English Premier League Team of the Week

Week 13 of the English Premier League threw up some predictable results, some certifiable surprises and some genuine shocks.

The excitement of yet another Manchester United comeback and a scintillating Southampton display was equalled out by an astounding three goalless draws.

Here's Bleacher Report's Team of the Week.

GK: Pepe Reina

The English Premier League was far from blessed by superlative goalkeeping displays this weekend, so it's a pick from those who secured a clean sheet.

Tim Krul limited Southampton to just two goals when it could have easily been six, but his two gaffes mean Pepe Reina makes the team.

He saved a last-minute free kick from Pablo Hernandez to secure the point and looked incredibly efficient under pressure with the ball at his feet.

RB: Glen Johnson

In a week also devoid of quality right-back performances, Glen Johnson bucked the trend.

His surging runs and attacking presence helped Liverpool dominate proceedings at the Liberty Stadium, while his contributions at the other end helped toward a clean sheet.

He gave Ben Davies a torrid time all game and even found himself with a couple of scoring chances from corners. A great all-round display.

CB: Ciaran Clark

When Ron Vlaar, Aston Villa's player of the season so far, exited Villa Park after 51 minutes due to a calf injury, many thought the resistance would cave.

The Dutchman has been the glue that holds a fragile back line together for Paul Lambert, but in his place stepped up a young leader in Ciaran Clark.

The Irishman, who is unlikely to make way for Richard Dunne's despite his impending return from injury, put in a sterling performance, epitomised by a crucial interception he made to stop a certain Gervinho goal.

CB: Jose Fonte

Southampton recorded their first English Premier League clean sheet this season in the unlikeliest of fixtures.

Newcastle continue to look a shadow of their former selves, but take nothing away from a superb performance by the Saints in all areas of the pitch.

The much-maligned Jose Fonte was the pick of the defensive bunch, looking comfortable alongside new central defensive partner Maya Yoshida and even striking the bar with a good effort.

Limiting Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse to one clear-cut chance is highly commendable.

LB: Leighton Baines

Everton's 1-1 draw with Norwich signaled the first game in which Leighton Baines did not directly contribute toward a goal for his team since the season started (via EPLIndex).

Even still, his imperious presence was a constant thorn in Norwich's side.

His direct, forceful runs had Sebastien Bassong and Ryan Bennett on their heels the entire time, and he was unlucky not to score.

Another excellent outing from England's most in-form left-back.

CM: Clint Dempsey

Having been hammered a week ago, American midfielder Clint Dempsey hit back at his critics in style on Sunday against West Ham.

His boundless energy and creative touch from the centre of the pitch opened up countless avenues for his teammates, and his chipped assist for Tottenham's second goal was a thing of beauty.

It was his run that opened things up for a marauding Jermain Defoe for the first goal, and he hit the woodwork himself too.

CM: Ashley Westwood

Arsene Wenger claims his Arsenal side "lacked fluency" (via Goal.com) in their goalless draw on Saturday. That's because Aston Villa's dogged midfield didn't let them settle.

Both Barry Bannan and Ashley Westwood put in fantastic performances at Villa Park on Saturday, but it's the Crewe academy product we've opted for here.

When he arrived at Villa, he said he saw himself in the Michael Carrick role (via The Daily Mail). All evidence suggests he's right.

AM: Gaston Ramirez

Gaston Ramirez started slowly due to injuries and international commitments, but he's firing on all cylinders now.

An incredible performance saw the Uruguayan pick up one goal, one assist and all the plaudits.

He was absolutely everywhere on Sunday, making tackles, creating chances and generally excelling in the No. 10 role behind targetman Rickie Lambert.

RW: Jordi Gomez

Playing in the right forward position in Roberto Martinez's 3-4-3, Jordi Gomez put in the performance of the week.

He scored three second-half goals to put Reading away at the DW Stadium, with his last coming in the dying seconds to save Ali Al-Habsi some severe embarrassment in the post-match press conference.

The goalkeeper's calamitous own goal had looked odds-on to gift the Royals a valuable away point, but Arouna Kone had other ideas.

His cut-back from the left found the Spaniard steaming into the box to complete the perfect hat trick.

LW: Jean Beausejour

Jean Beausejour was absolutely made for Roberto Martinez's 3-4-3 formation.

He slots into our team at left midfield despite playing an orthodox left-wing-back role in the 3-2 win over Reading and remains one of the most potent traditional wide men in the league.

The Chilean received an unbelievable 67 passes from his teammates on the left flank, as they constantly fed him the ball. While only three of his crosses found a Wigan shirt, many were whipped in dangerously and had Reading on red alert.

He grabbed a deserved assist as the Latics ran out eventual winners.

ST: Jermain Defoe

Just as Emmanuel Adebayor looked to be assuming a first-team role under Andre Villas-Boas, he was sent off against Arsenal for a silly challenge.

With that red card, step forward Jermain Defoe. His performance today was excellent, bagging two goals in a comprehensive win over West Ham.

His first goal was Lionel Messi-esque, skipping past three challenges before the burying the ball in the back of the net.

His overall season to date has been remarkable, but his performance against the Hammers was one of his best ever.

Manager: Roberto Martinez

This award nearly went to Nigel Adkins, but the quality of football Wigan produce on a consistent basis is cause for celebration.

Roberto Martinez is bold in his formation selection, positive in his approach and gracious with the media. His use of peripherals is fantastic and brings the best out the players at his disposal.

Despite not having a deep squad, the Spaniard manages to achieve the same levels of performance out of all his players. David Jones, Shaun Maloney and Jean Beausejour are all excelling for him having failed under previous mentors.

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