Rashford, Herrera, Varela and Ivanovic in team of the week
Manchester United youngsters shine in this week's selection alongside Premier League workhorses
On a weekend dominated by the Capital One Cup final and Manchester United's defeat of Arsenal, Leicester City took another step towards the Premier League title with the kind of 1-0 win that champions always seem to find, while Tottenham Hotspur came from behind against Swansea to maintain the pressure at the top of the table.
But who were the stars of the show this weekend? Here's The Week's pick of the experts picks.
Goalkeeper: Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea)
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The former Arsenal keeper "pulled off some great saves" saves against Spurs, says Harry Redknapp in the Daily Telegraph, although he was unable to keep out the winner from Danny Rose. However, he was on fine form for most of the game, with several commentators impressed in particular by one stop from Eric Dier.
Defence: Danny Rose (Spurs), Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Simon Francis (Bournemouth), Guillermo Varela (Man United)
Rose, the man who finally broke Fabianski's resistance, also makes Redknapp's team and gets the nod from Goal.com. "One of the most improved players under [Spurs manager] Mauricio Pochettino and a continual thorn in Swansea's side with his marauding runs from the left flank," says the website.
Chelsea stalwart Ivanovic scored against Southampton and caught the eye of Garth Crooks of the BBC. "Ivanovic appears to be playing better than I've seen for some considerable time and Gary Cahill is providing all the support required alongside him," he says. Alongside him in central defence is Francis of Bournemouth. "The 31-year-old won 100 per cent of his attempted tackles and worked hard for the point that helps keep Bournemouth five points clear of the drop zone," says website Outside90.com.
Man United youngster Varela also impressed. "The youngster continues to deputise well at right-back for United and kept the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez quiet in an all-important win," says Goal.com. "His cross for Marcus Rashford's opener was superb."
Midfield: Craig Gardner (West Bromwich Albion), Marko Arnautovic (Stoke City), Ander Herrera (Manchester United), Michail Antonio (West Ham)
Gardner is the "quintessential Premier League professional", according to ESPN. "Not only did he open the scoring for Tony Pulis's side when [Crystal] Palace came calling, he also laid the second on a plate for Dawson."
Arnautovic scored twice for Stoke in their win over Aston Villa and was the second top scorer in the Fantasy Premier League this week with 15 points. His goals were not the hardest ever scored, but he is "back with a bang", says ESPN. Herrera was also on target for Man United and his goal was an "absolute beauty", says the BBC's Crooks. He is a player who "relishes the ball and looks to go forward at every opportunity" and could make a difference for United.
West Ham winger Antonio scored the winner against Sunderland and also made 26 passes, three tackles and won five duels, notes Outside90.com, as well as providing fans with a "memorable goal celebration".
Attack: Connor Wickham (Crystal Palace), Marcus Rashford (Man United).
Wickham's "exquisite left-footed volley was probably the goal of the weekend", says ESPN and the Palace man was unfortunate to end up on the losing side against West Brom.
He is joined by the undisputed king of the weekend, teenage striker Rashford, whose two goals made him the highest points scorer in the Fantasy Premier League this week. "A star is born," says Crooks. "He had already made an impact in the Europa League with two goals in midweek but to repeat the feat in the Premier League against Arsenal is a different matter entirely."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
Thomas Tuchel to become next England football manager
Speed Read 'Divisive' German coach hopes to lead the men's team to victory
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
Manchester United and Mason Greenwood: duty of care or double standards?
Talking Point The 21-year-old footballer’s possible return has provoked an outpouring of dismay from supporters
By Jamie Timson Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated