Team of the Week: Aston Villa’s Benteke is back to his best, while Man City & Chelsea key men shine

By Rich Laverty.

This week’s standout performers from the West Brom side that beat Manchester United, the Aston Villa team that edged Everton, plus star men from champions Chelsea, Spurs, West Ham, Sunderland, Liverpool and City.

Goalkeeper: Boaz Myhill (West Brom)

Had big boots to fill when Ben Foster was ruled out for six months, but was undoubtedly vital in ensuring West Brom practically pulled themselves to survival at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.

He denied Robin van Persie several times in the first half, before saving a penalty from the Dutchman, and another long-range effort soon after. The most spectacular of all came from Angel Di Maria deep into stoppage time, the keeper tipping the Argentine’s excellent effort over the bar.

Right-back: Leandro Bacuna (Aston Villa)

Whilst others at Aston Villa are taking the credit and (deserved) attention, Bacuna has consistently been a 7/10 performer since arriving at Villa Park.

Against Everton on Saturday, the Dutchman made a number of key runs down the right and played a big part in Villa’s third goal of the game, which ended in Tom Cleverley firing the ball home.

Centre-back: John Terry (Chelsea)

Despite his age, Terry is certainly experiencing one of his best and most consistent seasons in a blue shirt. His manager claimed his performance at Arsenal last week was the best he has ever seen from his captain – high praise, indeed.

Whilst Crystal Palace never overly threatened Chelsea securing their crown on Sunday, Terry was again a rock, putting himself in all the right places to fend off some late pressure from the visitors. He’ll lift his fourth Premier League trophy very soon.

Centre-back: Jonas Olsson (Tottenham)

Whilst he’d be hard pushed to convince anyone he meant his match-winning goal against Manchester United, it was the icing on the cake of a superb defensive performance by both him and his team-mates.

Despite a barrage of pressure from Louis van Gaal’s men, the likes of Olsson stood firm, throwing their bodies in front of every United effort, and his winner was the least he deserved for his performance.

Left-back: Aaron Cresswell (West Ham)

Once again, a consistent performer for his side and he’ll only wonder if he’d have an England cap to his name should he be playing for a bigger team.

Whilst Cresswell wasn’t spectacular against Burnley, he was consistently a threat up the left wing but managed to carry out his defensive duties at the same time. One of the bargains of the season.

Defensive midfield: Claudio Yacob (West Brom)

Named Man of the Match against United by former Red Gary Neville, Yacob did indeed put in a virtuoso performance at Old Trafford.

With United peppering the West Brom goal, especially in the second half, he was superb, sitting in front of the defence and throwing himself in the way of anything that came towards him.

Centre midfield: Fabian Delph (Aston Villa)

Tim Sherwood proclaimed Delph a the “best midfielder in the country” after Villa’s 3-2 win over Everton on Saturday. Whilst there may be a few players and managers who would scoff at the suggestion, he has come on leaps and bounds this season, scoring the vital winner in the FA Cup semi-final two weeks ago.

The latest England international was once again excellent in midfield on Saturday but the big question remains over how long they can keep hold of him.

Centre midfield: Jordi Gomez (Sunderland)

Not always the most popular figure among his own supporters, but there’s no doubt Gomez’s ability to keep his nerve could be crucial for Sunderland come the end of the season.

With his side facing Arsenal and Chelsea away from home in their final two games of the season, the three points picked up against Sunderland were vital. Whilst the second decision was questionable, Gomez held his nerve on both occasions to seal all three points.

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Attacking midfield: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)

Whilst many were surprised by his inclusion in the PFA shortlist for Player of the Year, Coutinho continues to be Liverpool’s most important player in an attacking sense.

He got the opener in their recent visit to Wembley and did the same against QPR on Saturday, unleashing a beautiful finish into the top corner. His low sense of gravity, skill and pace ensure he is a troublemaker for any side, and he has taken on a greater responsibility in the absence of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

Striker: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

Aguero’s talent is summed up by the fact he is well on course for the Premier League Golden Boot, despite constant injury issues throughout the season. Before the 4-2 defeat at Old Trafford, Aguero had gone over 500 minutes without a league goal, but was back to his brilliant best against Tottenham.

A side he regularly thrives against, the Argentine smashed home an excellent first time finish, and was at the heart of everything City did in attack.

Striker: Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)

The man of the moment. Whilst Harry Kane couldn’t stop scoring during the first part of 2015, Benteke’s re-emergence under Tim Sherwood has been remarkable. Two more goals against Everton took his tally to 12 for the season, including nine in his last 11.

With an FA Cup final on the horizon, the rejuvenated Belgian will be crucial to any hopes Villa have of stopping Arsenal taking back-to-back cups.

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