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Premier League Team of the Week IXXX feat. Liverpool and Manchester City stars
Adrian: In a 3-2 result secured in the final minute, it is rare that the goalkeeper for either side would be worthy of significant praise, but that certainly applied to Adrian against Everton. Tipping over an early pile-driver from James McCarthy set the tone for his display for the rest of the afternoon. Going one better, Ross Barkley’s magnificent take on the chest and left-footed volley in one stride was only prevented from hitting the back of the net by the Spaniard falling away sharply to his left. Adrian; having already been beaten by Romelu Lukaku, saved his penalty that would have surely put the outcome of the game beyond doubt, refusing to be duped by the Belgian’s stuttering run-up. Soon afterwards, Everton’s main goal threat was through on goal and the ‘keeper saved his poked effort with an outstretched leg. These saves would take on a great significance when West Ham grabbed three late goals to take all the points back down to London with them.
Dejan Lovren: The Croation international was the deserved winner of the man of the match award against Crystal Palace, putting in a display of exceptional commitment and application, especially once Liverpool were a man light following James Milner’s sending off. He had already had some strong moments earlier in the match when part of a central defensive duo with Mamadou Sakho, but he was even more impressive once his role transformed into that of a centre-half/right-back/right-midfielder. Here, Lovren had to deal with the notoriously dangerous Yannick Bolasie. Liverpool’s number five gave away at least a yard or two in the pace stakes to the Congolese man, but employed tremendous upper body strength and determination to be the superior party in their many contests. Lovren only lost out in one of eight aerial duels that he took part in and in addition, made eight clearances and five tackles.
Robert Huth: Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo have terrorised defences all season long with their supreme physicality, determination, and no shortage of natural ability. However, Robert Huth matched them both and once the battle lines had been drawn, the towering German was determined not to let either of them past. He was victorious in seven aerial duels and cleared his lines on eight occasions, many of which were at vital moments with an attacking Hornet closing in.
Nathan Aké: Playing at centre-half as opposed to his usual berth on the left side of defence, the versatile defender was the man who tracked Vardy and Okazaki across the back-line as the feared duo made their stereotypically lung-bursting breaks in behind Watford’s defence. 10 minutes into the game, the on-loan Chelsea defender could have opened the scoring when he hung in the air fantastically well before his looping header went agonisingly too high. Although he found himself on the losing side, Aké’s work was almost completely faultless throughout the ninety minutes and was especially praiseworthy given the last minute nature of his switch to centre-back following an injury to Miguel Britos. The youngster showed maturity beyond his years, making four tackles, seven interceptions, and six clearances. This has certainly given Quique Sanches Flores a pleasant conundrum to solve when the previously impressive Britos returns to fitness, as Jose Holebas hardly let anyone down at left-back either. The fight is on for a starting berth in Watford’s defence.