The Frenchman scored his third goal in as many games to see off Arsenal’s big-spending rivals, Tottenham, and is joined by the likes of Alvaro Negredo, Hugo Lloris and Daniel Agger
On a quiet weekend of Premier League action, competition for places in our Team of the Week was not as fierce as it normally is.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, with so few goals about, there were a number of goalkeepers who could have made our list. Hugo Lloris (scoring a 4 on our ratings) just about edges out John Ruddy and Artur Boruc, thanks to his ability to thwart Theo Walcott outside his own area.
Pablo Zabaleta (3.5) made the right-back berth his own after a poor performance last weekend, teeing up Alvaro Negredo for Manchester City’s breakthrough against Hull City Tigers.
Daniel Agger (4) put in a solid display and set up Daniel Sturridge for Liverpool’s winner against Manchester United, and is partnered by James Collins (4), who saved West Ham from a potential embarassment against Stoke City.
Leighton Baines (3.5) makes up the back four following yet another fine display for Everton, while he was unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty.
Pablo Hernandez (4) just edges out Jermaine Pennant for a place on the right after starring in Swansea’s first win of the Premier League season, away to West Brom.
Nathan Redmond (4) proved the difference for Norwich against Southampton and he is rewarded with a place on the left of our diamond midfield. Mile Jedinak (4) anchors the midfield as a reward for a fine performance in Crystal Palace’s 3-1 victory over Sunderland.
Hatem Ben Arfa (4) scored another wonderful goal for Newcastle as they got their season on track with victory over Fulham, and the mercurial Frenchman has been chosen to play in the hole behind the strikers.
Negredo (3.5) came off the bench to nod in City’s opener against Hull to put pressure on Edin Dzeko for a starting berth at the Etihad Stadium.
The Spaniard is partnered up front by Olivier Giroud (4), whose inspired finished proved enough to beat Tottenham in the north London derby.