Team of the week: Drogba back on form for Chelsea

25 January 2011 11:59
Football.co.uk's Joe Strange looks back over the latest round of Premier League fixtures to pick his best XI.

Goalkeeper - Paul Robinson, Blackburn Rovers

The Blackburn stopper looked back to his best on Sunday afternoon as he kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 home win over struggling West Bromwich Albion.

The ex-England man pulled off a number of eye-catching saves including a crucial stop to keep out Jerome Thomas' goal-bound drive.


Right-back - Martin Kelly, Liverpool

Preferred at right-back to Glen Johnson, Kelly continued to show just why new manager Kenny Dalglish is showing so much faith in him.

His natural attacking ability was on full display as he constantly drove forward, providing a sustained threat to the Wolves back four.


Central defence - John Terry, Chelsea

Chelsea roared back to their unstoppable best last night at the Reebok, with Terry playing a pivotal role in their comfortable 4-0 win over Bolton.

The Blues' skipper dealt with Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies with relative ease, allowing Petr Cech to have a reasonably quiet evening.


Central defence - James Collins, Aston Villa

James Collins makes my team of the week for the second week running after a battling display in Aston Villa's hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester City.

The big Welshman made a number of crucial blocks and tackles to deny the in-form Carlos Tevez adding to his growing collection of Premier League goals.


Left-back - Ciaran Clark, Aston Villa

Collins is joined in this week's back four by his team-mate and defensive partner Ciaran Clark, who also put in an excellent shift against high-flying City.

The youngster is fast establishing himself in Gerard Houllier's first XI and his vital late block to secure all three points will have only helped his case.


Right-midfield - Nani, Manchester United

Nani continues to silence his critics after turning in yet another productive performance in Manchester United's 5-0 romp against Birmingham City.

The Portuguese star weighed in with a long range strike to top off one of United's most impressive displays of the season.


Central-midfield - Raul Meireles, Liverpool

After a difficult start to his Liverpool career, Meireles seems to finally be finding his feet in English football.

The former Porto man bagged his second goal for the club with a stunning long-range volley against Wolves, helping his side to a much-needed victory.


Central-midfield - Ramires, Chelsea

Ramires is another player who has endured a less than perfect start to his Premier League career but he went some way to proving his credentials in yesterday's win over Bolton.

The Brazilian relished his physical battle with Fabrice Muamba before scoring his first goal for Carlo Ancelotti's side with a well-placed finish.


Left-midfield - Kieran Richardson, Sunderland

With Darren Bent's departure to Aston Villa completed, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce was in desperate need of someone to provide the goals against Blackpool.

Richardson took the added responsibility on his shoulders, scoring a classy double to take three points back to the Stadium of Light.


Striker - Didier Drogba, Chelsea

Chelsea have been in terrible form in recent weeks, with the normally prolific Didier Drogba struggling to find the back of the net.

But last night the Ivorian appeared to regain his confidence, blasting in a 30-yard screamer which was enough to secure the win.


Striker - Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United

Berbatov has a habit of either not scoring or only scoring more than once and he was at it again against Birmingham on Saturday.

It wasn't quite as good as his five against Blackburn earlier in the season but his hat-trick past the helpless Ben Foster was still an impressive feat.

Follow Joe on Twitter @joe_strange





Source: DSG