English football columnist Richard Jolly names his Best XI in the Premier League for the February 12-13 weekend, featuring Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech and Chelsea forward Diego Costa.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech (Arsenal)
Danny Welbeck grabbed the late winner but Cech’s superb first-half save from Jamie Vardy made their comeback possible.
Right-back: Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool)
Strolled through the Aston Villa defence to score the fifth of Liverpool’s six goals. A threat throughout on the right.
Centre-back: Lamine Kone (Sunderland)
A tower of strength at the back, the January signing also played a pivotal part in Sunderland’s winning goal against Manchester United.
Centre-back: Jonas Olsson (West Bromwich Albion)
Excelled in a rearguard action, making a litany of blocks, tackles and interceptions as Albion held out for a win at Everton.
Left-back: Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur)
Worked ferociously hard and did a fine job in both defence and attack in the win over Manchester City.
Right midfield: Wahbi Khazri (Sunderland)
Tricky and skilful, he troubled Manchester United. Scored Sunderland’s opener and took the corner for the winner.
Centre midfield: Giannelli Imbula (Stoke City)
Provided the first repayment on his club record £18 million (Dh95.7m) fee with a well-taken opener in the 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
Centre midfield: Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur)
Turned 24 in style with perhaps his most important Tottenham goal to date, the decider at the Etihad Stadium.
Left midfield: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
Six others got the goals but Coutinho’s delightful passing made him the star of the show in the 6-0 rout of Aston Villa.
Centre forward: Troy Deeney (Watford)
Overshadowed by strike partner Odion Ighalo at times this season, the captain took centre stage with a double at Selhurst Park.
Centre forward: Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Looks back to his combative best. Newcastle were unable to handle him as he scored in Chelsea’s 5-1 win at Stamford Bridge.
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