Premier League Team of the Week: Rooney, Lallana and Rodriguez Star
Welcome to the latest edition of our Premier League Team of the Week, where we select the cream of the crop in each position and compile an all-star XI for the weekend.
For the first time in a while we have no Chelsea, Manchester City or Arsenal players, clearing out a sizable chunk of space for some of the less-covered teams to fill.
If you've come in search of Southampton love, you're in the right place. If you're a Liverpool fan, though, you may be disappointed: As impressive as the Reds were, they beat a Tottenham side who gave up within the first five seconds, and only Glen Johnson is honoured.
GK: Asmir Begovic, Stoke City
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Asmir Begovic was in stunning form for Stoke City this weekend, keeping a clean sheet as his side shut Hull City out.
He made several excellent reaction saves to keep the Tigers from drawing level, with Nikica Jelavic and Tom Huddlestone coming closest to picking the lock.
It's performances like these that remind you just how well Stoke have done to keep hold of him all this time.
RB: Glen Johnson, Liverpool
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Glen Johnson stormed forward early on against Tottenham Hotspur, delivered a low cross and saw it turned into the net by a hapless Younes Kaboul.
It was the sort of early impact that sparked a strong game from the England international, whose form is picking up at just the right time.
He even looked good when defending off the ball.
CB: Steven Caulker, Cardiff City
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Steven Caulker still has elements of his defensive game to work on, but at the other end he's nothing short of monstrous.
He's also an excellent captain, and he spent the second half of Cardiff's draw to West Bromwich Albion willing his side on and encouraging them to fight back.
His header made the score 2-2, and the Bluebirds grabbed a last-gasp 3-3 share.
CB: Scott Dann, Crystal Palace
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Scott Dann was an under-the-radar January signing, and he's beginning to look an astute piece of business by Tony Pulis.
He was immense against Chelsea, and although he was largely restricted to a combative, direct role, he fulfilled his assignments well and came away with a clean sheet.
The Blues threw every type of striker at the Palace defence they could, but it would not yield.
LB: Joel Ward, Crystal Palace
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Joel Ward has been one of Crystal Palace's brightest players this season, having played at right-back, left-back and central midfield when asked.
He played on the left against Chelsea and bottled up Andre Schurrle with ease, and as a result of his dominance, the Blues lacked width for most of the game.
He's got great feet and great size, and he doesn't dive in like Rafael.
CM: Mile Jedinak, Crystal Palace
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Mile Jedinak was a warrior in midfield against Chelsea, breaking up play superbly in front of his back four and surging forward with intent.
The Australian captain was on fire early in the season but slid off the radar as Tony Pulis' side fell into decline. We've been waiting for a killer showing from him, and at home to the Blues was one hell of a date to pick.
CM: Jonathan de Guzman, Swansea City
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Jonathan de Guzman's production in front of goal has started soaring, and it's no coincidence that Swansea City have been improving as a team off the back of it.
His two goals helped bury a sorry Norwich City side with ease on Saturday, with his second in particular really catching the eye.
Wilfried Bony back-heeled a ball to him into the Dutch-Canadian's path in the box, and his clipped finish evaded John Ruddy and glanced in off the post.
RAM: Peter Odemwingie, Stoke City
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Peter Odemwingie beats off a tough challenge from Raheem Sterling to make our Premier League Team of the Week for the first time.
The Nigerian is catching fire at the right time and looks to be pushing for serious consideration from Stephen Keshi's squad ahead of the World Cup, with a good performance at Villa Park followed up by a stunning solo goal to settle matters against Hull City.
AMC: Adam Lallana, Southampton
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Adam Lallana was in irresistible form as Southampton smashed Newcastle United to pieces on Saturday.
His dribbling was impossible to stop, his passing supremely accurate, and he capped the performance with an unstoppable 25-yard strike into the top corner.
BBC's Match of the Day subsequently discussed not whether he'll make England's squad for the World Cup, but instead who he'll replace in the starting XI.
LAM: Jay Rodriguez, Southampton
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Jay Rodriguez continued his impressive scoring streak against Newcastle United, firing in two goals from the left flank in impressive fashion.
He absolutely tormented Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa on the flank and missed a glut of chances early on, and when Rickie Lambert slipped him in for an easy finish before the half, he looked more relieved than overjoyed.
From there Saints took control and he wrapped it up at the death, slotting an exquisite shot home at the near-post.
ST: Wayne Rooney, Manchester United
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After Ashley Westwood's free-kick found the corner of the net at Old Trafford on Saturday, thousands of fans groaned in the stands; they feared the worst.
But Wayne Rooney led by example, and his deft header beat Brad Guzan all ends up to draw his side level. From there, United took control.
The striker netted a penalty to make it 2-1 and then continued to pull the strings until it was safe.
Bench
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Manager: Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool
GK: Tim Howard, Everton
FB: Calum Chambers, Southampton
CB: Damien Delaney, Crystal Palace
CM: Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool
Wing: Wayne Routledge, Swansea City
Wing: Raheem Sterling, Liverpool
ST: Rickie Lambert, Southampton
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