End of another fascinating weekend of the Premier League and it’s time to check out – EPLIndex’s Team of the Week using the EPLIndex.com’s Stats Centre (Subscribe for Access to the EPLIndex Stats Centre)
This time 5 goal keepers managed to keep a clean sheet while we had as many as 34 goals scored by 33 different players (+ 1 own goal) so things became a lil too difficult this time!
We’ve opted for a 4-4-2 this week – team is below with the reasons beneath!
Joe Hart [Clean Sheet + Most Saves]
Manchester City’s first clean sheet of the season was ensured by Joe Hart making the most saves of any keeper that kept a clean sheet in the Premier League this weekend. Joe made four saves to come out on top of the five keepers and find his place in the Statistical Team of the Week.
Aleksandar Kolarov [Clean Sheet + Goal + Assist]
A close one at left back with Patrice Evra also keeping a clean sheet and scoring however Kolarov’s assist puts him ahead of the Frenchmen to take the left back slot. Impressive performances this season have led to more games for Aleksandar and he’s regularly scoring for the Champions too.
Jonny Evans [Clean Sheet + Goal]
Another clean sheet plus a goal from the centre back spot secured Jonny’s spot in the side. Look at the stats it was Rio that was the busier of the two however Jonny’s goal from this position sneaks him in.
Steven Caulker [Clean Sheet + Goal]
A clean sheet, a goal and he won all of his ground duel / tackles. He also completed 9/9 headed clearances at the back. An easy pick for team of the week!
Branislav Ivanovic [Goal + Assist]
Ivanovic has scored more goals this season than most of the strikers in the league. He’s having a brilliant season for the European Champions so far. He kept possession for Chelsea brilliantly raking up a 98% pass completion (44/45 passes) and also got himself a goal and an assist. All of this meant he was nailed on as the right back in the Statistical Team of the Week.
Wayne Rooney [Assist(2)]
Wayne Rooney makes the side because of his creativity rather than his goal scoring this week. Played in more of a withdrawn role Rooney stacked up two goal assists for his side ensuring his spot in the statistical team of the week.
Santi Cazorla [Goal + Creativity]
Santi Cazorla will probably make this team every week. He’s scored another goal this week and created three chances. His passing accuracy was at 88% and he attempted the most Final Third passes in his match with 82% finding a team-mate. Impressive play from the Spaniard again who is quickly becoming one of the star men this season.
James Milner [Goal + Creativity]
James Milner excelled in multiple areas this weekend, he scored, he created and he passed the ball efficiently. A pass accuracy of 88% complimented his week high of 7 created chances for Manchester City making him the third City player to make the side this week.
Aaron Lennon [Goal + Creativity]
Aaron Lennon created four chances this week as well as completing 90% of his passes. He makes the side this week because of his goal as this pushes him above the other wide midfielders this week. He was also combative winning both of his tackles and 75% of his ground duels.
Olivier Giroud [Goal + Assist]
Finally Arsenal fans can rejoice that Giroud is coming to the party. He’s scored and got an assist here and forced his way into the Statistical Team of the Week.
Arouna Kone [Goal + Assist]
A goal and assist ensures Kone’s place in the side as his Wigan side dropped two points after they gave away a penalty in the 87th minute which Baines put away.
The picked team contributed nine goals and six assists this weekend including four players from the England squad.
Honourable Mentions
Patrice Evra – A clean sheet and a goal wasn’t enough to displace Kolarov.
Jose Fonte – Two goals for Southampton but not much contribution defensively
Zoltan Gera – A battling display topped off with a goal.
Hugo Lloris – A clean sheet but he lost out as Joe Hart made one more save than him this week.
Tom Cleverley – An excellent display capped off with cross come shot but Cazorla and Milner were too good this week.
Juan Mata – Two goal assists also but he was pipped by Lennon’s goal and creativity this week.
Eden Hazard – A goal and very creative too but Rooney’s two assists moved him onto the left.
