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Premier League Team of the Week XXVI feat. Spurs and Chelsea stars
Petr Cech: Before Leicester City went in front, they had arguably come the closest of either side to opening the scoring, only to be thwarted by Petr Cech. The acquisition from Chelsea got down low to stop a header from Jamie Vardy before requiring even faster reactions to gather in the rebound. A speculative swirling effort from Kanté also troubled Arsenal’s defence but Cech used every inch of his towering frame to claw the ball away. The importance of his stops only grew in magnitude when the final result was achieved. Had Arsenal surrendered a couple of goals to Leicester City rather than just being the single strike behind, their rescue mission would have been much more of a challenge. This is exactly the sort of thing which he has been brought to The Emirates for.
César Azpilicueta: Although it has to be said that Newcastle United did not offer a great deal going forward on either flank; with Azpilicueta operating on both in the two halves, the versatile Spaniard took full advantage and made the Magpies’ situation even worse. Azpilicueta is mostly seen as a stoic defender but on Saturday evening, he demonstrated a much more rounded game, capable of causing damage in an attacking sense too. Azpilicueta capped off a fine offensive move by assisting Bertrand Traoré’s first Premier League goal. Heavily involved in the build-up, the reliable Chelsea defender sold Rolando Aarons with a great one-two before laying the ball on the plate for the substitute forward with an excellent whipped cross. Hardly shirking the defensive requirements either, Azpilicueta made six successful challenges, with Daryl Janmaat often the one to draw the most work out of him.
Lamine Koné: The £5 million January signing from Lorient, appears to be a very positive addition to the squad and could have an integral role to play should Sunderland beat the drop this season. Lamine Koné has been the recipient of plaudits in the last couple of matches too, but he shone on the big stage when he formed a solid defensive partnership with John O’Shea against Manchester United. Koné cleared the ball from danger eight times, made four interceptions and beat his man in the air on three occasions.
Although his primary task will be seen as keeping goals out of Vito Mannone’s net for the rest of the campaign, he demonstrated some sharp attacking play against Van Gaal’s side too. Koné attacked the ball well and his athletic build allowed him to leap highest above his markers. He also had a positive impact on the ground though, when his sharp turn and well-directed shot drew David De Gea into a smart save. Koné’s most vital contribution came from a corner with less than ten minutes of the game remaining. The hulking figure broke free of his marker in Chris Smalling, and powered his header into the ground. Anthony Martial’s attempted goal-line clearance hit the back of United’s Spanish ‘keeper, diverting it in and sending Sunderland fans into delirium.
Toby Alderweireld: Spurs’ summer signing was unerringly calm and composed even when facing up against the might of Sergio Aguero and David Silva, yet again demonstrating why he is many people’s pick to break into the Premier League Team of the Year at the centre-half position. Even when partnering the fairly inexperienced Kevin Wimmer at the heart of the Spurs defence, the Belgian demonstrated great leadership skills to help guide his side to an eventual victory. It was not a day to be overly extravagant at the back for Pochettino’s men, and Alderweireld recognised that as he tempered his usual style of possession football. Instead, Spurs’ number four excelled at keeping efforts away from Hugo Lloris, coming up with, six clearances, three tackles, and two blocks.
Danny Rose: The English full-back was exceptionally energetic up and down the left flank, impressing after being brought into the side to replace an in-form Ben Davies. The pair have been challenging each other all season for the regular left-back berth, and has doubtlessly spurred them on to greater levels of performance. With Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli much more comfortable cutting in-field, Danny Rose was integral to maintaining the side’s width and providing an attacking impetus on his side, dribbling past a defender on three occasions throughout the ninety minutes. He certainly did not let his defensive side of the game go missing either, chasing back towards his own goal just as hard. In the first period, his pace was employed as an out-ball for Spurs, helping to keep The Citizens penned back, while after half-time he was used primarily to nullify the threat of the speed-merchant Raheem Sterling. Rose showed terrific bravery to throw his body in the way of a powerful drive from the Jamaican-born winger, and also blocked another shot as the game wore on.