The Football-Talk Team of the Weekend – Hazard & Lukaku Sparkle

Arsenal head into 2014 as leaders of the Premier League after a hard fought 1-0 win at Newcastle. It was an essential three points due to the congested nature of the top of the league, with only two points separating the top three.

Man City lie second after a gritty 1-0 win over struggling Crystal Palace, with Edin Dzeko’s second-half strike proving the difference between the two sides.

Chelsea are third having toppled Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with the Reds dropping down to fifth after consecutive losses.

Here is the Football-Talk Team of the Week, Gameweek 18:

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart, Man City

The reinstated keeper was key to City ousting a resolute Palace side, with the England keeper emerging battle-worn, sporting a juicy black-eye, and having earned a hard-fought clean sheet.

Right-Back: Seamus Coleman, Everton 

Clearly the most exciting full-back around, the Irishman grabbed another goal for the Toffees, and charged up and down the flank to great success.

(Make-shift)Left-Back: Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea

Effortlessly switched flanks due to the injury to Ivanovic in the first half, Azpilicueta did superbly to keep pace with Liverpool’s dynamic forward line, and played a key role in the buildup to the second Chelsea goal.

Centre-Back: Gary Cahill, Chelsea

Another Chelsea defender who excelled at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Alongside John Terry, Cahill kept Liverpool danger-man Luis Suarez quiet all game (some feat!), and was a calm head in a frantically attacking game.

Centre-Back: Per Mertesacker, Arsenal

Another rock solid display from the German, as Arsenal earned a fantastic victory at St James Park.

Left-Wing: Eden Hazard, Chelsea

Hazard is in a rich vein of form at present, and is clearly Chelsea’s most prominent attacking presence. The Belgian guided a lovely effort past Liverpool keeper Mignolet to equalise in the first half, and consistently attacked from the flanks as Chelsea pinned their rivals back.

Right-Wing: Ashley Young, Man Utd

The revitalised winger could have scored with a number of long range efforts, was a valuable outlet for the Utd defence, and seems to be flourishing with the renewed confidence he has been afforded by David Moyes.

Central-Midfield: Mathieu Flamini, Arsenal

Typically destructive from the French midfielder, and it was certainly needed against a tough Newcastle outfit. The win takes Arsenal back to the summit, and Flamini is proving to be a key member of the squad.

Attacking-Midfield: Oscar, Chelsea

The young Brazilian attacker showed the many facets of his game on Sunday. Oscar set up the two goals after positive forays towards the Liverpool box, and also tracked back superbly, nicking the ball off a number of surprised Liverpool players.

He was very lucky however not to be dismissed after a wild challenge on compatriot Lucas at the end, as the youngster’s legs went after an all-action display.

Striker: Romelu Lukaku, Everton

Another goal against Southampton on Sunday adds to his growing tally of strikes, with the Belgian third only to Luis Suarez and Robin van Persie in the number of goals scored since the beginning of last season!

Striker: Olivier Giroud, Arsenal

Although the French striker did not have the best all round display on Sunday, he did score the crucial goal that won his side the match, and took them up to first place once again.

A decent target-man, Giroud would benefit from an increase in competition at the Emirates.

Goal of the Weekend: Seamus Coleman vs Southampton

Player of the Weekend: Eden Hazard

What do you think? Agree with my selections? Let me know in the comments below…

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