We pick the most impressive XI from this weekend’s Premier League action.
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Another weekend of thrilling Premier League action has come to an end, with the biggest stories being Chelsea’s utter evisceration of Swansea City in South Wales and Arsenal’s shock win at the Etihad Stadium.
This is our best XI from the weekend’s action:
GK) Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa may have been beaten by Liverpool at Villa Park, continuing their dreadful recent run, but the 2-0 reverse could’ve been worse if it wasn’t for American goalkeeper Brad Guzan who made a string of impressive saves to keep the score down.
RB) Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur)
Young Englishman Eric Dier was restored to his regular position at the heart of defence for Spurs, but plays at right back for the purposes of this team. The former Sporting Lisbon man put in an excellent and composed display against struggling Sunderland.
CB) Phil Jones (Manchester United)
The sight of Jones whipping corners into the box was simply bizarre, but other than that he put in a calm and professional performance against QPR and the in form Charlie Austin in particular.
CB) Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)
Skrtel has, by and large, been Liverpool’s most consistent central defender this season and that theme continued at Villa Park as he won the aerial battle against Christian Benteke. Seeing him in the crowd after Rickie Lambert’s late clincher was also a nice moment.
LB) Nacho Monreal (Arsenal)
The former Malaga man is often a fall guy for the Gunners but he had a fine game as Arsene Wenger’s side stunned Manchester City, solid defensively and bursting into the box to win a penalty.
RM) Bojan Krkic (Stoke City)
When Stoke City surprised the footballing world by signing former Barcelona star Bojan Krkic in the summer, it was easy seeing the Spaniard’s fall from grace continuing. After a slow start he has come to life, however, and was the best player on the pitch at Leicester.
CM) Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
Speaking of being the best player on the pitch – there’s no doubting who that was at the Etihad Stadium. Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla scored a goal, created a goal and generally helped his side to counter with real pace and thrust.
CM) Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
It was hard to pick a man of the match for Chelsea as they dismantled Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium, but once again Cesc Fabregas was at the top of the list of candidates. He controlled the game from the centre of the Liberty Stadium park.
LM) Eljero Elia (Southampton)
Southampton were far from their fluent best despite winning at St. James’ Park, but they still managed to grind out the points, largely thanks to two well taken goals from new boy Eljero Elia.
ACM) Oscar (Chelsea)
If Fabregas controlled the game for Chelsea, attacking midfielder Oscar was the key that would unlock the door – the Brazilian was unreal playing in the hole and Swansea never got to grips with his movement.
SC) Dwight Gayle (Crystal Palace)
Dwight Gayle generally seems to fly under the radar at Selhurst Park, but new Palace manager Alan Pardew has put his faith in the former non-league player and he repaid that with two fine goals at Burnley.