Premier League Team of Week: Lloris, Cazorla, Costa, Oscar and Koscielny Star
Welcome to the 22nd 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 from the weekend's fixtures, choosing the best players to form a viable formation (in this case, a 4-2-2-2).
Be warned: It's pretty Arsenal-heavy this week as four players make the grade following a gutsy win at Manchester City. There's also three from Chelsea present, leaving the remaining clubs to scrap over just four places. Apologies to Aaron Cresswell, Stewart Downing and the rest of the West Ham team—we couldn't find room for you, but that doesn't mean you didn't play well.
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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It was a tough battle for the goalkeeping spot this weekend, with several shot-stoppers proving their merit once again. Hugo Lloris beats out David De Gea, Simon Mignolet, Robert Green and more, though, after making a series of quality stops.
The Frenchman was on hand, as ever, to dive left and right to stop goal-bound shots piercing the net. There was nothing he could do for Sebastian Larsson's golden free-kick, but a number of high-quality saves were rewarded late on as Christian Eriksen swept home the winner. Again.
RB: Branislav Ivanovic, Chelsea
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Branislav Ivanovic was in monstrous form against Swansea City, charging forward and tearing into the poor, unsuspecting Neil Taylor.
He picked up an assist for Andre Schurrle's goal—despite intending his pass for Oscar, for a hat-trick—and kept a clean sheet at the other end. Granted, it wasn't the Swans' finest game by any means, but "Brana" continued his imperious season in style.
CB: Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal
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Laurent Koscielny's impact this weekend was huge. Not only did he shackle Sergio Aguero successfully despite playing 87 minutes on a yellow card, but he also brought the best out of Per Mertesacker.
He reassures everyone in the Arsenal back line when he's present—particularly the big German alongside him—and his vital interceptions, clearances and tackles were key to a clean sheet at the Etihad Stadium.
CB: Jose Fonte, Southampton
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Southampton may have claimed yet another three-point haul this weekend, this time from the North East, but they're being made to work hard for their wins.
Ronald Koeman's men were in backs-to-the-wall mode late on, with Jose Fonte rising to the fore and commanding the penalty area superbly. He's made errors or gone missing in vital moments in the past, but on this occasion he stood tall.
LB: Nacho Monreal, Arsenal
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Not only did Nacho Monreal win the penalty that broke the deadlock at the Etihad Stadium, but he successfully stifled Manchester City's biggest threat on paper too.
With Arsenal sitting deep and defending stoutly, Jesus Navas' width and crossing ability became the sole option for Manuel Pellegrini's men. Monreal kept his compatriot exceptionally quiet, though, forcing poor deliveries and fruitless runs.
CM: Francis Coquelin, Arsenal
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Two months ago, Francis Coquelin was making a living on loan at Charlton Athletic in the Championship. Fast-forward to mid-January and he's the saving grace of an Arsenal side who finally appear to have an answer in holding midfield.
Coquelin was imperious in the middle, dominating the central zones and following runners to nullify passing lanes. His distribution was basic but effective, and he made the defence's job a lot easier.
CM: Santi Cazorla, Arsenal
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The Daily Mail's Neil Ashton gave Santi Cazorla a 7/10 for his performance against Manchester City. Everybody else who watched the game, including us, is leaning closer toward the nine or 10 mark.
The Spaniard's delightful play between the lines and clearly improved tracking of runners (bar the first five minutes) helped Arsenal to a famous victory. His penalty broke the deadlock, and his clipped free-kick allowed Olivier Giroud to head home with ease.
Brilliance.
AM: Eljero Elia, Southampton
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Eljero Elia has made a dream start to life at Southampton, first playing his hard-running part in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, and now bagging a brace as his side turned over Newcastle United at St. James' Park.
The left-winger is doubted by most leagues due to torrid experiences in pockets of the continent, but Saints fans have been nothing but impressed by his will to succeed.
AM: Oscar, Chelsea
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Oscar was oh so close to a hat-trick on Saturday, but Andre Schurrle robbed him of the opportunity. Regardless, the Brazilian's two-goal showing was key to the drubbing Chelsea gave Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.
His pressing, running, passing and playmaking throughout was a joy to watch, with his impressive quick feet instrumental in the quick build-up play. His goal inside two minutes opened the floodgates for a rout.
ST: Dwight Gayle, Crystal Palace
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Dwight Gayle moved into double figures for the season (in all competitions) by firing two opportunistic strikes past Tom Heaton at Burnley on Saturday.
He's impressed Alan Pardew early on, and the fact he can play wide or up front is working firmly in his favour. His brace allowed the new manager to make it three wins from three since taking the reins.
ST: Diego Costa, Chelsea
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Diego Costa was in magnificent form once again this weekend, slotting home his 16th and 17th Premier League goals of the season against a beleaguered and battered Swansea City.
They were both cool finishes—one the product of a fantastic team move, another taking advantage of a horrendous Federico Fernandez error—and he sacrificed the chance for a hat-trick by selflessly playing team-mates in for more chances throughout the game.
A fantastic all-round performance, as we've come to expect.
