FA Cup Team of Week: Zouma, Alexis Sanchez, Gerrard and Berahino Star
Welcome to a special edition FA Cup Team of the Week, where we round up the best performances across the third round and develop a working XI—in this case, a 3-4-1-2 (3-5-2).
The action has dragged out over four action-packed days, but with Tuesday signalling the culmination of the action (bar any replays required), it's the perfect time to introduce our first cup selection of the year.
If you spotted another strong performance elsewhere, drop their name in the comments below and start the conversation!
GK: David Raya Martin, Southport
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David Raya Martin, on loan at Southport from Blackburn Rovers, spent what was possibly his final afternoon in a Yellows shirt, putting himself firmly in the spotlight for all the right reasons.
It took Derby County, a team more than 50 places above Southport in the English league structure, 93 minutes to beat the Spaniard. Even then, it was from the penalty spot—and Martin nearly clawed that one out, too.
He made one fantastic double save in particular to keep the score at 0-0, and Rams boss Steven McClaren described his performance to BBC Sport post-match as "magnificent."
CB: Kurt Zouma, Chelsea
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Kurt Zouma's bruising, effective performance in a 3-0 win against Watford prompted ESPN FC's Mark Worrall to brand him the "future rock at the heart of Chelsea's defence."
While that's perhaps taking things a little far for now, it's undeniable how far the Frenchman has come since entering the first-team setup. His goalscoring showing boasted tactical awareness, calm on the ball and a commanding edge.
CB: Scott Dann, Crystal Palace
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It's not a "score and you're in" policy, but there have been several goalscoring centre-backs who've really impressed over the course of the third round, and they are duly rewarded.
Scott Dann was superb in his first appearance under manager Alan Pardew, affirming his status as Crystal Palace's top dog at centre-back. He netted twice and shut the door defensively in a 4-0 win for the visitors.
Any hopes of a "Cupset" were firmly seen to by this underrated stalwart.
CB: Harry Maguire, Hull City
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Hull City lost 2-0, and many of their players were subpar during the match against Arsenal, but Harry Maguire put in a strong performance to stake his claim for a regular role in Steve Bruce's setup.
The young centre-back signed from Sheffield United in the summer and has had to be patient, but he showed aggressiveness, good positional ability and committed to two heroic blocks, one in each half.
RM: Marc Albrighton, Leicester City
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Marc Albrighton's had to wait a long, long time for this. An injury-riddled 18 months have been a hellish nightmare for the player, but he seized his chance this weekend during Leicester City's time of need.
Esteban Cambiasso's withdrawal led to a midfield reshuffle during the Foxes' 1-0 win over Newcastle United, and Albrighton came on to spark attacks and drive at the heart of the defence. His crossing, as ever, was strong, and he will certainly have given manager Nigel Pearson food for thought ahead of this weekend's tussle with Aston Villa.
MID: Barry Bannan, Crystal Palace
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Barry Bannan rose from the dead this weekend, putting together an excellent display in Dover after being given a chance by Pardew.
The Scot is a deft playmaker but has found himself at the wrong club for his stylistic strengths. Pardew is certain to have been impressed with what he saw and may be tempted to give him another go.
Operating from a left-sided role, Bannan slid several excellent passes into the paths of team-mates as Dover's defence buckled under pressure.
MID: Steven Gerrard, Liverpool
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Steven Gerrard gets the nod in midfield this week not only for scoring two tremendous goals, but also for leading his team past a serious potential "Cupset" under the lights.
AFC Wimbledon brought the house; the home side were desperate to claim the most almighty of upsets. That's what makes the FA Cup so difficult sometimes—when a "lesser" side does everything in their power to claim that precious win.
LM: Kyel Reid, Preston North End
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Preston North End's No. 2 Glynn Snodin was mightily impressed with Kyel Reid this weekend, per The Lancashire Evening Post: “What we saw from Kyel on Saturday is what we expect as the season goes on—and more. Having worked with the lad before, I knew he had that kind of performance in his locker."
He picked up an assist and was voted Man of the Match. Here's to an injury-free stretch for the wide man, who can now truly show his strengths.
AMC: Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal
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Alexis Sanchez put in the sort of showing we've come to expect; he's a star player who shines brighter than most week in, week out.
The Arsenal fans who initially sounded concerned over the fact he was playing—"when will the Chilean take a much-needed rest?"—soon saw their fears allayed/forgotten as he dazzled Hull City's defence and scored a peach of a goal to seal the result.
ST: Paul Gallagher, Preston North End
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Preston North End caused one of the more unsung "Cupsets" this weekend, defeating a team in the division above them, Norwich City. While national media focused on the toilings of AFC Wimbledon and Yeovil Town, this result flew a little under the radar.
Paul Gallagher, PNE's central striker, scored both goals, and hours later, Neil Adams resigned from his role as Canaries boss, per BBC Sport.
ST: Saido Berahino, West Bromwich Albion
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Saido Berahino certainly knows how to make a good first impression. His fantastic four-goal haul destroyed lowly Gateshead and affirmed his status as West Brom's best striker.
"Berahino today became the first player since Tony Brown (January 1974 - 4-1 vs Forest) to score 4 goals in a single competitive #WBA game.
— BaggiesFacts.com (@BaggiesFacts) January 3, 2015"
Two of the strikes in particular were wicked, curling efforts, and despite WBA winning 7-0 overall in a fantastic team performance, Berahino stole the headlines due to his heroics.
