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And as another week of Barclays Premier League action flew past, fans were treated to all kinds of football. Good, bad, boring and simply exhilarating. One thing this week reaffirmed was that with only one spot left for relegation and the title decided, the only thing that will draw viewers is the race for the top four. Here is the Team of the Week in a 4-3-2-1 arrangement:
GK – Schwarzer - The man may be pushing 40 but played like he was in the prime of his career. It was all due to his reflexes and saves that Fulham were not completely demolished by a rampant Everton. He made three excellent saves, the best being his save from Fellaini’s header early on in the game.
RB – Zabaleta - This player has to be City’s player of the season. And his performance against West Ham showed all of his ability. He kept an in-form Matt Jarvis quiet, and was always the man available for a pass. He was tireless as usual and showed that he is indeed the best right back in the league.
CB – Koscielny - Few players can keep a rampant RVP quiet. His former team-mate Koscielny did exactly that. He was supreme all evening, running behind RVP and denying him any space to work in. He won most balls and showed terrific commitment for the cause.
CB – Shawcross - He is the proverbial English center back and he showed all his skill against Norwich. He kept Holt in his pocket for most of the game. He even played out the ball well from defense. All in all, a complete performance.
LB – Baines - A former left-back in Bale got the Player of the Season award, but I feel it is Everton’s current left back who deserved it. He has been terrific all through the year and put in a masterful performance again at the weekend. His goals and assists are the biggest reason Everton are still challenging for Europe.
CM – Nasri - A month ago he was being talked of as the player who would make way for bigger fish, but a month down the line he looks transformed. He set up Aguero after a brilliant one-two with Silva, he even laid the ball off for Toure’s stinging finish. He was excellent in breaking up play and even though he missed a couple of half chances, Mancini would be satisfied.
CM – Lampard - He did not start. But in the end it did not really matter. He looked like the Lampard of old. He set up Oscar with a smart pass and even got his customary penalty that put him just one shy of Tampling’s club record. You really wish Chelsea would retain him.
CM – Henderson - At last Hendorson has started to show his mettle. One of the most maligned players in the Liverpool squad, Henderson, in the last few months, has come of age. His two goals against Newcastle showed that development. But more than his goals, it was his neat interplay with Coutinho and Sturridge that really caught the eye.
AM – Coutinho- He is undoubtedly the player of the week. He showed his immense talent all through the game. He pulled defenders and mid-fielders along with him and time and again found the perfect pass. Despite his slight frame he withstood Newcastle’s physicality and it was his close control and skill that made Liverpool tick.
AM – Sturridge - He has been one of the signings of the season. Be it against Manchester City or Chelsea, Sturridge has showed what he is really capable of. If he stays in similar form when Suarez returns, he, along with Gerrard, Suarez and Coutinho, could take Liverpool places. He scored two and set up one for Henderson in what was a high quality display.
ST – Lukaku - Few think that comparing him to Drogba is a step too far. Not me though, as I think he has shown brilliant work ethic, skill and power at his time in WBA and he showed all of these against a lazy Southampton. He was powerful and quick and the Saints were simply outclassed by him. He breezed past the Southampton defense to score his goal, his speed and control were almost perfect in the goal. Also, he knocked the ball down for Fortune to score and released Long to finish off a perfect night. I think the big man is going to be a big fixture at Stamford Bridge next season.
Manager – Rodgers - With his team winning 6-0, there could not be many other choices. His purchases, Coutinho and Sturridge, showed the raw talent and skill the terraces at Anfield crave. His man-management has revived Henderson and this trio was the one that inflicted all the misery on Newcastle. His perfectionist approach is reaping dividends at last.
