Team of the week: Suarez helps keep Liverpool in the hunt for Europe

21 March 2011 14:48
Football.co.uk's Joe Strange looks back over the weekend's Premier League action to pick his best XI.

Goalkeeper - Robert Green, West Ham United

Green showed that he is well and truly back to his best at White Hart Lane on Saturday, pulling off a string of fine saves to keep Tottenham out and secure a valuable away point.

The England man looked confident throughout and capped off an excellent display with a stunning stop to deny Gareth Bale's goal-bound free-kick.

Right-back - Steven Reid, West Bromwich Albion

Forced to play out of position due to injuries, Steven Reid adapted superbly as West Brom earned a hard-fought draw with title-chasing Arsenal.

The former Blackburn midfielder also scored his side's opener, an unstoppable header past Gunners keeper Manuel Almunia.

Central defence - David Luiz, Chelsea

Luiz is fast becoming a cult hero down at Stamford Bridge and his performance against Manchester City will have only enhanced his growing reputation amongst the Chelsea faithful.

The Brazilian defender rose well to score his side's winner and dealt comfortably with the likes of Edin Dzeko and David Silva at the other end of the pitch.

Central defence - Matthew Upson, West Ham United

West Ham continue to improve defensively, repeatedly denying Spurs to earn a gritty 0-0 in North London on Saturday lunchtime.

Hammers captain Upson played a major part yet again, winning the vast majority of his aerial battles and marshalling the back four brilliantly.

Left-back - Wayne Bridge, West Ham United

Upson was only outshone in West Ham's defence by on-loan Wayne Bridge who enjoyed his best game in a claret and blue shirt.

The man from Manchester City was constatntly threatened by both Bale and Aaron Lennon but managed to deal with them superbly.

Right-midfield - Jermaine Pennant, Stoke City

After failing to settle at any of his previous clubs, Pennant looks like he may have finally found a place he can call home.

The ex-Liverpool winger had one of his best games in a Stoke shirt against Newcastle, scoring once and delivering a number of dangerous crosses.

Central midfield - Charlie Adam, Blackpool

Without a doubt Blackpool's most important player, Adam was back from a two-match ban at Ewood Park on Saturday.

He took no time getting back to business, scoring a penalty and an eye-catching free-kick in an entertaining 2-2 draw between two of the league's relegation candidates.

Central midfield - Luka Modric, Tottenham Hotspur

Even though they failed to score, Tottenham played some great football in Saturday's London derby with West Ham.

Modric was key to most of Spurs' good work, showing the touch and eye for a pass which has supposedly made him a transfer target for some of Europe's top clubs.

Left-midfield - Matt Jarvis, Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves continued their form of late with another vital three points at Villa Park, Jarvis scoring the only goal of the game.

The former Gillingham winger executed a fine volley to secure the win and then followed it up with a first call-up to the senior England squad on Sunday evening.

Striker - Luis Suarez, Liverpool

While Fernando Torres continues to struggle at Chelsea, Suarez is having no such problem at new club Liverpool.

The Uruguay international put in a lively showing against Sunderland yesterday, eventually rounding off his performance with a well-deserved goal.

Striker - David Hoilett, Blackburn Rovers

Although he actually played wide against Ian Holloway's Blackpool, Hoilett earns his place in this week's team of the week after providing Blackburn's biggest attacking threat.

The Canadian star scored a late header to rescue a point for Steve Kean's side and was unlucky not to have bagged a goal earlier in the game.

Source: DSG