Our Premier League XI of the week.
The fourth round of Premier League action has now drawn to a close, save for this evening’s match up between West Ham United and Hull City, with early leaders Chelsea already looking imperious at the summit of the table after coming from behind to beat fellow pace setters Swansea City.
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Manchester United also finally got their season up and running with a 4-0 thrashing over sorry QPR at Old Trafford, whilst title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City shared an entertaining 2-2 draw in the weekend’s first game.
With all of this considered, this is our XI of the weekend:
GK) Julian Speroni (Crystal Palace)
Neil Warnock’s return to Selhurst Park proved to be something of a damp squib as Crystal Palace and Burnley played out a drab goalless draw, although they were indebted to goalkeeper Julian Speroni for their point, with the Argentinian ‘keeper pulling off a fine late penalty save to deny Scott Arfield.
RB) Alan Hutton (Aston Villa)
The Scot’s return to the Villa first team this season has proven to be the correct call by Paul Lambert, with Hutton again excellent for his side as they pulled off a shock 1-0 victory at Anfield, although made one shocking challenge on Raheem Sterling.
CB) Philippe Senderos (Aston Villa)
It is fair to say that eyebrows were raised when Paul Lambert decided to offer Senderos a Premier League lifeline on a free transfer from relegated Fulham this summer, but the Swiss centre back has been inspirational, comfortably winning the battle with Mario Balotelli in this one.
CB) Phil Jagielka (Everton)
Jagielka has endured a shaky start to the season for Everton, particularly in their 6-3 defeat to Chelsea last time out, but the England international was commanding from the off here as Roberto Martinez’s side shut down West Brom at the Hawthorns.
LB) Marcos Rojo (Manchester United)
One of a number of players to put in an impressive Old Trafford debut, Rojo was a constant threat down the left and showed the value of van Gaal switching to a 4-4-2 system. That said, he was given few headaches by a woeful QPR side.
CM) Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
At this rate, Cesc Fabregas may make his way into this team every single week this season. He has already provided six assists for his team and just looks like an incredible signing by Jose Mourinho, once again running the midfield as Chelsea threaten to run away with it.
CM) Ander Herrera (Manchester United)
A quiet debut against Swansea City on the opening day by Ander Herrera was quickly forgotten after today’s comeback appearance against QPR in a rout for United, the Spaniard opened his account for the club and his energy was far too much for the visitors to handle.
CM) Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere put in what will be one of the best 20 minute displays of the season during the second half of his side’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City, dominating the game and drifting through the heart of City, scoring the first goal with a neat dinked finish.
ACM) Angel di Maria (Manchester United)
Playing nominally in central midfield but, in reality, in something of a free role, Angel di Maria ripped QPR to shreds in a display that will have United fans purring. He scored, he assisted and he had Harry Redknapp’s side chasing shadows for much of the game.
SC) Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Diego Costa continues to treat the Premier League with contempt, smashing all opposition into smithereens as he charges into the lead at the top of the goalscoring charts. Swansea were the victims this time, with Costa bagging a hat-trick courtesy of three goals that were the mark of a true predator.
Graziano Pelle (Southampton)
Southampton could consider themselves unlucky not to have more representatives in this team after hammering Newcastle United 4-0 at St. Mary’s, but Pelle was their star. The Italian scored twice, his first goals on home turf, whilst he bullied the Magpies’ defence throughout the match. Looks to be a fine signing.