We take a look at the most impressive XI from this weekend’s Premier League action.
The first full weekend of Premier League action in 2015 has now drawn to a close, with Southampton’s astonishing win at Manchester United on Sunday the undoubted highlight of the action.
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There was also a maiden Crystal Palace win for Alan Pardew at Selhurst Park and victories for Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. This is our best XI from the weekend’s matches:
GK) Petr Cech (Chelsea)
Back in the team for Thibaut Courtois, experienced Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech staked his claim for a longer run of action with a commanding display against Newcastle that displayed some excellent saves, particularly in the first half.
RB) Carl Jenkinson (West Ham United)
Right back Carl Jenkinson, on loan at West Ham from Arsenal, was the best player on the pitch as West Ham drew 1-1 at Swansea, scampering up and down the right and providing some impressive deliveries into the box for Andy Carroll to attack.
CB) Jose Fonte (Southampton)
One of the leaders of the Southampton renaissance, centre back Jose Fonte was their guiding presence at Old Trafford, cajoling and marshaling his troops on their way to a famous victory over Manchester United.
CB) Emre Can (Liverpool)
Moved into midfield after the break, Liverpool star Emre Can began the victory at Sunderland in the central defensive position that he has occupied recently and was impressive in both roles.
LB) Paul Konchesky (Leicester City)
Leicester City left back Paul Konchesky has been one of the struggling Foxes’ most consistent players this season and he was excellent as Nigel Pearson’s side picked up three crucial points against Aston Villa, even scoring the winning goal.
RM) Lazar Markovic (Liverpool)
Serbian international Markovic has been possibly the most impressive player for Liverpool during their recent run of good form and he was excellent again as the Reds won at Sunderland, scoring the opening goal with a fine run.
CM) Joe Ledley (Crystal Palace)
Combative midfielder Joe Ledley, signed from Celtic twelve months ago by former manager Tony Pulis, has been a fine player for Palace and he helped them to win the midfield battle in the second half against Spurs.
CM) Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton)
It is easy to see why Schneiderlin is so sought after by the biggest clubs in the Premier League – the Frenchman was imperious in central midfield as the Saints overcome Manchester United, easily dominating his more illustrious opponents.
LM) Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
The finest individual performance of the weekend once again came from Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez, who was simply unstoppable as he cut the Stoke defence to ribbons with his pace and trickery, scoring twice and creating the other in a 3-0 win.
SC) Danny Ings (Burnley)
Striker Danny Ings is looking like Burnley’s best hope of avoiding relegation straight back to the Championship, with the former Bournemouth man on the scoresheet again as the Clarets beat QPR.
SC) Bafetimbi Gomis (Swansea City)
The departure of Wilfried Bony to the African Cup of Nations has handed Bafetimbi Gomis his chance in a Swansea shirt and the early signs were good – the Frenchman aerially dominated West Ham and got himself on the scoresheet, although it was later credited to Mark Noble.