Following another weekend of Premier League action, Richard Jolly selects his best XI.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (Sunderland)
Vito Mannone’s August injury has been a boon to Sunderland as Pickford has gone on to show fine form. He excelled against Watford.
Right-back: Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham United)
Picked out of position as a full-back, the midfielder made a goal-saving challenge on Sam Clucas in a much-needed victory.
Centre-back: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Provided a terrific cross for Diego Costa’s winner at Crystal Palace and defended with his usual reliability in another clean sheet.
Centre-back: Phil Jones (Manchester United)
Gave in-form West Bromwich Albion few openings as he continued to flourish alongside Marcos Rojo at the heart of United’s new defence.
Left-back: Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur)
In fine form throughout the season, he popped up with a winner against Burnley as Spurs closed in on the top four.
Right midfield: Leroy Sane (Manchester City)
Opened his City account with a well-taken equaliser against Arsenal. The German proved lively and elusive, using his pace well.
Centre midfield: N’Golo Kante (Chelsea)
Yet another all-action display from the inspirational Frenchman, who dominated the midfield at Selhurst Park in Chelsea’s 11th straight win.
Centre midfield: Steven Davis (Southampton)
Jay Rodriguez got two goals, one a beauty, but Davis came off the bench to change the south-coast derby against Bournemouth.
Left midfield: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
The best player on the pitch in one of the biggest games of the season. His pass for Raheem Sterling’s winner was magnificent.
Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United)
A muscular double took his tally to 10 goals in nine games and showed the veteran is adapting superbly to English football.
Striker: Alvaro Negredo (Middlesbrough)
Scored a second double in four games, the first a fine goal, and illustrated his renewed confidence with a rabona in the win over Swansea.
