EPL Team of the Week
Goalkeeper – Matthew Vorm The Dutchman is the sole reason why Swansea are 11th in the Premier League standings at the present time in spite of most pundits predicting relegation. He pulled off a couple of brilliant saves to deny Clint Dempsey from the spot as well as stopping Bryan Ruiz on a one on one situation.
Right Back – Ryan Sholton (Stoke) One of the major reasons why Stoke pulled off a win over the highly fancied Spurs. Was brilliant all night as he kept things quite on the flanks and helped out the defenders centrally when called upon.
Central Defender – Jonathan Woodgate (Stoke) The veteran defender proved once again that he should be England’s top choice as a defender when fit. He has been very unlucky to have been out of football for most of his career thanks to injury, but he showed how good he is against the likes of Gareth Bale and company with a super performance.
Central Defender – Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) In the absence of regular skipper Nemanja Vidic, Rio formed a good partnership with Johnny Evans at the center of defence, who too had a good game. Marshaled his troops brilliantly all evening against Wolves and was not in fault for the goal conceded. Rio is getting back to his best after a couple of not so impressive displays.
Left Back – Patrice Evra (Manchester United) After a long long time, the Frenchman got back to what could be described as near his best form. Although he had very little to do defensively, Evra was a constant menace down the left flank and his runs down the left flank allowed Nani to cut in from the left and cause trouble, which he did.
Right Midfield – Matthew Etherington (Stoke) Scored a brace against Tottenham to give his team a win that they did not really anticipated given Spurs’ recent form. Etherington has impressed this season and his performance against Spurs underlined the fact that he is indispensable as far as Stoke City are concerned.
Central Midfield – Ramires (Chelsea) His energy in the middle of the park really did in Manchester City on the night. A brilliant game for the Brazilian, who tackled, intercepted, blocked, ran at the opposition defence and also drew Gael Clichy to a foul that saw him sent off and paved a path for victory for the Blue half of London.
Central Midfield – Michael Carrick (Manchester United) Carrick is well and truly back to his best and he dictated the game from the middle of the park against Wolves, who let Carra destroy them to pieces with his visionary passes and through balls.
Left Midfield – Nani (Manchester United) A brilliant game for Nani just at the right time. He has been rather quiet in the last few matches after an electrifying start to the season. Both the goals against Wolves were brilliant and the first was rather good. His return to scoring form should be a headache for opposition defences now.
Striker – Robin Van Persie (Arsenal) On an emotional night for Arsenal, who celebrated their 125th anniversary this week, van Persie turned a dull game onto its head when he finished on the volley to score what may be the goal of the season come may. Thierry Henry, who was watching from the stands alongside many former Arsenal legends, must have been awe of the Dutchman’s finish.
Striker – Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) After a dry spell that lasted nine games, Wayne Rooney returned to grab the headlines once again as he scored a couple of brilliant goals to seal United’s victory in style after their ouster from the Champions League. The Red Devils responded in style and Rooney did most of the damage on the evening.