There were a number of classy performances in last weekend’s Premier League, led by the stunning hat-trick of assists by Mesut Ozil and the derby day brace by Sergio Aguero.
Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)
The American put forth yet another sensational match in goal for the Villans, keeping their first clean sheet in 28 matches by parrying a top corner-bound shot by Gary Hooper in the 87th minute.
Defender: Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
It was a master class performance by Vincent Kompany in Sunday’s derby victory over United, shutting down Wayne Rooney during the run of play and unleashing a beastly dummy run that opened up Samir Nasri to thump home the Citizens’ fourth goal of the match.
Defender: Dejan Lovren (Southampton)
The arrival of Dejan Lovren has been the difference at Southampton this season, shoring up a central defense that had a tendency to leak goals last year. On Saturday the Croatian led the Saints back line that kept Liverpool at bay and nodded home the match-winning header in the 53rd minute.
Defender: Leighton Baines (Everton)
Leighton Baines produced two incredible free-kicks to help Everton to help claim all three points from West Ham on Saturday. The full-back swerved the first into Jussi Jääskeläinen’s right corner and the second, from the nearly identical distance of 22 yards out, into the left corner.
Midfielder: Morgan Amalfitano (West Bromwich Albion)
Steve Clarke’s late acquisition of Morgan Amalfitano on loan from Ligue 1 side Marseille proved a shrewd move as the Frenchman throttled home West Brom’s third goal of the contest with a powerful far-post strike that tore the side netting.
Midfielder: Stephane Sessegnon (West Bromwich Albion)
Speaking of shrewd moves by Steve Clarke, the West Brom manager snagged what may well prove to be one of the deals of the transfer window when he spent $10.4 million (£6.5m) to snap up Stephane Sessegnon from Sunderland. In the Benin international’s first match with the Midland’s club, he made Sunderland pay for their sale by scoring the opener that would prove to be all the Baggies needs to put the Black Cats away.
Midfielder: Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
Three goals for Arsenal on Saturday and three assists for Mesut Ozil. Pretty standard, really.
Midfielder: Robbie Brady (Hull City)
Robbie Brady is proving himself quite the tricky little customer at Hull City. He’s quick, skilled and plays the game with a chip on his shoulder. And if he keeps scoring goals for the Tigers, you can expect the former Manchester United product to become a wanted man come next summer.
Forward: Loic Remy (Newcastle)
Loic Remy snagged himself a brace in Saturday’s 3-2 home loss to Hull City. The goals came through precise positioning as Remy looks to play that classic poacher role. But really though, the Frenchman should’ve had the equalizer - and his hat-trick - when he missed a sitter in the 91st minute.
Forward: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Sergio Aguero makes goalscoring an art. His opener on Sunday showed fantastic positioning, technique, concentration and balance. His second was testament to how well the Argentine reads the game. Aguero remains one of the world’s most potent finishers and will be near the top of the Premier League goalscoring list come next May.
Forward: Libor Kozak (Aston Villa)
It took only two minutes for Libor Kozak to open his Premier League scoring account, poking home Aston Villa’s match-winner. Look for the big Czech to make an impact again next weekend as Christian Benteke’s hip injury may prevent him from taking part in the match against Manchester City.