Premier League Team Of The Week: Round 30

BEST XI

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Goalkeeper

Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur)
Well, well, well... The bumbling gaffe-prone Brazilian was always capable of pulling off audacious saves - we had seen that - but his inability to deal with the simple things was also evident. Gomes has come a long way since the days of his calamitous 'keeping that almost involved throwing the ball into his own net, so who would have thought he'd keep his sheet clean against Chelsea? Especially after a spell of bombardment late in the game.


Defence

Gael Clichy (Arsenal)
Made some key blocks and interceptions that ensured Arsenal conceded just the once. He, in particular, got across well to deny Peter Lovenkrands. Was solid in both the first, and final, thirds.

Steven Taylor (Newcastle United)
Was unlucky to be on the losing side of a good end-to-end joust against the visiting Gunners. His fighting style may cause controversy, but it is just the sort of battle each and every Newcastle player could learn a thing or two from, if they are to survive in the Premier League.

Brede Hangeland (Fulham)
Started the campaign so strongly, he was a ball-winning defender and dominated aerially. He even scored a toe-poked goal at home against Arsenal. Things have dwindled for the Cottagers, but Hangeland and Co. are back on song.

Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)
Solid, again, in defence for Liverpool. Much has been said about the Reds' relentless impetus going forward, but their defence deserves a shout too for their performance against Aston Villa. Carragher was key to their efficiency.


Midfield

Danny Murphy (Fulham)
The exit of Jimmy Bullard in the winter window for £5 million prompted cries that the rest of the season could be a downhill slope for the west Londoners, but Murphy and Dickson Etuhu have built up a good understanding of late. They dominated the midfield against Arsenal during the 0-0 draw at the end of February, and Murphy used all his experience at Liverpool to see off Manchester United. A cool customer from the penalty spot.


Attack

Albert Riera (Liverpool)
Took advantage of an over-the-top route-one ball from club and country team-mate Pep Reina to smash a ball spectacularly past the flapping Villan glovesman and into the net - his fifth of the season. Also won a penalty that talismanic captain Steven Gerrard duly converted.

Luka Modric (Tottenham Hotspur)
Fantastic goal from the playmaking nuisance.

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) 
A hat-trick hero. Are Zinedine Zidane's claims that Gerrard is currently the best in the world looking more substantiated with every passing Saturday? You will be hard-pressed to find someone who has been such a consistent influence. Is enjoying his most prolific Premier League season to date.

Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur) 
Croatian international Luka Modric could not have asked for a greater ball sent in from Lennon. It was a fine assist, and the finish from Modric was just as special. The fact that Lennon - officially the shortest player on the books at a Premier League club - has added end-product to his locker should have opposition left-backs quaking in their fluorescent-coloured boots.


Striker

Peter Crouch (Portsmouth)  
The leggy targetman bagged a brace to ease the tension currently engulfing the club. A good showing, especially as the south-coast side had fallen behind in the fourth minute.




Honorable Mentions 
Ben Watson (Wigan Athletic)
Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)
Micah Richards (Manchester City)
Maynor Figueroa (Wigan Athletic)
Mark Schwarzer (Fulham)
Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal)
Leighton Baines (Everton)
Xabi Alonso (Liverpool)
Samir Nasri (Arsenal)
Robin Van Persie (Arsenal)
Ledley King (Spurs)
Mark Noble (West Ham)
Zoltan Gera (Fulham)

Alan Dawson, Goal.com