GK: David de Gea (Manchester United)
You're only as good as your last game if you're a goalkeeper for a club like Manchester United where every single mistake is analysed far and wide. David de Gea is a case in point; the Spaniard woke up on Sunday as a ‘world class' goalkeeper despite an indifferent start to his Manchester United career. He was absolutely superb on Saturday night at Liverpool - denying Dirk Kuyt and Jordan Henderson late winners for the hosts - and may have gone some way in proving to doubters he can fill the gloves of the retired Edwin van der Sar.
You're only as good as your last game if you're a goalkeeper for a club like Manchester United where every single mistake is analysed far and wide. David de Gea is a case in point; the Spaniard woke up on Sunday as a ‘world class' goalkeeper despite an indifferent start to his Manchester United career. He was absolutely superb on Saturday night at Liverpool - denying Dirk Kuyt and Jordan Henderson late winners for the hosts - and may have gone some way in proving to doubters he can fill the gloves of the retired Edwin van der Sar.
RB: Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea)
It wasn't a master class in defending but in terms of influence down the right hand flank for Chelsea, Jose Bosingwa had a massive game against Everton. Getting into good positions and making the right runs are one thing, but Bosingwa also delivered some really excellent crosses into the penalty area which on another day, a team-mate (Torres?) might have converted into a goal.
It wasn't a master class in defending but in terms of influence down the right hand flank for Chelsea, Jose Bosingwa had a massive game against Everton. Getting into good positions and making the right runs are one thing, but Bosingwa also delivered some really excellent crosses into the penalty area which on another day, a team-mate (Torres?) might have converted into a goal.
LB: Ryan Taylor (Newcastle United)
Newcastle's makeshift left-back Ryan Taylor played a key role in ensuring the Magpies maintained their unbeaten start to the new Barclays Premier League season. Spurs were on a high following their North London derby win prior to the international break with star duo Gareth Bale and Luka Modric in red-hot form.
Newcastle's makeshift left-back Ryan Taylor played a key role in ensuring the Magpies maintained their unbeaten start to the new Barclays Premier League season. Spurs were on a high following their North London derby win prior to the international break with star duo Gareth Bale and Luka Modric in red-hot form.
Taylor faced both men - Bale and Modric interchanged on the right wing - and he more than held his own against his more illustrious opponents.
CB: Christopher Samba (Blackburn Rovers)
Make no mistake about it; Blackburn Rovers are locked in a battle to save their Barclays Premier League status this season. And with characters like Christopher Samba in the team, Rovers have a fighting chance at doing exactly that. On Saturday, the big defender earned his side a valuable point against QPR with a headed equalising goal.
Make no mistake about it; Blackburn Rovers are locked in a battle to save their Barclays Premier League status this season. And with characters like Christopher Samba in the team, Rovers have a fighting chance at doing exactly that. On Saturday, the big defender earned his side a valuable point against QPR with a headed equalising goal.
CB: John Terry (Chelsea)
John Terry made his 350th Premier League appearance during Chelsea's 3-1 win over Everton on Saturday. Displaying the same determination and will to win which has made him such a figure from day one of his career, Mr. Chelsea beat Tim Howard to the ball to nod home Frank Lampard's free-kick to register a crucial second goal for the Blues.
RM: Adam Johnson (Manchester City)
The young England winger reminded everyone at Manchester City that he has the ability to play an important role in their chase for silverware this season. He played a part in all of City's four goals during their 4-1 win over Aston Villa at the weekend - and scored once as well.
The young England winger reminded everyone at Manchester City that he has the ability to play an important role in their chase for silverware this season. He played a part in all of City's four goals during their 4-1 win over Aston Villa at the weekend - and scored once as well.
LM: Anthony Pilkington (Norwich)
Two weeks ago Pilkington missed a sitter in Norwich's loss to Manchester United but he bounced back in style at the weekend to fire the Canaries to a 3-1 win over Swansea.
Two weeks ago Pilkington missed a sitter in Norwich's loss to Manchester United but he bounced back in style at the weekend to fire the Canaries to a 3-1 win over Swansea.
It took him just 50 seconds to put Norwich ahead before capping his performance with a close-range strike after a clever turn in the box. No wonder his manager Paul Lambert was full of praise for the striker, who suffered a broken leg last term, after the game!
CM: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Steven Gerrard just loves scoring against Manchester United doesn't he? The Reds' skipper is a Scouser through and through, and got the goal for his team despite not having started a league game for Liverpool since the corresponding fixture last season. He may have been a bit lucky with the free-kick - it went through a gap in the United wall - but his overall display makes him a worthy member of our Team of the Week.
CM: Juan Mata (Chelsea)
Already being touted by many - including former Manchester United skipper Roy Keane - as an excellent piece of business done by new Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, Juan Mata only enhanced his reputation on Saturday night against Everton. The Spaniard was instrumental in the 3-1 win as he played a heavy role in Chelsea's first and third goals. His inclusion in the team has certainly rejuvenated a Chelsea side that was starting to look pedestrian at dictating the tempo of games.
Already being touted by many - including former Manchester United skipper Roy Keane - as an excellent piece of business done by new Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, Juan Mata only enhanced his reputation on Saturday night against Everton. The Spaniard was instrumental in the 3-1 win as he played a heavy role in Chelsea's first and third goals. His inclusion in the team has certainly rejuvenated a Chelsea side that was starting to look pedestrian at dictating the tempo of games.
ST: Robin Van Persie (Arsenal)
Arsenal captain Robin van Persie may have been surprised to score after just 29 seconds of the 2-1 win over Sunderland, but he knew exactly what he was doing for his second goal. With just nine minutes to go and with the score tied at 1-1, the Dutchman curled in a brilliant free-kick from the edge of the area into the top corner of the net.
Arsenal captain Robin van Persie may have been surprised to score after just 29 seconds of the 2-1 win over Sunderland, but he knew exactly what he was doing for his second goal. With just nine minutes to go and with the score tied at 1-1, the Dutchman curled in a brilliant free-kick from the edge of the area into the top corner of the net.
ST: Mario Balotelli (Manchester City)
Mario Balotelli provided the inspiration for Manchester City's 4-1 win over Aston Villa with a sharp-looking over-head kick to open the scoring. It was his fourth goal in as many games and he could become a central figure for Roberto Mancini as the Carlos Tevez saga continues to rumble on.
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