Team of the Week: Barton helps Pardew to dream start

13 December 2010 10:09
Football.co.uk's Joe Strange reflects on the weekend's Premier League action to pick his best XI.

Goalkeeper - Simon Mignolet, Sunderland

Preferred to usual number one Craig Gordon, Mignolet justified his manager's faith with a superb performance against Fulham.

The young stopper made a number of key saves to keep out the likes of Andy Johnson and earn his side a point.

Right-back - Neil Eardley, Blackpool

Up against the in-form Matthew Etherington, Eardley remained strong defensively while contributing to Blackpool's attacking style.

His late goal-line clearance helped his side to a clean sheet and a hard-fought 1-0 win.

Central defence - Michael Dawson, Tottenham Hotspur

After a three-month absence following an injury picked up on England duty, Dawson returned to the heart of the Tottenham defence as if he'd never been away.

The former Nottingham Forest man proved to be a rock at the back, playing a major part in securing a point from a game which Chelsea dominated for long periods.

Central-defence - John Terry, Chelsea

Like Dawson, Terry put in an excellent shift in yesterday's London derby at White Hart Lane.

The Chelsea skipper made a number of key challenges and won almost everything in the air.

Left-back - Leighton Baines, Everton

After his man of the match performance against Chelsea last week, Leighton Baines was at it again on Saturday.

The flying left-back provided plenty of attacking threat for David Moyes' side, creating chance after chance for the faltering attack.

Right-midfield - Joey Barton, Newcastle United

There has been turmoil aplenty surrounding St James' Park since Chris Hughton's shock departure last Monday but the players put any problems behind them with a 3-1 win over struggling Liverpool.

Barton was instrumental in Alan Pardew's first game in charge, scoring his side's winning goal and putting in a performance full of passion and energy.

Central-midfield - Yaya Toure, Manchester City

Regarded as a defensive midfielder while at Barcelona, Toure appears to be revelling in the more attacking role given to him by boss Roberto Mancini.

He scored a cracking goal to open the scoring against West Ham before sealing the 3 points by forcing Rob Green into an error for the second.

Central-midfield - Stuart Holden, Bolton Wanderers

After seeing his central midfield partner Mark Davies sent off early in the second half, it would have been easy for Holden and the rest of the Bolton side to roll over at home to Blackburn yesterday.

But instead they fought back, and after appearing to have had a hard-fought victory stolen after Mame Biram Diouf's late equaliser, the American international popped up with an eye-catching winner to continue his side's great run of form.

Left-midfield - David Silva, Manchester City

After a difficult start to his career in English football, David Silva looks to finally be showing the sort of form which prompted City to splash more than £20 million on his services.

His skill and touch were on full display at Upton Park as he helped his side to a comfortable 3-1 win, setting up the third goal for Adam Johnson.

Striker - Andy Carroll, Newcastle United

With Chris Hughton widely regarded as being the driving force behind Carroll's continued improvement over the last 18 months, eyes were on the big Geordie forward as he took to the pitch under Alan Pardew's guidance.

He didn't disappoint, leading the line well and completing the scoring with a finely struck long-range effort.

Striker - DJ Campbell, Blackpool

In a frantic, end-to-end game at the Britannia Stadium Blackpool eventually ran out 1-0 winners courtesy of DJ Campbell's expertly taken strike.

The former Leicester man was lively all afternoon, constantly getting himself in dangerous positions and threatening the likes of Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth.

Source: DSG