Premier League Team of the week: Round 28

These are the EPL players who outshone their colleagues and counterparts to earn a place in my team of the week.

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper

Asmir Begovic – Stoke City

The Bosnian shot-stopper has been in a rich vein of form this season, keeping former first-choice goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen out of the side.

Things were not any different this past weekend, frustrating Chelsea for the better part of the game. His saves against Gary Cahill and Didier Drogba were the pick of the bunch. Despite conceding once, he was not at fault for the goal.

Defenders

Micah Richards – Manchester City

The Manchester City academy graduate was at his best against Swansea and, despite City’s loss, the Englishman’s fine performance can not be overlooked.

He kept tricky winger Scott Sinclair quiet throughout the encounter and was effective in attack, too. He could have had a goal to his name too, but his effort was rightly ruled out for offside.

Gary Cahill – Chelsea

The former Bolton man produced arguably his best Chelsea performance yet in the Blues’ narrow win against Stoke. Not only was he rock-solid in defence, but he was also an attacking threat, needing Begovic’s intervention to stop his goal-bound shot.

Michael Turner – Sunderland

Turner was the stand-out star in Sunderland’s backline. The former Hull City defender’s fine display saw the Black Cats keep a clean sheet and collect all three points against Premier League giants Liverpool.

Patrice Evra – Manchester United

He was one of the Red Devils’ key men in their crucial win against West Brom. The Frenchman made several blocks and interceptions in defence and was also supportive to Rooney and co in attack.

Midfielders

Paul Scholes - Manchester United

The veteran, once again, proved that he can still play at the highest level, producing a near-flawless display.

He effectively closed down the WBA attacking threat and was, as always, smooth in his passing. He was also involved in the build-up to United’s first goal.

Marouane Fellaini – Everton

The big Belgian was instrumental in the Toffees’ win against top-four chasing Tottenham. He pulled the strings effectively for Everton in midfield and protected the defence well.

Alex Song - Arsenal

He was impressive in the Gunners’ late, late win against Newcastle. And despite the fact that he did not rack up an assist this time, he provided the much-needed steel in the Arsenal midfield.

Attackers

David Hoilett – Blackburn

The Canadian attacker was at his best in the crucial tie against Wolves, scoring twice. The first was a well-taken volley from just inside the penalty area and the second a brilliant 25-yard strike. Well done, Junior.

Wayne Rooney – Manchester United

‘Wazza’ continued his goal-scoring exploits, this time at the expense of West Bromwich Albion.

The England international netted twice—a poacher’s instinct first goal and a coolly-taken spot kick—his 19^th and 20^th goals of this Premier League campaign. He was a constant thorn in the side of Roy Hodgson’s men.

Hatem Ben Arfa – Newcastle United

Despite his side’s hard-to-take late loss to Arsenal on Monday night, the Frenchman stood out as the key man for the Magpies, scoring their solitary goal.

In a match that Newcastle’s goal-scoring chances were few and far between, he did well to take advantage of the opportunity he got.

Honourable mentions

Didier Drogba (Chelsea) – The 33-year-old netted once against Stoke, becoming the Premier League's latest centurion and the first African to achieve that feat.

Leighton Baines (Everton) – the Everton left-back hardly put a foot wrong against Spurs.

Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea) – Despite playing for just 45 minutes, the Serbian was impressive enough to deserve an honourable mention.

Victor Moses (Wigan) – He scored the Latics’ lone goal in their draw with Norwich.

Robin van Persie (Arsenal) – The Premier League top scorer added another goal to his tally against Newcastle.

Ashley Young (Manchester United) – The England international entertained the Old Trafford crowd with touches of flair, skill and brilliance.

Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal) – He grabbed Arsenal's dramatic late winner against Newcastle.