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As several entertaining encounters were played on Tuesday and Wednesday, we look at the midweek games’ top performers.
Goalkeeper: Tim Howard
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard came back to haunt his former club once again, as a flurry of top saves let Everton stay strong at the back while continuing to attack. He played a big part in the Toffees 1-0 win at Old Trafford. Howard may be in his 40’s now, but is still keeping young goalkeeper Joel out of the starting XI, and with fine performances like the one just past, the trend will keep going for a little longer
Right-Back: Carl Jenkinson
Arsenal right-back Carl Jenkinson played a solid game against Hull City and moved his name up the pecking order at the Emirates. Although he is often criticised for his lack of experience and maturity, things may be finally starting to change for the young England international.
Centre-Back: Vlad Chiriches
Romania youngster Vlad Chiriches played his best game in a Spurs shirt yet, and is finally starting to look worth the sizeable transfer fee. Being the first new signing other than Etienne Capoue to play a game at the level he is known to produce will give Villas Boas a little more confidence after the massive splurge this summer.
Centre-Back: Vincent Kompany
About the only member of the Manchester City defence not to fall apart, Kompany led from the back and kept City in the game on several occasions. A vital reason on why Manchester City secured the 3-2 win. Though cause for concern for Manuel Pellegrini as his City side still fail to produce away from home, and with a trip to the Allianz Arena up next, City will need to improve to avoid another mauling from the German champions.
Left-Back: Bryan Oviedo
The Everton man makes the team of the round for the second time in a row after a match-winning performance against Manchester United. Roaming the wide areas and popping up with the only goal, the possibility of losing Leighton Baines is not so daunting anymore.
Centre Midfield: Jonjo Shelvey
The former Liverpool man kept the midfield running and also played a number of key passes to slice through Newcastle and earn the Swans an impressive 3-0 win. More performances like this and the Swansea man could find himself in England’s world cup squad.
Centre Midfield: Fabian Delph
The Aston Villa midfielder has been steadily improving this season as he has been afforded more game time, but his best performance came against Southampton on Wednesday. Making a marauding run towards goal and smashing it into the top corner was the highlight of his game, and may be on his way to fulfilling his huge potential.
Right Attacking Midfield: Aaron Ramsey
The Welsh wonder continues to perform to the highest of standards. For once, he didn’t get on the scoresheet but caused havoc throughout in the Gunners’ comfortable win over Hull and got an assist for Ozil. He is fast becoming an integral part of Arsene Wenger’s squad, and as his performances keep coming, his market value keeps rising and could be subject to a few bids in January.
Centre Attacking Midfield: Mesut Ozil
Now 3 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League since joining Arsenal, the former Real Madrid man has become a vital cog in Wenger’s machine as he keeps creating and scoring goals. One of the best players in the Premier League this term, Arsene has now experienced the bright side of huge transfer fees.
Left Attacking Midfield: Eden Hazard
Chelsea’s defence may have been comical, but their attack was as lethal as ever, as Eden Hazard led the charge, scoring 2 wonderful goals in the process. A great individual performance as well as making good combination play with Lampard, one of the best performances in the Premier League this season came from the little Belgian.
Striker: Luis Suarez
4 goals and an assist, Luis Suarez literally played the perfect game against Norwich. You got the feeling it would be something special when his 35 yard volley flew into the far corner past a helpless John Ruddy. Without Suarez, Liverpool wouldn’t be challenging for a Champions League place this season, and if he leaves in the summer, you can only imagine what might happen to Brendan Rodgers’ men.
