Premier League team of the weekend - by Jason Burt
Matchday 24 brought with it plenty of goals, and plenty of top quality ones, too. Arsenal showed there is life after Alexis Sanchez and Chelsea suggested there is no need for a target man.
Here's our team of the week:
Asmir Begovic
It is fair to say that Begovic has, overall, been a disappointment since his big money move to Bournemouth from being back-up at Chelsea but he impressed in the draw away to West Ham United with a series of good saves, denying Marko Arnautovic in particular.
Victor Moses
It was an all-action performance from Chelsea away to Brighton and Moses played his part, crossing for Eden Hazard’s opening goal and rounding off the scoring with a fine finish.
Phil Jones
The former Blackburn Rovers defender was given a warm reception from the Burnley fans at Turf Moor but his resilience summed up a vital away win for Manchester United.
Nacho Monreal
The Spaniard lasted just 34 minutes in his comeback from injury for Arsenal but made an incredible contribution in his team’s blistering start against Crystal Palace with a goal and two assists.
Ryan Bertrand
Captaining Southampton Bertrand led his team’s threat against Tottenham Hotspur in an intriguing battle against Serge Aurier. Set up Southampton’s goal with a powerful run and cross.
Xherdan Shaqiri
The Swiss international was picked out by new Stoke City manager Paul Lambert as the key player if they are to avoid relegation. He showed that with some wonderful attacking play – including a delightful back-heel to set up a goal – in the win over Huddersfield Town.
Fernandinho
Fresh from signing a new contract extension with Manchester City the Brazilian again showed his worth by winning the ball back time and again in the win over Newcastle United.
Mesut Ozil
With Alexis Sanchez on his way, Arsenal needed Ozil to step up and he did just that against Crystal Palace. He has been playing well for some time, in fact, and showed it with some sumptuous flicks and passes.
Eden Hazard
Hazard has been – by his own brilliant standards – not at his best of late but he was simply world-class in the win over Brighton. He scared his opponents, scoring twice.
Sergio Aguero
A perfect hat-trick – header, right-foot and left-foot – was the perfect riposte for Aguero and Manchester City with the disappointment over Alexis Sanchez deciding not to join them and Gabriel Jesus still not fit.
Jamie Vardy
Once again Vardy – and Riyad Mahrez – made the difference for Leicester City in their win over Watford. Both scored with Vardy scoring his 11th of the season from the penalty spot and creating problems with his pace.
Jason Burts Premier League team of the weekend
Manager - Paul Lambert
The best way for any new manager to win round the doubters is to start with a victory and Stoke City’s Paul Lambert did just that. It also helped his cause that he had identified Xherdan Shaqiri as Stoke’s key player and the Swiss international responded with an excellent performance as he helped lift his team out of the bottom three. Huddersfield Town were the ideal opponents and Stoke took full advantage. Stiffer tests lie ahead but they are up and running under Lambert
