Premier League Team of the Week: Schneiderlin, Costa, Cazorla, Oscar Star
Welcome to the 21st instalment of our Premier League Team of the Week for the 2014-15 season.
Here, we analyse every game and pick out a star XI from the weekend's fixtures, choosing the best players to form a viable formation (in this case, a 4-2-3-1).
Aston Villa players are distinctly absent after another drab performance, but Southampton, Arsenal and Liverpool are well-represented.
Disagree with our selections? Hit us up in the comments section below to start the conversation!
GK: Hugo Lloris, Tottenham Hotspur
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This week wasn't fantastic for goalkeepers, and we've opted for Hugo Lloris, despite his concession of two goals at Selhurst Park.
Why? Because he made three incredible saves earlier in the game, keeping Tottenham Hotspur in the match so Harry Kane could give them the lead. It's nothing out of the ordinary for Lloris, who is now challenging Thibaut Courtois for the title of best 'keeper in the league.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne, Southampton
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For those admiring Nathaniel Clyne's offensive ability but doubting his defensive skill set, look no further than Southampton's 1-0 victory over Manchester United. It illustrates Clyne's defensive aptitude in full.
The right-back was a key part of meeting the United wing-backs early, stopping crosses and contributing to the solidity of the defensive line. He didn't get forward much at all, but he didn't need to; his job was done perfectly in his own third.
CB: Emre Can, Liverpool
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Emre Can played in two unfamiliar positions early on Saturday, but it seems like the German can handle anything Brendan Rodgers is willing to throw his way.
Starting at right-centre-back (like he did against Swansea City), Can impressed in the line. In the second half he moved to right-wing-back—a position he has very little, if any, experience in—but excelled once again.
Is he Liverpool's best midfielder?
CB: Florin Gardos, Southampton
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Florin Gardos came on as an early substitute for Toby Alderweireld, who hurt his leg stretching to block a cross. Expectations surrounding the Romanian were low due to his lack of Premier League exposure, but he acquitted himself superbly.
Alderweireld is a monstrous centre-back, so losing him was a bitter blow, but Gardos filled in superbly and bought into the stubborn mindset Saints set out immediately. Fans will feel a bit happier with their fill-in option after this performance.
LB: Paul Konchesky, Leicester City
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There's a case for including Nacho Monreal here, who battled for 90 minutes against the giants of Stoke City with staples holding his face together, but we've opted for Paul Konchesky's redemption story instead.
The Leicester full-back scored the only goal of the game against Aston Villa in a 1-0 win, banishing bad memories of his questionable red card at Villa Park in December. The clean sheet helps, too.
CM: Morgan Schneiderlin, Southampton
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Morgan Schneiderlin put on a master-class defensive display on Sunday, prompting fans of "traditional" top-four clubs to wish he was their protector, shielder and anchor.
Southampton's approach completely nullified Manchester United, employing Schneiderlin in his favoured defensive midfield position and tasking him with stopping Juan Mata and Co. from playing.
It was, by far, the best performance of the weekend by any Premier League player.
CM: Santi Cazorla, Arsenal
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Arsenal have been labelled a one-man team lately, but Santi Cazorla showed Sunday that that's perhaps a little inaccurate. The Spaniard danced between the lines with ease as Stoke City failed, wholly, to contain him.
His influence in the No. 10 space was integral to the Gunners' dominance early, and his linking of the play—in addition to his releasing of Tomas Rosicky and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain—was very impressive.
Wing: Lazar Markovic, Liverpool
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Lazar Markovic finds himself in our Team of the Week once again, and that's testament to the great work he's put in over the past month or so. He's far removed from the reserve role he was playing between October and December.
His game-winner was an absolutely astonishing strike, Wayne Routledge-esque in its execution but even further into the corner. He also hit the woodwork earlier on and then pushed on and played a more attacking role when asked.
A manager's dream.
AMC: Oscar, Chelsea
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Oscar snapped back into wonderful form for Chelsea this weekend; it's remarkable what a little rest period can do!
The Brazilian has played way too much football over the past three years, and Jose Mourinho, with Cesc Fabregas in tow, has finally been able to rest the Brazilian and replace his impact in the XI. That means Oscar will turn in more performances like this one: goal, assist, key passes galore and a pressing mantra that matches Barcelona's under Pep Guardiola.
Wing: Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal
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Alexis Sanchez ripped Stoke City to shreds at the Emirates Stadium this weekend, scoring twice and assisting Laurent Koscielny's opener. Arsenal cruised to victory, 3-0, as a result of his brilliance.
It was his first goal that really caught the eye, jinking into the box and beating Asmir Begovic at his near post by fooling him with his body shape. Absolutely sublime, but what else do we expect from the magnificent Chilean?
ST: Diego Costa, Chelsea
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During the first half of Chelsea vs. Newcastle United, it felt like Remy Cabella and Co. were going to run away with it. The Magpies dominated the first half and should have been two up by the break.
But in the second half Chelsea showed their champion-like qualities, burying a game that was going against them with two clinical finishes. Diego Costa, of course, was an integral part of it; his steadied, composed finish sealed the game.
