Elia, the Jan loan acquisition. In the last game, I saw him live up to his promise to “walk through fire” for Koeman. He picked up what looked like a groin injury, but somehow hobbled around to keep the Southampton formation. The oblivious commentator completely missed his condition and criticized him for passing the ball rather than taking a shot from 25 yards out.

Stoke City

Geoff Cameron – He graduated from one of my almas mater, University of Rhode Island, so all he has to do is not embarrass himself to be my MVP.

Sunderland

Haven't seen enough of their games to make a pick.

Swansea

Gylfi Sigurdsson – All the attention has been on Wilfried Bony and his transfer to Manchester City, but Sigurdsson can set up chances for almost anyone.

Tottenham Hotspur

Harry Kane – This kid has singlehandedly carried a team of underachieving acquisitions. For once, I had nothing bad to say about the Arsenal defence after the loss to Spurs – Kane’s goals were earned, not given. He can pass, defend, shoot, poach. They better renegotiate his contract real soon.

Honourable mentions: Hugo Lloris, the best sweeper keeper this side of Manuel Neuer, and Nabil Bentaleb, who has brought some steel to their midfield.

West Brom

Tony Pulis – The Pulis magic isn’t really magic. It was clearer this time around than with Crystal Palace. He gets everyone playing defense the full 90 minutes. Once that message has taken hold, he lets the creative juices flow again.

If Wenger is the “Specialist in Failure”, Pulis is the “Specialist in Salvage”. Either that, or St Jude, the patron of lost causes. Honourable mention: Ideye Brown, who seems to have been reborn after the aborted deadline day trade.

West Ham

Stewart Downing – He has moved to another level and taken West Ham with him after moving to the No 10 spot behind the strikers. Honourable mention: Sakho, who, like Ayoze Perez, was not expected to be able to play with the big boys.

Chelsea

I held Chelsea to the end, because my overall mid-tem MVP is from Chelsea. Nemanja Matic – With Matic in front of the already formidable Chelsea backline, they are almost impregnable. He leaves the creative players like Cesc Fabregas and Willian to sally forth, knowing the home front is well guarded.

Matic is blessed with the Serbian ability to mug an opponent without getting carded (his last red card was not during the run of play). If you see Ivanovic, Vidic, Nastasic and Subotic, you will see what I mean.