Premier League team of the weekend: A lineup that can Puncheon Prodl
In a weekend with some great individual performances and even more average ones, theScore puts together a best XI from the latest slate of Premier League fixtures.
The lineup
GK - Simon Mignolet
Adrian was the busier goalkeeper at the other end of the pitch, but Mignolet again breathed confidence into his defence. It's a far cry from the happy-flappy days of, well, since the day he joined Liverpool, but his decent thwarting of an Edimilson Fernandes effort showed why he'll likely be first choice again next season.
RB - Kyle Naughton
In its successful bid for survival, Swansea City has adopted a basic approach of lumping the ball to Fernando Llorente's head. But the Swans' second goal in Saturday's 2-0 beating of Sunderland showcased the football they're famous for. A slick team move saw right-back Naughton overlap excellently, and he lashed home Sung-Yueng Ki's assist. The Sheffield lad was also unflappable defensively.
CB - Phil Jagielka
Jagielka's limbs appeared rather staff last season - but perhaps he was just tense due to playing alongside John Stones or Ramiro Funes Mori. Everton is a much tougher defensive unit now with Jagielka and Ashley Williams, and the former's assist for Ross Barkley's winner against Watford on Friday was perhaps less important than his 16 no-nonsense wallops from danger.
CB - Sebastian Prodl
Prodl was on the losing side at Goodison Park, but kept the damage to a minimum with a tackle, four interceptions, and 13 clearances. The Austrian's ability with the ball at his feet is questionable, but he's always willing to put his body on the line for Watford.
LB - Cesar Azpilicueta
Chelsea's versatile Spaniard saw plenty of the ball at West Bromwich Albion, hitting three shots in the direction of Ben Foster's net, completing four probing long balls from the back, and setting up Michy Batshuayi's league-winning goal. Azpilicueta is one of the many under-hyped stars of the Blues' title win.
DM - Yaya Toure
For two seasons, Manchester City fans debated whether Toure's anonymity was due to lethargy and apathy - so is he now playing for his contract? The Ivorian, whose current deal winds down in June, again dictated the tempo for Pep Guardiola's ranks, helped out both defensively and going forward, and, although it was his birthday, allowed Gabriel Jesus to take over penalty duties.
DM - Victor Wanyama
Wanyama can now say he scored in Tottenham Hotspur's last match at White Hart Lane and, with two matches left, legitimately claim that he's slotted seamlessly into Mauricio Pochettino's designs. In addition to his goal, the Kenyan plucked the ball from Manchester United with five tackles and an interception.
RM - Jason Puncheon
Puncheon's been a fantastic servant for Crystal Palace, and dug deep into his repertoire for Sunday's relegation squabble with Hull City. The comprehensive 4-0 win secured safety for the Eagles, and Puncheon stepped up with three key passes - one of which was converted by Christian Benteke, mucked in defensively more than any of his midfield colleagues, and sneakily performed what appeared to be a deliberate handball in his own area.
AM - Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas was reintroduced into Chelsea's lineup in December, and hasn't looked back. In Friday's title-clinching win at West Bromwich Albion, the Spaniard had a huge 125 touches and made seven key passes - two more than all of the 14 featured home players collectively mustered.
LM - Philippe Coutinho
Coutinho excellently conducted play at West Ham United from a deeper position. Each of his two goals saw him weave past outstretched legs and ruthlessly finish, and he set up Daniel Sturridge's opener with a forensic through ball. He played six key passes in the 4-0 stroll.
FW - Alexis Sanchez
Olivier Giroud bagged a brace in Saturday's 4-1 win at Stoke City, but without Arsenal's best player, Alexis Sanchez, this last-minute dash for the top four wouldn't be possible. The Chilean claimed a goal and an assist in the Potteries, and worried his opponents with five dribbles before leaving the match with a knock.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)