Watch the video above to see who made it into the PL Team of the Week for their displays during Week 15.
[ARCHIVE: Every PL Team of the Week]
David de Gea had one of the most sparkling performances by any goalkeeper this season, smothering Liverpool to earn Manchester United a convincing 3-0 victory. He spurned Mario Balotelli on numerous occasions and turned away nine Liverpool shots on target.
Red Devils teammate Robin van Persie also made the team up front, having scored United’s third goal, connecting on 20/25 passes (a solid ratio for a striker consistently under pressure on the ball) and completing all three of his attempted take-ons against Liverpool. He also contributed significantly on the defensive side, completing all four of his attempted tackles (!!) and clearing the ball four times as well.
[ VIDEO: Premier League highlights, here ]
At the back, West Brom defender Andre Wisdom was recognized for holding Aston Villa scoreless, completing 92% of his passes and adding five clearances and two tackles. Elaquim Mangala was a surprising pick - not that he made the list, but that he played well enough to find himself in contention. The Manchester City defender had an ugly day against Shane Long and Southampton, but bounced back to put Roma attacker Francisco Totti in his back pocket midweek in the Champions League, and then locked down Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy.
Mangala’s teammate Frank Lampard continues to haunt his old club Chelsea by performing at the top level for Manchester City. The 36-year-old scored the game-winner over Leicester. He’s joined by Santi Cazorla, who was all over the pitch in the 4-1 demolition of Newcastle. The Spaniard collected two goals to go along 53 completed passes and some defensive contribution as well.
Up front next to van Persie, Burnley’s Ashley Barnes was recognized for scoring the winner over Southampton, just Burnley’s 11th goal of the season to lift them out of the relegation zone.
Matchday 16 – Premier League Team of the Week (Formation: 3-4-3)
Goalkeeper: David de Gea (Manchester United)
Defenders: Andre Wisdom (West Bromwich Albion), Elaquim Mangala (Manchester City), Kieran Tripper (Burnley)
Midfielders: Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Craig Gardner (West Bromwich Albion), Frank Lampard (Manchester City), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
Forwards: Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Ashley Barnes (Burnley), Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
