Team of the Week: Howard saves Everton

17 January 2011 10:16
Football.co.uk's Joe Strange looks back over the weekend's Premier League action to pick his best XI.

Goalkeeper - Tim Howard, Everton

Despite gifting opponents Liverpool a penalty to level the game at 2-2, Howard's outstanding first-half performance kept Everton in the game as the home side dominated.

The American stopper made a number of key saves from the likes of Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt to help his side earn a well-deserved point against Kenny Dalglish's resurgent side.

Right-back - Jose Bosingwa, Chelsea

With Chelsea's forward-line struggling to find the back of the net, Carlo Ancelotti gave attack-minded Bosingwa a starting berth against Blackburn at Stamford Bridge.

The Portuguese full-back continually provided a threat going forward and coped well with the physicality of Rovers' attackers.

Central defence - Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United

Vidic has been in excellent form this season and he continued it at White Hart Lane yesterday afternoon.

The Serbian defender dealt superbly with the threat of Peter Crouch, helping ten-man Manchester United maintain their unbeaten Premier League run.

Central defence - James Collins, Aston Villa

A rock at the back and a threat at set-pieces, Collins put in a vital performance in yesterday's second city derby.

The Welsh defender helped limit Birmingham to very few chances throughout the 90 minutes before popping up with a point-saving equaliser in the second-half.

Left-back - Gael Clichy, Arsenal

Arsenal turned in an eye-catching display at Upton Park on Saturday evening with Clichy playing an integral role at both ends of the pitch.

The Frenchman dealt well with West Ham's occasional threat and supported his side's attack with aplomb.

Right-midfield - Theo Walcott, Arsenal

Often criticised for his finishing and lack of end product, Walcott delivered one of his most impressive performances during Arsenal's comfortable 3-0 away win over the Hammers.

The England man scored the second goal and won a penalty with a textbook driving run into Robert Green's area.

Central-midfield - Marouane Fellaini, Everton

Despite a difficult opening period in yesterday's Merseyside derby, Fellaini kept his composure to help Everton into the second-half with just a one-goal deficit.

After the break he began to thrive, keeping possession well and breaking up a number of dangerous Liverpool attacks.

Central-midfield - Yaya Toure, Manchester City

After an uninspiring start to his career at Eastlands, Toure has adapated to English football with ease over the past four months.

The Ivory Coast international was close to his best against Wolves, bagging a goal to go along with an energetic midfield display.

Left-midfield - Luka Modric, Tottenham Hotspur

The Croatian midfielder looked back to his best yesterday after a slightly disappointing showing away at Everton last week.

He kept the ball well and used his great range of passing to great effect during the 0-0 home draw with Manchester United.

Striker - Carlos Tevez, Manchester City

After putting an end to his recent dispute with the Manchester City hierarchy, Carlos Tevez is fast recapturing his best form as Roberto Mancini's side bid for the title.

The Argentine forward scored twice in the 4-3 win over Wolves, his first being a wonderful individual run and finish.

Striker - Robin van Persie, Arsenal

Van Persie completes the trio of Arsenal players in this week's team of the week after his brace secured a comfortable three points for Arsene Wenger's side.

The Dutchman's smart finish opened the scoring before his second-half penalty put the game to bed with 13 minutes left.

Source: DSG