'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The busy fixture period of the Premier League kicked off this week, and the trio of derbies on Sunday was the headline.
Chelsea defeated Fulham 2-0 in the first of those before Arsenal defeated Spurs 4-2 in what was one of the most pulsating North London derbies in recent history. It was Unai Emery's first taste of the grand fixture, and he passed it with flying colours in a delirious Emirates stadium.
Liverpool hosted Everton in the final game of the weekend, and the Reds claimed a dramatic late win courtesy of Divock Origi's goal after Jordan Pickford's mistake.
Earlier in the same week, Manchester City extended their lead at the top with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth. Manchester United dropped points again, as they came from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw at Southampton. Cardiff claimed a vital win over Wolves and so did Crystal Palace, who defeated Burnley.
The round of fixtures saw some great individual performance, headlined by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. On that note, here is the team of the week for game week 14.
Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga
Chelsea were not at their attacking best in their win over Fulham, and their defence had to bail them out at times. Kepa had a solid game and produced a couple of vital saves to preserve his side's clean sheet.
He made three saves from Callum Chambers, one of which was an incredible one. The Spaniard made four saves in total, and his distribution was effective as well, as he finished the game with a 95% pass success rate. Kepa bounced back from a poor performance against Spurs last week to help Chelsea get back to winning ways.
The world's most expensive goalkeeper has had a great start to life in London, and he has ably replaced the departed Thibaut Courtois.
Defenders
Right-back: Ricardo Pereira
The Portuguese full-back has impressed since he arrived in Leicester, and he had another impressive game against Watford on Saturday. Pereira was solid on both ends of the pitch, as the Foxes cruised to a 2-0 home win.
He made four tackles, three interceptions, and a staggering 15 clearances. Talk about being in the right place at the right time. He also won 6 aerial duels, and he was able to keep the likes of Roberto Pereyra quiet for most of the game.
Center-back: Fabian Balbuena
Clean sheets have been rare to come by for West Ham this season, but they did manage one away at Newcastle. Fabian Balbuena was solid for the Hammers at the back, as the Hammers produced a good defensive display.
Balbuena made 7 tackles, 3 interceptions, 10 clearances, and won 3 aerial duels. As the statistics show, it was a strong display of orthodox defending from the Paraguayan.
Center-back: Shane Duffy
Brighton traveled to Huddersfield, a fixture which has become a tough one in recent times. They came away with a 2-1 win, and Duffy was among the goals.
He netted the equaliser for the Seagulls on the stroke of half-time, and they went on to win the game in the second half. Duffy made 2 tackles, 14 clearances and won 11 aerial duels as Brighton restricted Huddersfield to just two shots on target.
Left-back: Andrew Robertson
Robertson has become the model of consistency in recent times, and he continued that in the Merseyside Derby. In an intense game, the Scot held his own defensively, while offering inputs going forward as well.
He made 3 tackles and 2 interceptions and did not offer Theo Walcott much joy on the right side. Robertson had 27 touches in the final third, which was second only to Trent Alexander-Arnold in the whole game.
Midfielders
Left winger: Leroy Sane
Sane has really hit form in recent weeks, and he continued that run against Bournemouth. HIs pace and constant movement troubled the Cherries backline throughout the game, and the German winger was involved in two goals.
His run in behind created the chance for Bernardo Siva to fire in the opening goal, and he assisted Ilkay Gundogan's goal with a precise cross which sealed the game for them. Sane's performance earned him the 'Man of the Match' tag, and it is looking as though he is nearing the levels of last season.
Centre midfield: Lucas Torreira
Arsenal have been craving for an elite holding midfielder in recent years, and boy have they got one now. Torreira is enjoying his first season in London, and he made himself a cult hero by the best way possible: excel in a North London derby and score a goal to boot.
The Uruguayan was sensational against Spurs. He won all his tackles, completed 90% of his passes, and made 12 recoveries. His energy and drive in midfield were vital for Arsenal, especially in such an intense game. The goal came late on when he finished clinically from inside the box to give way to an emotional celebration. No wonder the Gunners are singing his praises.
Centre midfield: Andre Gomes
Playing at Anfield is one of the most difficult tasks in world football, and playing there in the Merseyside Derby is even more daunting. Gomes was doing it for the first time, but the silky midfielder definitely aced the test.
Everton held their own in an intense derby, and a composed Gomes in their midfield was one of the main reasons why. He did miss a glorious chance to give his side the lead in the first half, but aside from that, he was brilliant. Calm on the ball, the Portuguese kept possession well and instigated attacks for Everton. He has formed a formidable duo alongside Idrissa Gueye, and he is settling in well since his move from Barcelona.
Right winger: Andros Townsend
Crystal Palace finally got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Burnley, and Townsend played a starring role in the game. Playing in an advanced role alongside Wilfried Zaha, Townsend bagged a goal and an assist.
HIs assist was not remarkable, as James McArthur's scored from long range from his pass. But his goal was no fluke, as he thundered in a left-footed drive into the top corner. This win was Palace's first home win of the season, and Townsend's goal triggered wild celebrations t Selhurst Park.
Strikers
Javier Hernandez
The Mexican striker has had a reputation of being a poacher, and the game against Newcastle showed exactly why. He scored two goals which further enhanced that reputation, as West Ham secured a 3-0 win.
He headed the ball in from Robert Snodgrass' perfect cross to give the Hammers the lead. The goal was a perfect example of his astute positioning. The lead was doubled in the second half when he ran onto Marko Arnautovic's layoff to slot home. Now the illness is behind him, and Manuel Pellegrini will hope that Chicharito will find his feet again in the Premier League.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Arsenal were purring in their derby win against Tottenham, and the Gabon international was one of the reasons why. He scored two goals and set up another, and his performance carried the Gunners to a memorable win.
Aubameyang converted a penalty in the first half to give Arsenal the lead and then equalised in the second half with a sublime curling effort from the edge of the box. He then played in Lucas Torreira who scored the fourth goal to seal the win. Aubameyang has now scored 10 goals in the league this season, which is two more than any other player. Definitely an early Golden Boot favourite.
