Premier League Team of Week 4: Di Maria, Herrera & Mata Ace the Diamond
Welcome to the fourth installment of our Premier League Team of the Week for the 2014-15 season.
Here we analyse every game and pick out a star XI, choosing the best players in each position to meld a workable formation (in this case, a 4-4-2 diamond).
Manchester United make up the bulk of the midfield after thrashing Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, while Aston Villa, Southampton and, of course, Diego Costa also feature.
GK: Julian Speroni, Crystal Palace
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Julian Speroni saved the day late on against Burnley, palming away a Scott Arfield penalty to preserve a clean sheet.
Mile Jedinak had hauled his marker down in a rare off day late on, but the Argentine stopper came to the rescue, turning a powerful strike over the bar in epic fashion.
He was strong throughout.
RB: Alan Hutton, Aston Villa
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Alan Hutton's renaissance continued when he starred in defence for Aston Villa against Liverpool.
He was resolute and hard-hitting when necessary, tucked in and stopped anyone from getting around him and wasn't targeted by Brendan Rodgers in the second half—Aly Cissokho was.
The Scot was firm but fair on Mario Balotelli throughout.
CB: Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal
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Laurent Koscielny was magnificent in Arsenal's 2-2 draw against Manchester City on Saturday.
He totaled five tackles, per WhoScored.com, and it would have been a massive injustice to see him net an own goal late on under pressure from Edin Dzeko.
The Frenchman has had a strong start to the season.
CB: Nathan Baker, Aston Villa
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Here's a turn up for the books.
Many, including this writer, feared the worst for Aston Villa when Paul Lambert was forced to name Nathan Baker in place of the injured Ron Vlaar for the trip to Anfield.
But the Englishman rose to the challenge, sitting in a low block and fiercely repelling any ball that came near. Villa left with all three points thanks to an outstanding defensive effort, with Baker the standout performer.
LB: Ryan Bertrand, Southampton
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Ryan Bertrand was again very, very tidy for Southampton, proving his worth as a short-term replacement for Luke Shaw.
He was maligned over the summer by Liverpool fans desperate not to see him join their team, but in the ensuing mess it was forgotten just how well he played for Aston Villa on loan last season.
It was his cross Graziano Pelle headed home to open the scoring, and he's looked really good in possession.
CM: Ander Herrera, Manchester United
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Ander Herrera reminded everyone how valuable a signing he could be on Sunday by putting in a stunning performance at the heart of midfield.
The fast-paced play and quick interchanges suited him down to the ground, and he was able to release Juan Mata into space often and play him into shooting positions.
He capped off his game with a goal from outside the box.
CM: Jack Wilshere, Arsenal
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Credit where credit's due, Jack Wilshere answered his critics in style on Saturday against Manchester City.
Posting a team-high 10 dribbles, per WhoScored.com, the Englishman dictated from a central berth and outshone Aaron Ramsey for the first time in months.
His cute goal was expertly taken, and he grabbed an assist for Alexis Sanchez's wonder strike too.
CM: Angel Di Maria, Manchester United
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Angel Di Maria was the best player on the park at Old Trafford on Sunday, weaving between the lines with the ball at his feet and wreaking havoc with the Queens Park Rangers defence.
He opened the scoring with a wonderful free-kick delivery that evaded everyone and ended up in the net, then proceeded to torment Harry Redknapp's charges with dribbling, crossing and shooting skills.
Just sublime, in every way.
AM: Juan Mata, Manchester United
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Juan Mata makes it a Manchester United sweep in midfield, spearheading a diamond akin to the one he excelled in under Louis van Gaal this weekend.
His well-taken goal, firmly placed into the roof of the net, capped a wonderful showing in which his link-up play with Ander Herrera, Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria shone through.
For those questioning Mata's role in this team, sit up and take note.
ST: Graziano Pelle, Southampton
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Graziano Pelle bullied Newcastle United on Saturday, pulling Fabricio Coloccini all over the place and punishing Mike Williamson for his hesitancy.
His headed goal to open the scoring looked simple, but it was a titanic effort, and his second—a tap-in following Dusan Tadic's calm assist—was a just reward for his play.
ST: Diego Costa, Chelsea
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Diego Costa scored his first Premier League hat-trick on Saturday, giving Chelsea a 4-2 win over Swansea City and prompting B/R's Garry Hayes to revel in his presence:
"Once again, Chelsea fans were treated to a masterclass from the Spanish international, who increased his goal tally to seven in just four games this season following his match-winning hat-trick against the Swans.
From being a goal down and largely outplayed in the first half, Costa rescued Chelsea with his header on the stroke of half time, before going on to all but win the game after the interval.
"
Bench
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GK: Ben Hamer, Leicester City
FB: Leighton Baines, Everton
CM: Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea
DM: Morgan Schneiderlin, Southampton
RW: Jesus Navas, Manchester City
ST: Wayne Rooney, Manchester United
ST: Leonardo Ulloa, Leicester City
