After each round of Premier League fixtures, ESPN FC brings you its Team of the Weekend. Our panel of experts carefully selects 11 star performers along with a manager.
Do you agree or disagree? You can have your say on those picked or overlooked in the comments section at the foot of the article or on Twitter using the hashtag #ESPNFCTOTW.
ESPN FC's Premier League Team of the Week. Nov 19-20 ESPN FC TOTWGoalkeeper: Jordan Pickford had a rough start to life as Sunderland's goalkeeper, but after 10 games he finally has his first clean sheet, and it couldn't have come at a better time with the Black Cats moving off the foot of the table thanks to a 3-0 win against fellow strugglers Hull City. For that reason Team of the Weekend panellists Gab Marcotti and Paul Mariner both select the 22-year-old. Marcotti cited "a couple of big early saves," and Mariner added: "Pickford was very impressive."
Right-back: There is some disagreement about who should make the cut. Marcotti and Steve Nicol's selection of Seamus Coleman edges out Mariner's choice, Antonio Valencia, because of the game-changing contribution the Everton man made with his last-minute strike, which earned the Toffees a point against struggling Swansea. Marcotti said: "Coleman was the usual attacking force charging down the right flank, and also conjured up the late goal that got them a point."
Centre-back: Liverpool are the Premier League's top goal scorers and it takes some serious effort to stop them finding the back of the net, so the panel are singing from the same hymn sheet when it comes to recognising Southampton's effort in holding them to a 0-0 draw. Saints captain Jose Fonte gets the nod, and Mariner lauded his "strong" performance, while Marcotti added: "He turned down the volume on Jurgen Klopp's heavy metal."
Centre-back: We're staying on the south coast for the next pick too, with the rise of Bournemouth's Nathan Ake celebrated by all. The on-loan Chelsea man scored the only goal and kept a clean sheet as Bournemouth ended Stoke City's six-game unbeaten run. Marcotti was impressed with what he saw, and said: "Quick and strong and also rewarded with a goal." Mariner concurred and added: "Ake continues to grow," while Nicol said: "A solid defensive display."
Nathan Ake was decisive in both penalty areas as Bournemouth beat Stoke. Gareth Copley/Getty ImagesLeft-back: Patrick van Aanholt is the second Sunderland man to get the nod in this weekend's XI and it is a unanimous choice from all three panellists. Mariner praised the Dutchman's "amazing work ethic" as he cleared two off the line and got an assist and Marcotti marked him out for praise for the way he dominated the left flank, while Nicol lauded the display of an "attacking full-back at his best."
Midfield: There was no doubt Yaya Toure would make the team this weekend. A club legend, Toure proved his worth to Pep Guardiola with two goals to earn a changed Manchester City side victory at Crystal Palace on his return from the fringes. "The big man returns with a bang and reminds everybody what he can do. Let bygones be bygones ... City are a better team with him," Marcotti exclaimed. Nicol was won over too: "Toure's a lean, mean scoring machine," he said.
Yaya Toure announced his return to action with a double as Manchester City won 2-1 at Crystal Palace. John Walton/PA Images via Getty ImagesMidfield: Roberto Pereyra starred for Watford as they bounced back from a 6-1 reverse against Liverpool a fortnight ago to win 2-1 against Leicester City, and Marcotti hailed the former Juventus man's performance. "A class apart," he said. "Pereyra showed his full repertoire of tricks and quality. True value added."
Midfield: Marcotti makes a case for Juan Mata's inclusion, labelling his goal in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal "a masterpiece of technique," but it is hard not to agree with Mariner's choice of Ander Herrera. The Spaniard has come to the fore under Jose Mourinho, and Mariner is evidently impressed, saying: "Herrera works hard defensively and always wants the ball. He is becoming a key player for United."
Attack: Sunderland's relegation battle is being spearheaded by an unlikely hero in Victor Anichebe. Eyebrows were raised when David Moyes moved to sign a player released by West Bromwich Albion, but as Marcotti pointed out: "They're not laughing now." With two goals against Hull, Anichebe is proving his worth. "He looks like a key to Sunderland's hopes of survival," Mariner said and Nicol weighed in with: "I never saw this coming from him."
Victor Anichebe scored twice as Sunderland won for the first time at home this season under David Moyes. Mark Runnacles/Getty Images
Attack: Harry Kane's record of 18 goals in 22 appearances against London clubs is nothing short of spectacular and he came up with the goods once again to ensure Tottenham snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory against West Ham United. Marcotti exclaimed: "Kane seems to transform in London derbies. He willed his team across the finish line with two big late goals." Mariner is equally emphatic in his praise, and pointed to Kane's "fantastic work ethic, unselfish and great composure under pressure."
Attack: Diego Costa, the Premier League's top goal scorer with 10 goals in 12 appearances, took Chelsea top of the division with another important strike as the Blues edged Middlesbrough 1-0 and his display wasn't lost on Marcotti. "Costa is a one-man gang up front," Gab said. "He kicks like a mule and bites (metaphorically) like a crocodile."
Manager: We end on a split decision, with Nicol plumping for Arsene Wenger, Marcotti choosing Mourinho and Mariner going for Eddie Howe. But the Bournemouth manager's work in bouncing back from two defeats against an in-form Stoke side and returning the Cherries to the top half of the table is worthy of recognition.