The striker’s league-winning performance earns his seventh appearance this season, while Gareth Bale’s display for Tottenham sees him included in our side for the eighth time

Robin van Persie’s first-half hat-trick against Aston Villa fired Manchester United to their 20th Premier League title – so it’s only fitting that the Dutchman headlines our latest Team of the Week.

In between two close-range strikes at Old Trafford on Monday evening, Van Persie hit a stunning volley past Brad Guzan following Wayne Rooney’s raking pass. The Manchester United striker now stands on 24 Premier League goals and has pulled ahead of Liverpool’s Luis Suarez in the race for the Golden Boot.

Partnering the Dutchman in attack is Daniel Sturridge, whose influential performance as a half-time substitute included a goal and a fine assist for Suarez’s late leveller against Chelsea on Sunday.

Despite being part of a side which conceded two goals, David Luiz forms one half of our centre-back duo after another impressive display for Chelsea at Anfield. Linking up with the Brazil international is Norwich City’s Sebastien Bassong.

In goal is Jussi Jaaskelainen after the 38-year-old produced a string of fine saves to deny Wigan on Saturday.

At right-back, Billy Jones is handed a place for the first time this term after his buccaneering runs eventually led to West Brom’s equaliser against Newcastle United. On the opposite flank is Danny Rose as another confident effort kept Everton at bay on Saturday, and boosted Sunderland’s hopes of survival.

In midfield, Gareth Bale secures a place in our squad for the eighth time this season after his talismanic second-half display, which included a superb assist and a neat finish past Joe Hart, inspired Tottenham to a comeback victory against Manchester City.

Kevin Nolan and Sebastian Larsson are both handed TOTW debuts to form our central-midfield duo, while for the fourth time this season, Robert Snodgrass gets a place in our side.