We pick the best XI from the full round of Premier League fixturs on New Year’s Day.
It’s 2015 – and the Premier League took little time making its mark on a new year, with a full round of action on New Year’s Day that saw a number of stunning games, including Tottenham Hotspur’s 5-3 win over Chelsea and Southampton defeating Arsenal.
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This is our most impressive XI from the ten fixtures played on New Year’s Day:
GK) Julian Speroni (Crystal Palace)
Generally one of Crystal Palace’s best players every week, goalkeeper Julian Speroni ensured that Alan Pardew will start life at Selhurst Park with another point on the board after a 0-0 draw at Villa Park.
RB) Ahmed El Mohamedy (Hull City)
Back in the team in recent weeks, Egyptian wing back Ahmed El Mohamedy understands the Tigers’ system and makes it work – he was excellent and popped up to give his side the lead against Everton.
CB) Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City)
The Stoke skipper is one of the most solid centre backs in the Premier League and is a genuine goal threat at the other end, as he showed inside two minutes against Manchester United.
CB) Curtis Davies (Hull City)
Another captain who helped pull his side to a victory at the weekend was Hull City centre back Curtis Davies, who was exceptional for the Tigers as he marshaled a usually dangerous Everton attack.
LB) Jeffrey Schlupp (Leicester City)
Jeffrey Schlupp is heading to the African Nations Cup with Ghana, but he signed off in perfect style with a superb performance against Liverpool at Anfield, that was topped off with a stunning half volley to secure the Foxes a point.
RM) Dusan Tadic (Southampton)
Much like his team overall, Southampton playmaker Dusan Tadic went through a blip in form recently as his side lost four successive league matches, but the Serbian is now back to his best. He was sublime against Arsenal, with his display rewarded with the goal that clinched the three points for his side.