MX23RW : Friday, March 29 05:42:46| >> :120:18033:18033:

Sports Mole's Premier League Team of the Week

Sports Mole picks out a Premier League Team of the Week from the most recent round of encounters.

Just when you think that Liverpool are easing to their first league title in 24 years, Chelsea throw a spanner in the works.

Jose Mourinho masterminded a 2-0 victory at Anfield to reopen the race, with the destination of the trophy now in Manchester City's hands following their 2-0 win away at Crystal Palace.

Elsewhere, Arsenal took a giant stride to claiming fourth spot courtesy of a 3-0 success over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, as Everton lost ground by losing 2-0 against Southampton.

Ryan Giggs got his interim spell in charge of Manchester United off to a winning start at the expense of Norwich City, while at the bottom Sunderland recorded what could prove to be a vital 4-0 victory over fellow strugglers Cardiff City.

Here, Sports Mole has looked back over the entire weekend to pick out the 11 players that made the biggest impression on us. Find out who made the cut below.

Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion)
Just when West Brom were in dire need of a clean sheet, Foster delivered. West Ham United may not have had many shots at goal, but when they did venture forward, Foster stood firm.

Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
He may have found himself on the fringes this season, but Cole showed all of his experience as part of a stubborn Chelsea defence away at Liverpool.
Tomas Kalas (Chelsea)
The 20-year-old had never started a Premier League game before Chelsea's trip to Anfield. He could have been forgiven for showing nerves up against Luis Suarez, but Kalas produced a faultless display.
Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
Charged with the task of helping Kalas through the 90 minutes was Ivanovic, who slotted in at centre-back. His reading of the game in particular kept the likes of Suarez and Daniel Sturridge quiet.
Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton)
As tempting as it was to complete the Chelsea set with Cesar Azpilicueta, Clyne gets the nod. As the Saints overcame Everton, the 23-year-old was constantly bombing up and down the right flank.

Stephane Sessengnon (West Bromwich Albion)
The attacking midfielder showed great speed and intent throughout his side's win over West Ham. He was also heavily involved in the only goal of the game.
Jonjo Shelvey (Swansea City)
Not only did Shelvey set up two goals for his Swansea teammates, he also scored a Goal of the Season contender. With Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan off his line, the midfielder lobbed him from almost the halfway line.
Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
The Citizens have missed Toure's influence recently and he proved just how much against Palace, dominating the match as well as scoring the second goal.
Juan Mata (Manchester United)
He may have only been on the pitch for 30 minutes, but it was too difficult to ignore Mata's performance. He scored twice for United and showed signs a good understanding with Wayne Rooney.

Connor Wickham (Sunderland)
The England Under-21 international appears to have taken it upon himself to keep Sunderland in the Premier League. His two headed goals helped to sink Cardiff and lifted the Black Cats out of the relegation zone in the process.
Wilfried Bony (Swansea City)
In the absence of the injured Michu, Bony has taken over the goalscoring responsibility at Swansea. Against Villa, he scored another two.

Numpty of the week

Steven Gerrard: While Suarez has dominated the headlines, Gerrard's influence has been a major reason as to why Liverpool recently hit the summit. However, with one error, he may have ended up costing his side their title chance. Usually so composed in possession, the Liverpool captain let a short pass roll under his foot. Then, in desperation to atone for his error, he slipped, which set Demba Ba through on goal. The Chelsea striker still had plenty to do, but he showed great composure to put the visitors 1-0 up.

Goal of the week

Jonjo Shelvey (Swansea City vs. Aston Villa): It looked like Rooney's strike from distance against West Ham was going to claim the Goal of the Season award, but the United striker now has a genuine competition. Ron Vlaar's clearance found Shelvey on the edge of the centre circle. He then controlled the ball, before looping a half-volley over Guzan and into the top corner of the net.

ID:152410: cacheID:152410:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:7455:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Steven Gerrard of Liverpool looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on April 27, 2014
Read Next:
Match Analysis: Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!