English football columnist Richard Jolly names his Best XI of the weekend in Premier League/FA Cup action, including duos who spurred Tottenham Hotspur and Everton to important wins.
Goalkeeper: Ali Al Habsi (Reading)
Finished on the losing side against Crystal Palace on Friday but did not deserve to after making a string of fine saves.
Right-back: Russell Martin (Norwich City)
Often criticised, the Norwich captain impressed with his solidity in a rearguard action to earn a point against Manchester City.
Centre-back: Craig Cathcart (Watford)
Helped pull off a shock by eliminating Arsenal at the Emirates. The Northern Irishman frustrated Arsene Wenger’s team.
Centre-back: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton)
Normally a left-back, the Englishman impressed as a makeshift central defender as Southampton beat Stoke in the Potteries.
Left-back: Aaron Cresswell (West Ham United)
Some classy crossing and the usual reliable defending from Cresswell as West Ham earned a replay against Manchester United.
Right midfield: Adlene Guedioura (Watford)
A thunderbolt of a shot proved decisive as the little-used Algerian scored the goal that knocked holders Arsenal out.
Centre midfield: Dele Alli (Tottenham)
His remarkable season continued with a pair of assists for Harry Kane’s match-winning double against Aston Villa.
Centre midfield: Ross Barkley (Everton)
After a quiet first half, the midfielder supplied the passes that led to both of Romelu Lukaku’s goals against Chelsea.
Left midfield: Max Gradel (Bournemouth)
A heart-warming tale as, after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, he scored his first Cherries goal in the win over Swansea.
Centre forward: Harry Kane (Tottenham)
Took his tally to 22 goals in another superb season with a double at Villa Park. Carries on leading Tottenham’s title charge.
Centre forward: Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
Showed why Chelsea should regret selling him with two goals, the first from a superb solo run, to end their FA Cup run.
