The Team of the Week is back after a week off due to Editorial issues. This Weekend's matches began on Saturday lunchtime with Manchester United overcoming Arsenal 2-1 and ended on Monday night with West Brom beating the hapless Southampton. City were held to an uninspiring draw away at West Ham, and Tottenham looked hopeless in losing at home to Wigan. In what was a fairly quiet time in terms of Goals, good attacking performances achieved high marks this week.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK - Alex McCarthy - Reading replaced Adam Federici with McCarthy towards the start of the season and the decision has paid off with a charm. A number of good saves against QPR at the weekend were topped off by a world-class diving save from a free-kick that gave his side a point. Great effort.
RB - Sascha Riether - A new signing at Fulham over the Summer, Riether was a relative unknown, be the pacy defender had been proving a threat to defences in the Premier League. In addition to making a number of vital blocks and interceptions, his overall game meant that he gains a place in our team.
CB - Ciaran Clark - Aston Villa's young centre-back contributed to a vital 3 points at the weekend. Sunderland don't score many goals, but Clark was solid at the back for his side while also providing an aerial threat at set pieces.
CB - Gary Caldwell - He was dominant in the air in his own penalty area, and a force in the air in the opposition area. Caldwell was a vital part of his Wigan side masterminding a 1-0 win away at Tottenham. Repeatedly frustrating the home side with a number of good defensive plays, Caldwell forces his way into this week's team.
LB - Branislav Ivanovic - The Serbian Soldier was forced into a centre-back role at the weekend for Chelsea, but he showed just why he is possibly the most underrated defender in the Premier League. A classy performance in a different defensive position showed his adaptability and indicated he may well be the best defender currently at Chelsea.
LM - Wes Hoolahan - The Irishman's performance was summed up by an audacious attempt from close to the halfway line; a commanding display that saw him create numerous opportunities for his teammates. His overall passing game added to the eye for a pass meant he celebrated a recall to the Ireland squad in style.
CM - Bradley Johnson - Another cog in the Norwich midfield, Johnson scored the only goal of the game with Stoke with a fine headed finish, flicking it off the back of his head into the net. His combination with Hoolahan caused troubles for the opposition for the entire 90 minutes.
CM - Marouane Fellaini - The Player of the Week. Fellaini was comparatively quiet in the first half, but explode into action with an unstoppable second half performace that earned his side a point against a tricky Fulham side. His prowess in the air added to a great technical ability means few have bettered him so far this season.
RM - Antonio Valencia - After spending a period of time out through injury, the diminutive Ecuadorian terrorised Andre Santos and the Arsenal defence at the weekend. An assist and countless drives through the heart of the Arsenal line puts him into the team.
FWD - Peter Odemwingie - A goal in each half as West Brom overcame strugglers Southampton on Monday night. 3 points was virtually provided on a silver platter by the Nigerian frontman and Steve Clarke's side are now 5th in the league after their best ever start.
FWD - Luis Suarez- The final man in this week's side, and again in the headlines. This time however it was for all the right reasons as Suarez brought out a fine piece of skill to earn Liverpool a point in a tough game with Newastle.
Subs - Guzan, S.Taylor, Shorey, Evra, Watson, P.Hernandez, Rooney
Manager - Steve Clarke
Chump of the Week - Andre Santos - The 'left-back' was terrorised by Antonio Valencia and Rafael for the entirety of the game on Saturday. Going forward, said to be his strength, he offered little but an embarassing shot at goal that exited the field of play for a throw in. His performance was summed up by him taking Robin Van Persie's Manchester United jersey at Half-Time.
