Team of the week 3/01/12

04 January 2012 10:29
This weekends Premier League fixtures threw up two games that would could be vital to deciding the destination of the Title this season.

With London facing Manchester twice in one afternoon, Manchester City had to the chance to extend their lead at the top against Tottenham, while Arsenal would take on old rivals Manchester United.

Here is the Football.co.uk Premier League team of the week.

Position : Goalkeeper
Ben Foster (West Brom)
After Stoke were awarded a dubious penalty, it was Ben Foster's job to step up to the plate and save his West Brom team mates from conceding an equaliser. The England keeper was in fine form and had to be, in order to keep his side in the game. A string of fine saves as well as the penalty stop ensured a 2-1 victory for the Baggies.

Position: Defender
David Wheater (Bolton Wanderers)
With Gary Cahill finally completing his move to Chelsea, Wheater is the man responsible for filling his shoes. Thrown in against Liverpool, the former Middlesbrough centre back kept goal-hungry Andy Carroll quiet and helped his side record a first win over Liverpool in five seasons.

Position: Defender
Jonas Olsson (West Brom)
It was not just West Brom goalkeeper, Ben Foster who earned praise following the 2-1 victory away at Stoke. Swedish defender Olsson marshalled the Baggies back-four and played his part in the win with some superb defending.

Position: Defender
Patrice Evra (Manchester United)
United captain Patrice Evra was once against dominant down the left hand flank against Arsenal. Showing exactly what Arsenal lack in the very same position, Evra spent more time in the oppositions half then his own and was a constant threat to the North London side.

Position: Midfielder

Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)
A brilliant header from the Colombian had put United 1-0 up and he was again involved in the winner by supplying a great assist. His consistent and dependable performances this season have been vital to United's attacking displays.

Position: Midfielder
Mark Davies (Bolton Wanderers)
Creative midfielder Mark Davies put Bolton 1-0 up after just four minutes in the shock win over Liverpool. The former Wolves man displayed a calm and assured performance in midfield and made things difficult for Liverpool throughout the game.

Position: Midfielder
James Milner (Manchester City)
With Toure leaving City in order to play for Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations, James Milner has found himself dropping back to a deeper role in the centre of City's midfield. His unselfish nature brings out the best in his more skilful team-mates and he was the unsung hero for Manchester City against Spurs.

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Position: Midfielder

Akos Buzsaky (Queens Park Rangers)
The Senegalese defensive midfielder displayed his ability during the 2-2 draw away at Stoke. The midfielder was able to dominate the opposition and Wigan fought back to ensure they left the Britannia with a well earned point.

Position: Midfielder
Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
A brace for Bellamy against his former club Newcastle brought the game back to 2-1 after the reds had gone 1-0 down. Bellamy will need to be in top form in the coming months with the absence of Luis Suarez.

Position: Forward
Robbie Keane (Aston Villa)
Chelsea may well be struggling to find their best form, but Spanish winger Juan Mata has been a revelation since his arrival from Valencia in the summer. His impressive performance in the victory at Wolves was just what they needed following the 3-1 loss against Villa.



Position: Forward

Clint Dempsey (Fulham)
Blackburn's 3-2 win at Old Trafford will go down as one of the shocks of the season. Yakubu was again on hand to help his side by scoring two goals that put Blackburn 2-0 up. The Nigerian forward has now scored 12 goals in 14 games so far for Rovers.

Source: DSG