Premier League Team of the Week: Aguero, Silva and Ozil Shine Bright
Welcome to the eighth installment of Bleacher Report's Premier League Team of the Week series for 2015-16.
We analysed every game to pick out a star XI from the weekend's fixtures, choosing the best players to form a viable formation. Only the best players in each position from this week's action make the cut, leading to several tough decisions along the way.
Manchester City and Arsenal achieved massive victories this week, more or less dictating a strong presence in the selection from their respective XIs. We also have some star Merseyside derby performers and a couple from this weekend's battle in the Midlands.
Disagree with our selections? Hit us up in the comments section below to start the conversation.
GK: Simon Mignolet, Liverpool
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There was nothing Simon Mignolet could do about Romelu Lukaku's goal, but all things considered, the goalkeeper had a fine day between the sticks during the Merseyside derby on Sunday.
There were three reflexive, point-blank saves that caught the eye—particularly the one from Steven Naismith, who was seemingly unmarked from a free-kick into the box—and he was decisive with his clearances and palmed saves.
Petr Cech came up big at key moments for Arsenal and Heurelho Gomes saved a penalty, but Mignolet just about pips both this week.
RB: Glen Johnson, Stoke City
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Glen Johnson's had a quiet start to life at Stoke City, but in some ways that's probably a good thing. Often the target of abuse at his previous club, things have been pretty steady for him in Staffordshire so far.
This weekend against Aston Villa, he stepped it up a notch, though, providing a slick through ball for Marko Arnautovic to finish off as the Potters won 1-0 and continued to ascend the league table.
He looked good defensively too, dealing well with Jordan Amavi—a tough player to handle on the best of days—better than anyone else has this season.
CB: Phil Jagielka, Everton
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This weekend's Merseyside derby wasn't the prettiest of watches, but Phil Jagielka shone in defence—particularly early on, as Liverpool mounted the pressure on the hosts.
The England international supplied a number of key blocks to prevent the Reds from taking the lead before they did, tearing around his own penalty box to stop shots and crosses. He headed a few dangerous balls clear under pressure, too.
CB: Micah Richards, Aston Villa
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Micah Richards put in a blinding performance for Aston Villa this weekend, and although he ended up on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline, he can take solace in the fact that his individual showing was very good.
He slid in to make a key block early on as Stoke City threatened to surge through on goal, mopping up his colleagues' mess before charging forward with the ball at his feet in the second half in an attempt to force an equaliser. One run saw him take on four players and lay the ball off, only for Jordan Ayew to scuff wide.
Richards did miss a half-open goal with a header, squandering the chance to level matters, but his overall, 90-minute showing was dominant.
LB: Nacho Monreal, Arsenal
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Nacho Monreal had a quietly efficient game on Sunday, further establishing his outright authority over the Arsenal left-back position. Contrast the Spaniard's performance against Manchester United to Kieran Gibbs' against Olympiakos, and it's clear the latter won't be displacing anyone soon.
Monreal provided width and well-timed runs on the left with regularity, stretching the pitch and helping Alexis Sanchez cause Matteo Darmian (substituted at half-time) all sorts of issues. A clean sheet is always welcome, too.
DM: James McCarthy, Everton
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James McCarthy relished his role in the Merseyside derby, crunching through challenges and man-marking key attacking outlets to nullify their presence.
Philippe Coutinho was borderline anonymous for the match due to McCarthy's attention, and when given the chance, the Irishman burst forward to lead counter-attacks and draw fouls himself.
Like the spectacle itself, McCarthy's performance wasn't pretty, but it was downright effective.
DM: Yohan Cabaye, Crystal Palace
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"He's one of the top players I've had in terms of being able to trust how the game is evolving. He can smell what to do at the right time," Alan Pardew said of Yohan Cabaye to the Guardian (h/t Goal.com) after Crystal Palace's 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
The club's record signing put in another accomplished performance to lead his side through a tricky fixture, providing a slick assist for Yannick Bolasie's opener and converting the penalty late on to seal the points.
AM: Mesut Ozil, Arsenal
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Mesut Ozil just pipped Kevin De Bruyne to our No. 10 slot in the Team of the Week after destroying Manchester United on Sunday. Given the calibre of the opposition Arsenal faced, it's only fair we award the German his due.
He was given plenty of room to work with due to the reckless, roaming nature of United's midfield (particularly Bastian Schweinsteiger) and took full advantage, sliding Theo Walcott in for several penetrative runs, providing the assist for Alexis Sanchez's opener and guiding the second in himself.
It was a masterful display from the creative little genius.
Wing: Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal
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Sadio Mane put in a superb display against Chelsea on Saturday, and on your average weekend, it would have been enough to earn him a spot on the Team of the Week. Unfortunately for the Senegalese star, David Silva and Alexis Sanchez were even better.
Arsenal's destruction of Manchester United came as a surprise to most, with the home side starting like a house on fire and refusing to cool off until a three-goal lead had been established. Alexis was central to that effort, providing energy, guile and two slick goals.
His first—a backheeled effort at the near post—set the tone, and his second—a thunderous effort from 18 yards—rubber-stamped the Gunners' authority on the game.
Wing: David Silva, Manchester City
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"David Silva is Manchester City's greatest-ever player, so why is he so overlooked?" asked Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News on Saturday, following Silva's demolition of Newcastle United. He's not been overlooked here, Stuart, don't fear.
While a certain Argentinian striker will steal the headlines after the Citizens' 6-1 win this weekend, it should be made clear this was, by and large, a product of Silva re-entering the XI. He missed the last two league games (both losses), then returned for the game they netted half a dozen.
Coincidence? No chance.
ST: Sergio Aguero, Manchester City
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Every season, Sergio Aguero picks one team to slaughter almost single-handedly. Last year, it was a poor, unsuspecting Tottenham Hotspur. This time around, it was a beleaguered, bedraggled Newcastle United.
The Magpies actually took the lead via Aleksandar Mitrovic, but the fairy dust didn't last long. Aguero scored five goals in a 6-1 comeback victory, netting just before half-time to set the scene, then piling on the misery early in the second period.
The Argentinian is, arguably, the best overall player in the Premier League, and it's about time he showed it. With his slow start to the campaign now forgotten, City fans will hope he cracks on and nets with more consistency from here on out.
Bench
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GK: Petr Cech, Arsenal
CB: Virgil van Dijk, Southampton
CM: Santi Cazorla, Arsenal
Wing: Sadio Mane, Southampton
AM: Christian Eriksen, Tottenham Hotspur
AM: Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City
ST: Graziano Pelle, Southampton
