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Premier League Team of the Week XXXI feat. Arsenal and Spurs stars
David De Gea: After a couple of extremely impressive displays in the two-legged tie against Liverpool in the Europa League, David De Gea produced another fine day’s work in the derby against Manchester City. Moments after his first sharp stop from Jesus Navas, United went down the other end to open their account for the day through Marcus Rashford. The Spaniard provided such confidence to his fellow defenders, being assertive in his decision making and not filling anyone in the stadium with anxiety. With a solid defence in front of the impenetrable De Gea, United held firm on Sunday and will be relying on their star shot-stopper if they are to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Héctor Bellerin: Héctor Bellerin was a constant outlet for Arsenal on the right hand side, as his regular forays into Everton territory pushed the usually adventurous Leighton Baines further and further back. The Barcelona academy product frequently ran into advanced areas and stretched the hosts, enjoying not having to concern himself with Neymar running in behind him after the mid-week difficulties. The Spaniard was important in maintaining the Gunners’ width as Mesut Özil, Alex Iwobi and Alexis Sanchez; who all spent periods of the game on the Spaniard’s side of the pitch, much preferred coming infield to influence the play. Aside from putting in some dangerous crosses after being put into space, Bellerin provided the assist for Iwobi’s debut goal. A smart ball over the top by the Spaniard meant that their free-flowing counter-attack had a genuine gain and the young debutant could grab Arsenal’s crucial second of the day. This marked Bellerin’s third assist in two games from right-back.
Chris Smalling: The English centre-half did not start off the Manchester derby in the best of fashions as he picked up an early booking for pulling Sergio Aguero back as the electric Argentine scythed through the Manchester United half. However, from that moment on, Chris Smalling produced a demonstration of assured defending and terrific leadership from the back. The Citizens had their chances severely restricted by some touch-tight marking and excellent recovery work, mainly by United’s number 12. Smalling intercepted three passes that looked dangerous had they found their man, helping his team to hold out for a 1-0 victory.
Wes Morgan: Leicester City’s captain put in a titanic performance as he and his fellow players secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory that retained their five point advantage over second-placed Spurs, with only seven matches remaining of this strangest of Premier League seasons. Wes Morgan was successful in every one of his nine aerial duels and cleared his lines a whopping 17 times. The Foxes’ skipper was part of the back-line that had to defend 31 crosses in the ninety minutes and; keeping his fellow defenders tight around him, Morgan marshalled the defensive quartet to a fourth clean sheet in five matches. In recent weeks, Leicester’s free-scoring form has deserted them, but they have also tightened up at the back, proving an equally tough nut to crack as when Vardy was scoring for fun.
Aaron Cresswell: While the tricky Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini are sight to behold, their flicks and clever touches would not be nearly as effective if Aaron Cresswell’s lung-busting runs from left-back did not create the extra space that is so important for them. A Branislav Ivanovic deflection denied the impressive left-back in the first half and it was by a similarly narrow margin which prevented Cresswell from netting in the second period, this time smacking the ball against the cross-bar with Thibaut Courtois stranded. It was not only his attacking endeavours which made him such a valuable asset for The Hammers in their 2-2 draw with Chelsea though, as Cresswell blocked three goal-bound efforts that looked destined to trouble Adrian.