Premier League team of the weekend

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Matchday 36 saw Brighton all but end Arsenal’s title dream, while Manchester City destroyed Everton at Goodison Park. Take a look at SoccerMag’s best 11 performers from the weekend.

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

Goalkeeper:

Ederson – Manchester City

Ederson kept his 12th clean sheet of the season during Manchester City’s dominant 3-0 win over Sean Dyche’s Everton. The Toffees put up a good fight during the first half, but did not threaten the Brazilian. His world class distribution was once again on display, a crucial instrument in building City’s offence from the back.

Defenders:

Pervis Estupinan – Brighton and Hove Albion

Pervis Estupinan was unplayable in Brighton’s 3-0 victory over Arsenal. The Ecuadorian was a constant threat down the left flank, combining with Kaoru Mitoma in putting pressure on Ben White, with the Englishman having a nightmare for the Gunners. Estupinan bagged a goal and an assist in addition to a clean sheet to top off a world class performance for the Seagulls.

Levi Colwill – Brighton and Hove Albion

Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill has been a standout performer this season, giving Mauricio Pochettino a selection-headache when he returns to Stamford Bridge. Colwill is an integral part in De Zerbi’s system, with the young central defender perfectly adjusting to playing out from the back. On multiple occasions, Colwill set the tempo of Brighton’s attack with incredible passes down the left side to Kaoru Mitoma.

Luke Shaw – Manchester United

Luke Shaw was redeployed to his favoured left back position thanks to the return of Raphael Varane. It is no coincidence that United’s defensive stability and attacking threat showed huge improvement, with Shaw a crucial factor in both departments. An overall solid performance backed up by a clean sheet means this result goes a long way in United’s chase for top four.

Midfielders:

Ilkay Gundogan – Manchester City

Another week goes by and Ilkay Gundogan has put in yet another world class performance. The German scored a sensational goal that Dennis Bergkamp would’ve been proud of, opening the scoring late in the first half.  Minutes later, he set up Erling Haaland with a cross at the backpost before sealing his ten out of ten performance with an incredible freekick.

Douglas Luiz – Aston Villa

Douglas Luiz has moved on from his transfer request earlier in the season, resettling and showing amazing form under Unai Emery. The Brazilian was dominant in midfield as Villa edged Spurs, scoring the decider and a freekick to secure all three points as Villa continue to push for European football.

Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford

Bryan Mbeumo has been an annoyance for every defence he has played against since Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League. Mbeumo’s ruthless pressing alongside his composure in front of goal has perfectly elevated his on-field relationship with Ivan Toney. Mbeumo’s efforts paid off this weekend in another quality performance topped off with a goal.

Eberechi Eze – Crystal Palace

Eberechi Eze has undoubtedly been one of the most enjoyable players to  watch this season. The attacking midfielder glides effortlessly with the ball at his feet, using his ability to beat defenders, gain territory up the pitch or start a Crystal Palace attack. Eze combined beautifully with Michael Olise to cut inside and score a top corner screamer, and come the end of the season, do not be surprised if a top six team shows interest in Palace’s star man.

Raheem Sterling – Chelsea

Raheem Sterling has struggled in his first season at Stamford Bridge. Although not unique to the former Manchester City winger, his underwhelming performances have taken many by surprise, but this weekend he looked back to his best, securing a brace against Nottingham Forrest. They may not have gotten all three points, but there does seem to be stabilisation under Super Frank.

Forwards:

Carlos Vinicius – Fulham

Carlos Vinicius stepped up to lead line in Mitrovic’s absence. The former Spurs striker has shown he is not done in the League despite his previous struggles. His work rate and attitude were rewarded with a goal that sealed Southampton’s relegation to the Championship.

Taiwo Awoniyi – Nottingham Forrest

Taiwo Awoniyi has been a constant in Nottingham Forrest’s ever changing lineup this season, with the 25-year-old repaying the faith Steve Cooper has shown in him. Awoniyi scored two goals as Forrest fought back from 2-1 down to secure a draw against Chelsea. If Forrest stay-up, the Nigerian will have played his part in their survival.

Photo: twitter @StatmanDave

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Dylan Johnson