Team of the week: Saha hits four in Goodison goal glut

07 February 2011 10:48
Football.co.uk's Joe Strange looks back over a goal-crazy weekend of Premier League action to pick his best XI.

Goalkeeper - Wayne Hennessey, Wolves

Not many people gave Wolves a chance against unbeaten league leaders Manchester United on Saturday evening but Mick McCarthy's men upset the odds once again, coming from behind to secure a vital 2-1 win.

Wayne Rooney and co failed to test Hennessey as much as they would've liked but the young keeper still put in a confident performance to help in his side's battle against the drop.

Right-back - Kyle Walker, Aston Villa

Just hours before being called up to the senior England squad for the first time, Walker showed Fabio Capello what he's all about with another eye-catching showing.

The full-back constantly tormented Fulham's defence, capping off a fine attacking display with a long-range strike to put his side 2-1 up.

Central defence - Jamie Carragher, Liverpool

Back in the team after a long-term shoulder injury, Jamie Carragher was immediately back to his best in yesterday's hyped-up clash at Stamford Bridge.

The former England man dealt expertly with both Didier Drogba and former team-mate Fernando Torres, helping to inspire his team to a memorable 1-0 win.

Central defence - Daniel Agger, Liverpool

Carragher wasn't the only one to deliver a stand-out performance for Kenny Dalglish's side against Chelsea as both Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel also shone.

Agger just beats Skrtel into the best XI by virtue of his crunching challenge on Torres early in the first half.

Left-back - Leighton Baines, Everton

Arguably the best left-back in the league this season, Baines continued his impressive form in Everton's stunning 5-3 win over Blackpool at Goodison.

The ex-Wigan man provided assists for both Jermaine Beckford and Louis Saha, with his fantastic delivery proving to be one of the Blues' most effective weapons.

Central-midfield - Joey Barton, Newcastle

Despite a lacklusture first-half against Arsenal, Barton more than made up for a poor opening period with two goals in Newcastle's unbelievable comeback at St James' Park.

Two of the calmest penalties you'll ever see complimented a performance full of drive and determination as the Magpies came back from the dead.

Central-midfield - James McCarthy, Wigan Athletic

Another midfielder who bagged a brace at the weekend was Wigan's James McCarthy in his side's 4-3 defeat of Blackburn Rovers.

The highly-rated youngster finished smartly to level the game at 1-1 before a sublime piece of skill allowed him the time and space to slot past the helpless Paul Robinson for his second.

Central-midfield - Raul Meireles, Liverpool

Liverpool's Portuguese star has hit the goal-trail in recent weeks and he was at it again on Sunday as his side deservedly picked up all three points against the stuttering champions.

Meireles completed an energetic midfield display with the winning goal, controlling a difficult half-volley past the poor Petr Cech.

Striker - Louis Saha, Everton


After struggling for form and fitness for the first half of the season, Saha appears to finally be producing the sort performances that Everton fans know he's capable of.

Goals against Chelsea and Arsenal in his last two games were eclipsed as the Frenchman struck four times to inspire David Moyes' side to an incredible 5-3 victory over Blackpool.

Striker - Robin Van Persie, Arsenal


Van Persie is another forward in form, scoring twice as Arsenal dominated the opening period away at Newcastle.

The Dutchman even looked to have bagged a late winner for his side, only to see his hat-trick goal ruled out for a marginal offside.

Striker - Carlos Tevez, Manchester City


Although two of his goals came from the penalty spot, Tevez's importance to Manchester City was obvious in their comfortable 3-0 win over struggling West Brom.

The Argentine striker took his spot-kicks with aplomb and scored another goal in between to round off his hat-trick.

Follow Joe on Twitter @joe_strange

Source: DSG