Premier League team of the week: Harewood shines for Blackpool

16 August 2010 09:17
In the first of a new weekly feature, Football.co.uk's Joe Strange reviews the weekend's Premier League action to pick his team of the week.

- Premier League Results / Premier League News / Premier League Fixtures

Goalkeeper - Joe Hart
(Manchester City)

Handed the gloves ahead of the more experienced Shay Given, Joe Hart embraced his starting spot with a fantastic display at White Hart Lane. Jermain Defoe, Tom Huddlestone and Benoit Assou-Ekotto all tried and failed to beat the England man, whose performance may well have sealed Given's exit from Eastlands.

Right-back - Alex Baptiste
(Blackpool)

A superb 4-0 win away at Wigan was filled with great individual showings throughout the Blackpool team, with Baptiste putting in an excellent shift at both ends of the pitch. In defence he was solid, while his rampaging runs down the right-flank ultimately helped him add the Tangerine's fourth goal.

Central defence - Vincent Kompany
(Manchester City)

Given the nod ahead of £24 million man Joleon Lescott, Kompany grabbed his opportunity in the heart of the City defence. His side suffered a first-half onslaught from Spurs but the Belgium international stood up to the task with a number of key tackles and blocks.

Central defence - Jamie Carragher
(Liverpool)

After a miserable return to the England team for the World Cup in South Africa, Carragher returned to club football with aplomb. With his side reduced to ten men for the entire second-half, the central defender marshalled the back-four superbly to keep Arsenal out until an unfortuante Pepe Reina own goal.

Left-back - Benoit Assou-Ekotto
(Tottenham Hotspur)

Despite facing the likes of Carlos Tevez, David Silva and Shaun Wright-Phillips, Assou-Ekotto put in a confident performance in his side's opening game. After scoring a screamer against Liverpool on the opening day of last season, he almost repeated the feat with a long-range effort on Saturday afternoon.

Right-midfield - Marc Albrighton
(Aston Villa)

A relatively unknown quantity, Albrighton announced himself to the Premier League with a stunning performance at home to West Ham. His pace and trickery tormented the Hammers' defence and he also played a major part in two of Villa's goals.

Central midfield - Charlie Adam
(Blackpool)

A huge reason behind Blackpool's success last season, Adam continued his impressive form on his Premier League bow at the DW Stadium. Influential in the centre of midfield, the Scottish international's positioning and passing were vital to his side's opening day victory.

Central midfield - Samir Nasri
(Arsenal)

Played just behind lone-striker Marouane Chamakh, Nasri was allowed to flourish for much of the game against against Liverpool - with his intricate passing and movement providing a constant threat. It could well be a role he occupies for many more games this season.

Left-midfield - Florent Malouda
(Chelsea)

After a dazzling 2009-10 season, Malouda continued where he left off with yet another excellent display against newly promoted West Bromwich Albion. The Frenchman bagged two goals and could've had at least one more on a great day for the Blues.

Striker - Didier Drogba
(Chelsea)

Any doubts about Drogba's age were firmly put to bed as the striker scored a hat-trick on the opening day of the season. The Ivorian's excellent free-kick technique, strength and finishing ability were all on show as he tore the Baggies apart.

Striker - Marlon Harewood
(Blackpool)

After a protracted move to underdogs Blackpool, Harewood repaid the faith shown him in by mnagaer Ian Holloway with a stunning debut for the Seasiders. The veteran front-man scored twice and led the line well as his side upset the odds on Saturday afternoon.

Source: DSG