SASoccerMag’s Premier League team of the weekend

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Matchday 25 saw Arsenal maintain their lead at the top of the table while Tottenham comfortably took all three points against their London rivals Chelsea. Take a look at SASoccerMag’s best 11 performers from the weekend.

We used buildlineup.com to put our team onto paper, but our selections are explained below.

Goalkeeper – Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

Emiliano Martinez had a great performance in goal for Aston Villa as they beat Everton 2-0 away from home. Martinez made four fantastic saves, keeping a clean sheet as he made up for his performance against his former club Arsenal in the previous game week.

Defenders 

Junior Firpo (Leeds United)  

Junior Firpo had arguably his best performance for Leeds United this weekend. Firpo scored a late match winner to secure three points against Southampton, taking Leeds out of the relegation zone. Leeds managed to keep a clean sheet, just their fifth of the season.

Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur)

Tottenham solidified their spot in the top four after a comfortable 2-0 win over Chelsea. Eric Dier was immense at the back, putting his body on the line and dominating in the air, leading Spurs to a London derby clean sheet. Dier was also influential on attack, assisting Harry Kane for their second goal.

Gabriel (Arsenal) 

Arsenal continued their run at the top after beating Leicester City this weekend. There was no space for Leicester to attack, with centre-back Gabriel preventing the likes of Harvey Barnes and Kelechi Iheanacho from getting any opportunities in front of goal. Another clean sheet for the Gunners as Arteta’s side look set to take the title race to the end.

Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

Fulham moved three points off of the top four this weekend following a 1-1 draw to Wolves. Antonee Robinson had a solid performance despite the Wolves attackers targeting his flank, and alongside Tim Ream, they defended their side well with Wolves unable to contain the American fullback’s pace on the counter.

Midfielders 

Declan Rice (West Ham United) 

West Ham United got a much needed win over Nottingham Forrest this weekend, with David Moyes’ Hammers scoring four unanswered goals. Declan Rice was one of the best players on the pitch, scoring a world class goal and dominating the middle of the park. The Hammers will hope to build on this performance as they look to move up the table.

Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) 

Gabriel Martinelli has been criticised for his recent drop of form, with many calling for him to be rested for new signing Leandro Trossard. The Brazilian was phenomenal against Leicester City, scoring the decisive goal early in the second half. He also combined beautifully with Martin Odegaard, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Pep Guardiola brought Phil Foden back into the starting XI with the young star struggling to consistently feature for City this season. Foden looked back to his best, capitalising on a Bournemouth defensive error to score with a composed finish. City came away 4-1 winners, putting the pressure back on the Gunners.

Emiliano Buendia (Aston Villa) 

Emiliano Buendia was brought on in the second half against Everton, and made the impact manager Unai Emery wanted from the Argentinian. Buendia was fouled by Idrissa Gueye in the box, leading to a penalty which was converted by strike partner Ollie Watkins. Buendia capped of his display when he finished the game off with a goal in the 81st minute.

Forwards

Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) 

Harry Kane loves a London derby and this time against Chelsea it was no different. The Spurs captain scored his 18th goal of the campaign, converting an Eric Dier headed pass. Spurs cruised to a 2-0 victory and now sit with some breathing room in fourth place.

Danny Ings (West Ham United) 

Danny Ings has started to settle at his new club West Ham United after signing from Aston Villa in January. Ings scored a brace as the Hammers destroyed Nottingham Forrest 4-0, and David Moyes will need his new striker to build on this form as they look to push up the table and move away from the relegation zone.

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Dylan Johnson