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What a wonderful weekend of football before the festive Christmas period. Another set of Premier League fixtures that has seen everything – shocking results and end-to-end play that is so pleasing to the eye of a neutral football fan.Manchester United were once again on the wrong side of a massive upset as they lost at home to Norwich – their second successive defeat to a newly promoted side by the same 2-1 scoreline – to ratchet up the pressure on manager Louis van Gaal. Chelsea began life after Jose Mourinho with a 3-1 victory over Sunderland to deepen the Black Cats’ relegation worries, while London rivals Spurs and Crystal Palace both enjoyed away victories against Southampton and Stoke respectively to climb up the table and challenge for a high finish in the league.Monday night saw Arsenal go 4 points clear of Manchester City into second place with a 2-1 victory in a pulsating encounter while Watford comprehensively swept aside Liverpool 3-0 on Sunday thanks to another brilliant Odion Ighalo performance.So, which 11 players made an impact on their respective side’s displays decisive enough to earn themselves a spot in the Team of the Week?Formation: 4-2-3-1
#1 Goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris – Tottenham Hotspur
The French goalkeeper has been terrific for Spurs since joining them from Lyon in 2012, and Saturday’s display against his manager’s former club Southampton kept his status as one of the best stoppers in the world intact.
With four saves – including two jaw-dropping ones to deny Sadio Mane and substitute James Ward-Prowse – the 28-year old helped his side keep a vital clean sheet and see them leapfrog Manchester United into the Champions League places.
#2 Defence
Branislav Ivanovic – Chelsea
Heavily lambasted for his inefficient performances for the Blues this season, the Serbian full-back looks like one of the few Chelsea players benefitting from Jose Mourinho’s departure. In addition to opening the scoring for Chelsea, he was defensively solid as well, making 4 interceptions and winning all three of his aerial duels to thwart any Sunderland attacks.
James Collins – West Ham United
The 32-year-old was kept busy by a dominant Swans display at the Liberty Stadium. However, he was up to the challenge, making as many as 13 clearances in total to keep the dangerous Bafetimbi Gomis and Andre Ayew quiet. A further 3 interceptions and a clean sheet wrapped up a satisfying Sunday evening for the Welshman.
Ashley Williams – Swansea City
A rare night to cherish in what has been a difficult season for centre-back Ashley Williams, both as player and captain. Though his side remain in the relegation zone, he managed to ensure his side earned a point and a clean sheet against a dangerous West Ham attack.
He succeeded in all 4 tackles he committed to while also making 6 clearances and 2 vital interceptions to stop Mauro Zarate and Nikica Jelavic on their tracks.
Charlie Daniels – Bournemouth
It was one of the best games of the season for the Cherries’ full-back. A 92% pass completion rate reflected his good link-up play with Stanislas on the left flank and a 100% tackle success rate to keep Craig Gardner at arm’s length showed his defensive strength as well.
His late penalty to seal the 3 points for Bournemouth capped off a memorable afternoon for the 29-year-old.
#3 Midfield
Yaya Toure – Manchester City
It was another of many instances where the Ivorian was seen attempting to anchor a sinking ship. His energy in the middle of the pitch offered so much for Manchester City to build upon but ultimately failed to see his side across the finish line.
His deft finish to halve Arsenal’s 2-goal advantage in the latter stages of the game to give City hope was the least Toure deserved.
Dele Alli – Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham’s new wonder-kid Dele Alli has been in sublime touch since being given a run of games. And another intensity-filled display in an advanced midfielder’s role against Southampton by the 19-year-old has stirred up more and more interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.
He took advantage of some lethargic Saints defending to finish off from close range barely minutes after setting up Harry Kane for his goal to round off another performance which justifies his potential to become one of the league’s top midfielders.
Mesut Ozil – Arsenal
Another match, another first-class display from Mesut Ozil. The German playmaker’s presence was felt yet again by Arsenal’s attacking unit, setting up both their goals – a brilliant finish by Theo Walcott followed by a left-footed drive by Olivier Giroud.
The vision the 27-year-old brings to the game is second to none, and Arsenal’s title challenge will depend heavily on his form in the remaining games of the season.
#4 Attack
Riyad Mahrez – Leicester City
The Algerian winger surely has to be a serious contender for the PFA Player of the Season after yet another dazzling show in front of the Goodison Park fans. Even the experience of Leighton Baines was hapless against the fleet-footedness of the 26-year-old, the latter completing 4 dribbles to make continuous inroads into the Toffees defence.
His composure to score both Foxes’ penalties also showed that he is a man with ice-cool nerves.
Yannick Bolasie – Crystal Palace
It needed a special performance to break open a defence consisting of Ryan Shawcross and Congolese midfielder Yannick Bolasie delivered exactly that. Switching in-between the left winger and left striker’s role throughout the game, the 26-year-old completed an impressive 7 dribbles while also making 3 invaluable tackles to shut out any threat from the ‘Alpine Messi’ Xherdan Shaqiri.
His all-round grandeur ultimately helped them snatch a victory at the Britannia Stadium which lifted Alan Pardew’s side up to sixth place in the Premier League.
Odion Ighalo – Watford
The Nigerian striker’s resurgence has been one of the major success stories of the English Football League in 2015, and another dominant display – this time against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool – has made him a cult hero across Vicarage Road and the town of Watford. His brace took his goal tally up to 28 goals in 2015 – the first one a good finish from a tight angle and the second an accurate header from a Valon Behrami cross from the right.
His apparently telepathic partnership with Troy Deeney, dangerous approaches into opposition penalty areas and confidence in finishing off a move has boded very well for Quique Sanchez’s side in their first season back in England’s top-tier.
