Five players make it into our side for the first time this season, while the Liverpool forward and Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke get back among the goals after their droughts
Chelsea continue to lead the way in the Premier League, while Liverpool kept stride with the title contenders, but it was a sorry weekend for Arsenal who crumbled at Stoke City.
Five debutants make it into our Premier League Team of the Week, while Luis Suarez makes it into our side for the ninth time this season.
Simon Mignolet (3.5) wins a place in our Team of the Week for the third time following his clean sheet against Southampton.
At right-back, Leandro Bacuna (4) got himself on the scoresheet in Aston Villa’s 4-1 win over Norwich City and posed a key threat to Chris Hughton’s defence throughout.
Two debutants form our central-defensive partnership as Michael Dawson’s (3.5) solid display in Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Cardiff City is twinned with Ryan Shawcross’ (3.5) resolute performance in keeping Arsenal’s attack at bay at the Britannia Stadium.
At left-back, Leighton Baines (3.5) makes his third appearance in our Team of the Week as he put in another excellent display in Everton’s 1-0 victory over West Ham.
In midfield, a second Stoke player makes our side this week as Steven N’Zonzi’s (4) man-of-the-match performance helped Mark Hughes’ men edge past Arsenal. Jon Birchall commented from the Britannia Stadium: “Impressive from the former Blackburn man, who looked to drive through the Arsenal midfield at will. Was comfortable with the ball at his feet and central to the home side’s attacks on the counter.”
Our second spot goes to Team of the Week debutant James McCarthy (3.5) for his industrious display for Roberto Martinez’s side at Goodison Park.
Moussa Sissoko’s (4) double inspired Newcastle United to a 4-1 win over Hull City and the Frenchman is awarded the final place in our midfield for his efforts.
Just behind our front two is Andre Schurrle (4). The Germany international was clinical in front of goal for Chelsea as his hat-trick handed Jose Mourinho’s men the victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
“Schurrle’s in a learning process in the Premier League but he has cold blood, in front of goal he is cool,” Mourinho said.
“He’s a good finisher and that’s what I expect from him.”
In attack this week, Luis Suarez (4) ended his run of four Premier League games without a goal by scoring the opener in Liverpool’s 3-0 win away to Southampton.
And partnering the Uruguay international is Christian Benteke (4), who also went four matches without a goal before scoring twice in Villa’s victory over Norwich City on Sunday.