TT’s Top Men: Januzaj, Hazard & AJ star
Check out TEAMtalk’s Premier League Team of the Weekend and then let us know your top XI using the story comment facility at the bottom of the article.
TEAMtalk’s Top Men (3-5-2): Allan McGregor; Seamus Coleman, Nemanja Vidic, Luke Shaw; Adam Johnson, Eden Hazard, Mark Noble, Jack Wilshere, Adnan Januzaj; Luis Suarez, Alvaro Negredo.
Allan McGregor – Hull City
He may have been beaten twice by Chelsea, but Scottish stopper McGregor was once again in imperious form between the sticks for the Tigers.
His save from Oscar in the first half was as good as we’ve seen this season.
Seamus Coleman – Everton
Arguably the best right-back in the country on current form, Coleman had another great match as Everton put Norwich to the sword in a near faultless performance.
A threat going forwards once again against the Canaries, and part of a defensive unit who kept another clean sheet.
Nemanja Vidic – Manchester United
If United are to recover in the second half of the campaign and claim a Champions League spot, much will depend on the Serbian’s fitness.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, United must surely do all they can to keep him at Old Trafford after another dominant display shut out Swansea on Saturday evening.
Luke Shaw – Southampton
Although he’s part of a side that appears to have lost their way in recent months, Shaw’s performance levels have not dropped.
A victory over West Brom on Saturday will have done much to lift spirits at St Mary’s and Shaw’s performance both defensively and with his forrays forward did much to aid the victory.
Adam Johnson – Sunderland
The signs have been there in recent weeks following a number of much-improved displays, but even Johnson must’ve been shocked by his first Premier League hat-trick at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
A recall to the England squad might represent a lofty aim for the Sunderland winger, but a few more displays like this one certainly won’t harm his chances.
Eden Hazard – Chelsea
His goal against Hull on Saturday lunchtime epitomised the confidence the Belgian currently has; his fine shot and run finally beating McGregor in the Hull goal. Not only that, but the dummy shot that proceded it left Tigers defender Alex Bruce flat on his backside – worthy enough of getitng him into the team of the week on its own accord!
Mark Noble – West Ham
Described by Match of the Day’s Alan Hansen as the performance of the day, Noble was a colossus in the Hammers midfield as they ended a painful period on a high with a much-needed win at Cardiff.
Noble covered virtually every blade of grass at the Cardiff City Stadium and capped his all-action display with a well-taken goal.
With fellow midfielder Kevin Nolan currently serving a four-game ban, West Ham will hope Noble continues to lead by example in the centre of the park.
Jack Wilshere – Arsenal
Wilshere was named Man of the Match as Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table on Monday night with a 2-1 victory at Aston Villa. The midfielder not only scored the opener, but he has also created the second in what was a hard-working shift in the centre of the park.
Adnan Januzaj – Manchester United
The 2014 Young Player of the Year? It’s hard to look past him at this stage and his performance on the left of United’s midfield was instrumental in Saturday’s win over Swansea.
It’s hard to imagine where United would be without his vision and jinking runs this season and his display against the Swans only served to underline his status as United’s most creative source.
Luis Suarez – Liverpool
Is it possible for the Liverpool striker to get any better? His performance against Stoke on Sunday had it all once again and we’re running out of superlatives to describe the Uruguayan’s form this term. His first goal owed as much to just his sheer menace and persistence as he outwitted three Stoke players, while his second was just pure class with both the finish and the link-up play with Daniel Sturridge.
Alvaro Negredo – Manchester City
The Spanish striker reckons he’s in the form of his career right now and it’s hard to argue against him given his current run of scoring.
His goal at Newcastle wasn’t the most pleasing on the eye, but it can be credited to his persistence, determination, and energy and the greatest compliment you can pay him right now is that City have hardly noticed the injury absence of his team-mate Sergio Aguero.