Premier League Team of Week: Plenty of goals in midweek XI

After a thrilling midweek programme in the Premier League, TEAMtalk picks out the 11 men who have earned their place in our Team of the Week.

Tim Howard, Everton. Played: 90 minutes. (0-0 v Manchester City) – The American has faced criticism in recent weeks but he made a number of fine saves to help his side to a point.

Patrick Van Aanholt, Sunderland. Played: 90 minutes. (2-4 v Swansea) – Van Aanholt’s defensive qualities are often called into question, but a goal – albeit deflected – and an assist helped his side to victory.

Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea. Played: 90 minutes. (2-2 v West Brom) – Azpilicueta is less than prolific but likes scoring against West Brom having netted at The Hawthorns in August.

Robert Huth, Leicester. Played: 90 minutes. (0-1 v Tottenham) – The powerful defender not only kept a clean sheet but also headed home the only goal of the game to move Leicester level at the top.

Ramiro Funes Mori, Everton. Played: 90 minutes. (0-0 v Manchester City) – The Argentinian looked solid alongside the returning Phil Jagielka and made an important block.

Dimitri Payet, West Ham. Played: 78 minutes. (1-3 v Bournemouth) – Payet’s performance had his manager Slaven Bilic gushing with praise. The returning playmaker scored a stunner and set up a second.

Georginio Wijnaldum, Newcastle. Played: 90 minutes. (3-3 v Manchester United) – The Dutchman shone throughout and scored a superb controlled side-foot volley to get his side back into the game.

Craig Gardner, West Brom. Played: 83 minutes. (2-2 v Chelsea) – On as an early sub after James Morrison went down injured, Gardner crashed in a superb equaliser and also had a hand in the second.

Roberto Firmino, Liverpool. Played: 90 minutes. (3-3 v Arsenal) – The Brazilian had struggled to justify a hefty price-tag before his superb brace against the Gunners – his first goals for the Reds at Anfield.

Wayne Rooney, Manchester United. Played: 90 minutes. (3-3 v Newcastle) – The England striker edged to within eight goals of Sir Bobby Charlton’s club record of 249 with a double at St James’ Park.

Jermain Defoe, Sunderland. Played: 90 minutes. (2-4 v Swansea) – Defoe is a striker in form, and although he looked marginally offside for two of his goals, a crucial hat-trick made it five in two games.

Agree with our selections? Let us know your thoughts below.