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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Ben Parsons

Premier League team of the week: Liverpool defender shines again and unlucky Man Utd star

The Premier League weekend was dominated by postponement controversy, the circus of Manchester United and the end of a doomed managerial reign on Merseyside.

Arsenal had the north London derby postponed due to a lack of first-team players and Anthony Martial responded to boss Ralf Rangnick's claim that he refused to play in the draw against Aston Villa.

It was the end of the road for Rafa Benitez at Everton and Liverpool fans were soon singing the name of their Champions League winning manager on the Kop.

But as well as off-field drama, there were plenty of superb individual performances to match in another high-octane weekend of action.

Here, Mirror Football selects the team of the week from the round of action-packed drama.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Do you agree with this team of the week? Comment below

GK: Jack Butland

Butland was making his fourth Premier League start in four years but his performance against Brighton was a throwback to what earned him his England call-ups of yesteryear.

The Crystal Palace goalkeeper earned the Eagles a point against Graham Potter's Brighton.

He first foiled Leandro Trossard, before saving a tame penalty from midfielder Pascal Gross.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold picked up another assist against Brentford (PA)

Trent Alexander-Arnold sets his own parameters for what can be expected from an attacking full-back.

The England star's assist record is absurd and he notched another in a convincing win over Brentford.

He almost scored to cap off another solid display, but settled for a clean sheet on a satisfying afternoon at Anfield.

CB: Grant Hanley

Norwich secured the most important win of their season to lift off the foot of the table and Hanley was in inspired form.

Hanley was impressive in a vital victory against Everton that boosted Dean Smith's survival hopes.

His challenge on Richarlison was memorable and he lead the pack when the Toffees were threatening a late equaliser.

CB: Aymeric Laporte

Chelsea managed four shots in a game that they had to win at the Etihad and were frustrated by the impregnable Laporte and John Stones.

There was a feeling before kick-off that Romelu Lukaku could have targeted a City defence short of Ruben Dias, but Laporte stood up to the task.

Laporte was assured in and out of possession as City edged closer to the title.

LB: Lucas Digne

Villa fans have immediately warmed to Digne, the left-back signing from Everton that showed Gerrard means business in the transfer market.

Digne made several marauding runs down the left flank and was too good for opposite number Diogo Dalot.

It was a superb start for the former Barcelona man in the Midlands.

CM - Kevin De Bruyne

De Bruyne scored a brilliant winner against Chelsea (Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)

Any lingering doubts over the Premier League title race were settled by the wondrous Belgian.

De Bruyne provided the match-winning moment against a Chelsea side spearheaded by his lacklustre international teammate Romelu Lukaku.

Just as the game was drifting, De Bruyne surged through midfield before unleashing an unstoppable curler beyond Kepa Arrizabalaga.

He left the pitch with the match, and title all but secured as City extended their lead over Thomas Tuchel's side to 13 points.

CM: Jacob Ramsey

Jacob Ramsey helped to upset Man Utd with another goal for Aston Villa (AFP via Getty Images)

Philippe Coutinho claimed the headlines for a memorable equaliser on his return to English football but Ramsey was the real mastermind of the Villa comeback against United.

Ramsey embodied the energy and ambition Steven Gerrard wants from his Villa side and was dangerous even before his two goal contributions.

The 20-year-old is a serious talent and his finish to halve the deficit showed ultimate composure.

But his pull-back for Brazilian Coutinho, the star of the show, was even more impressive as the Holte End erupted.

CM - Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes scored twice - but United could only manage a single point (Getty Images)

Few United players could feel satisfied with their own display after succumbing to the Villa siege but Fernandes looked back to his best.

The Portuguese has been accused of profligacy this season but was superb, despite being fortunate with a goalkeeping howler for his opener.

Fernandes was United's brightest spark and his finish to double their lead should have been enough for three points.

LW - Jack Harrison

Harrison scored a brilliant hat-trick at West Ham (Getty Images)

Leeds have shown admirable fighting spirit and provided the entertainment of the weekend in a breathless victory over top four hopefuls West Ham.

Jack Harrison will remember his Sunday afternoon in east London forever, and has the match-ball as the reminder for his superb hat-trick.

Harrison's output in the final third has been poor at times this season but he was deadly against the Hammers, and his third goal was the pick of the bunch.

ST - Adam Idah

Idah's first Premier League goal for the Canaries had been a long time coming but what better way to get off the mark than their first league victory since November.

The striker was a menace for Everton's defence and was fully deserving of his goal.

Boss Smith will now hope he can kick on with more match-winning moments in the relegation battle.

RW - Raphinha

Harrison was no doubt the star man in a heroic victory for Leeds but there are few players more pleasing on the eye than Raphinha in full flow.

The Brazilian maestro is simply a joy to watch with the ball at his feet and caused nightmares for the Hammers defence on Sunday.

He was unfortunate not to have a goal of his own, but the precise pass for Harrison's winner was a vital moment in Marcelo Bielsa's season.

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