Tuesday 10th February 2015 11:38
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Harry Kane: Leads the line in our Team of the Week
Jordan Ibe and Kyle Naughton join a Team of the Week dominated by Tottenham, with places also for a Chelsea duo and makeshift Hammers defender.
Check out our latest Team of the Week and then let us know your top XI using the story comment facility at the bottom of the article.
TEAMtalk's Top Men: (4-2-3-1) De Gea, Ivanovic, Wollscheid, Kouyate, Naughton, Mason, Bentaleb, Ibe, Willian, Mane, Kane
David De Gea (Manchester United): Once again, United were desperately reliant on the imperious Spaniard who continues to single-handedly keep their top four hopes alive. De Gea's series of impressive stops denied West Ham a famous, and ultimately deserved, victory on Sunday. Leaving Mark Noble, Enner Valencia and James Tomkins exasperated, he has rapidly become indispensable.
Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea): Ivanovic's unwavering commitment and match-winning tendencies proved crucial as Chelsea stuttered to a narrow win at attack-shy Aston Villa. The Serb's sensational volley sent the Blues seven points clear, ending their recent hoodoo against their beleaguered hosts. A power tool among paintbrushes, another exceptional Ivanovic display further enhances his legendary status at Stamford Bridge.
Philipp Wollscheid (Stoke City): With Ryan Shawcross unavailable, Mark Hughes desperately needed his multitude of man-mountains to step up in the absence of their inspirational captain. Germany international Wollscheid duly obliged. Possessing impressive positioning and technical quality belying his 6ft 4ins frame, the on-loan goal guarder fortified a makeshift backline as Stoke pilfered a late point at Newcastle.
Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham): The versatile Kouyate seamlessly evolved from vigorous midfielder, into goal-grabbing centre-half as the Hammers frequently frustrated their disjointed visitors. The Senegalese conquered the aerial melee and netted an outrageous volley as he commanded Sam Allardyce's battle-scarred troops. Radamel Falcao and Robin Van Persie barely got a sniff in his imposing presence.
Kyle Naughton (Swansea City): They say first impressions are crucial. And they hardly come much better than Naughton's home debut. After tumbling down the Tottenham hierarchy, Naughton has flourished in South Wales, with his magnificent assist helping the Swans snatch a point against Sunderland. Initial signs suggest Naughton could soon cement his position as Garry Monk's go-to right back as Swansea target a top-ten finish.
Ryan Mason (Tottenham Hotspur): Immeasurably benefiting from Mauricio Pochettino's staunch belief in home-grown alumni, Mason's erratic Spurs career reached its apex with an outstanding performance in Saturday's derby conquest. He orchestrated Tottenham's on-song midfield with tireless work rate and extensive distribution, dominating Arsenal's multifaceted middle-men.
Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham Hotspur): The Algerian's pinpoint cross facilitated Tottenham's first triumph over Arsenal since Gareth Bale's nostalgia-inducing heyday. Dovetailing faultlessly with Mason, Bentaleb's composure in possession and tactical discipline allowed his adventurous team-mates to hassle and harry their fraught rivals. An essential figure of calm in Pochettino's intense, swashbuckling Spurs.
Sadio Mane (Southampton): Any lingering doubts over Mane's top-tier credentials have been emphatically demolished. His stoppage-time strike, encompassing strength and clinical poise, meant the Saints retained third place as their Champions League dreams near an almost palpable reality. He ran QPR ragged with insightful movement and direct approach, rendering his £10m price tag something of a bargain.
Jordan Ibe (Liverpool): The young winger's electric performance raised eyebrows aplenty as the Merseyside derby trundled to a goalless conclusion. While his illustrious team-mates flattered to deceive, Ibe represented Liverpool's main creative threat, ratting the post with an explosive strike. His champagne-seizing display, coupled with eye-catching end-product, point to a bright future.
Willian (Chelsea): After Chelsea's drawn out chase for Juan Cuadrado reached its fruitful finale; Willian's presence in the starting eleven appeared in grave danger. However, he defied the doubters on Saturday with a display of trademark determination and prolific invention. While Eden Hazard again hogged the headlines, his clinical finish owed much to Willian's perfectly weighted through-ball.
Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur): That man again. A simple inevitability. From nomadic loanee to hero, Kane's heart-warming tale received yet another thrilling chapter on derby day. Showcasing his instinctive predatory nous, the HurriKane's clinical brace propelled Spurs into dreamland, not to mention Champions League contention. His 21st and 22nd goals of an extraordinary campaign, Kane is thrusting Tottenham fans towards Bale-esque levels hysteria
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