Premier League Team of the Weekend

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Matchday 35 saw Arsenal secure an important three points away to Newcastle United, while West Ham’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United reignited the race for top four. 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:

Aaron Ramsdale – Arsenal

Aaron Ramsdale’s huge performance against Newcastle United proved he is still one league’s best keepers. He made massive saves at crucial moments, was calm in possession and delivered a solid performance in an important fixture where arsenal were under pressure for large portions of the game. The highlight of his performance was a superb point-blank save off an unmarked Fabian Scharr header in the second half.

Defenders:

Nayef Aguerd – West Ham United

Nayef Aguerd had a dominant display against Manchester United despite being under intense pressure with Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Wout Weghorst and Anthony creating multiple chances. The Moroccan dealt with United’s threat with a physical and composed performance, winning most of his aerial battles and ground duels.

Virgil Van Dijk – Liverpool 

Virgil Van Dijk made it two clean sheets in a row despite being booked in the first 10 minutes against Brentford. The Dutchman maintained focus and was key in defending Brentford’s set pieces and aerial threat. Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney were causing problems, but Van Dijk dealt with the threat more often than not. He also assisted Mohamed Salah’s 100th Anfield goal with a great header to the backpost.

Toti Gomes – Wolves 

Toti Gomes scored his first goal for Wolves, and the decider, in their win over a flying Aston Villa. He is settling into his new role at fullback, helping his side secure clean sheets while adding an aerial threat for Julen Lopetegui’s chargers.

Perdo Porro – Tottenham Hotspur

Pedro Porro is finding a rhythm at right back for Spurs, with the January signing one of their best creative outlets, taking pressure off Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son.

The Spaniard assisted Kane’s 26th goal of the season.

Midfielders:

Said Benrahma – West Ham United 

Said Benrahma scored the matchwinner after De Gea pushed his shot into the bottom left corner. The Algerian was a menace up front with Antonio, Bowen and Paqueta, applying constant pressure on the Manchester United backline and always eager to help Antonio on the counter.

Ilkay Gundogan – Manchester City

A masterclass from the German who secured a brace against Leeds United. Gundogan played in a deeper role but was not fazed, and although his contract may be expiring at the end of the season, it will be a huge shame if such a quality player left the league with so much to give.

He broke his own Premier League record with the most passes in a single game, completing 170.

Martin Odegaard – Arsenal

Another game, another huge performance from the Arsenal captain who will not give up on the title race. The Norwegian has a knack for stepping up when the Gunners need him most, scoring an outside-the-box screamer to relieve the pressure after Newcastle looked to take control.

He scored his 15th goal of the season, an exceptional milestone for the 24-year-old.

Riyad Mahrez – Manchester City

Riyad Mahrez is back to his best this season, with his performance against Leeds proving his undeniable quality. Two first-half assists for Ilkay Gundogan secured three points as the Citizens solidified their top spot with a one-point lead and a game in hand.

Forwards:

Joao Felix – Chelsea

After six defeats on the trot for Frank Lampard, Chelsea secured a 3-1 victory against Bournemouth in an improved overall display from the most expensive squad in the league. Finally showing some attacking prowess, Atletico Madrid loanee Joao Felix looked sharp and was clinical in his late finish.

Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspurs

Harry Kane was unsurprisingly the difference for Spurs, putting their bad run of form to bed since the fiery exit of Antonio Conte. Captain fantastic finished a Pedro Porro first-half added time assist, resulting in Roy Hodgson’s second loss as Crystal Palace manager.

Photo: Twitter @FabrizioRomano

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Dylan Johnson