Team of the week January 14 2008
Goalkeeper: Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough)
The Australian was in fine form against Liverpool. Making six saves in the game, Schwarzer had to be at his best to keep out fine efforts from both Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun in the first-half. Although Schwarzer has not been at his best this campaign, his performance on Saturday proves he is still one of the league's top goalkeepers.
Right-Fullback: Tony Hibbert (Everton)
Another fine showing from the ever-improving Hibbert. Landing the task of keeping Manchester City's lively Martin Petrov under wraps is never easy, but Hibbert did so with aplomb. He matched the Bulgarian stride for stride as he nullified any threat which the winger produced. With Gary Neville out injured it is surely only a matter of time before he receives his first England call-up. Are you watching Fabio Capello?
Centre-Back: Christopher Samaba (Blackburn)
The massive defender was at his best on Sunday. His presence in defence kept the dangerous Kevin Davies at bay and he managed to equalise for the visitors with a firm headed finish. Although his side have hit a slump in recent weeks, Samba has been the rock which Mark Hughes has been able to rely on. If Rovers' ambitions of reaching Europe through the league are to be realised this season, Samba is going to have to perform like this week after week.
Centre-Back: Ledley King (Tottenham)
The Spurs captain has had a torrid time of late with injuries. One injury after the other, King has had to wait for his chance to return to the field. And what a return he has made! Although he is still short of full match fitness, his performance at Stamford Bridge would lead you to believe otherwise. His strength and power kept Chelsea's attackers at bay on numerous occasions. The England international will feel aggrieved to have lost the match as he was the one shining light in an otherwise poor afternoon for Spurs.
Left-Fullback: Joleon Lescott (Everton)
It just keeps getting better and better for Lescott. The England international, along with team-mate Hibbert, did everything to a tee against Manchester City as the Toffees claimed the three-points. Lescott grabbed the winning goal for the home side to show that he is just as accomplished in attack as he is in defence. Another wonderful showing from the former Wolves star.
Right-Wing: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
If he isn't showboating, he is setting up goals. And if he is doing that then he is scoring them. There aren't enough words to describe Ronaldo when he is on form and against Newcastle on Saturday he certainly was at his best. His hat-trick aside, Ronaldo totally destroyed managerless Newcastle all over the pitch. His pace and trickery left the Toon defenders for dead on numerous occasions and he will feel aggrieved that he didn't score more goals than he did. World-class is one way of describing the Portugal international, but that doesn't really do him justice.
Centre-Midfield: Claude Makelele (Chelsea)
Tenacious, strong and powerful aren't often adjectives used to describe people who are only 5ft 7in tall. But not everyone is Claude Makelele. The French veteran was in magnificent form against Tottenham over the weekend as he dominated the midfield from start to finish. Doing everything with a cheeky smile, the former Real Madrid man fully deserved the man-of-the-match accolade for his showing. Although he does not turn out for the Blues as much as he used to, the midfielder will be knocking on Avram Grant's door the next time the Stamford Bridge club take to the field.
Centre-Midfield: Michael Brown (Wigan)
When Derby County signed Blackburn's Robbie Savage last week, many Rams fans believed he would be the one to protect their leaky defence, just as he has been doing for many a year. If Savage wants to achieve anything at Pride Park, a review of Brown's performance at his new home would be a great start. The former Tottenham man was brilliant in midfield. His box-to-box style of player matched with his no-nonsense approach nullified any threat which the Rams had. In a relegation six-pointer players need to up their game and announce their on-field qualities. Brown did just that and outplayed Savage on his debut.
Left-Wing: Kieran Richardson (Sunderland)
If Sunderland are to save themselves from relegation this season they are going to need their players to take a leaf out of Richardson's book. The former West Ham trainee scored both goals against a faltering Portsmouth side and looked dangerous throughout the clash at the Stadium of Light. His pace and trickery on the wing left the Pompey defence bamboozled and he could have grabbed his hat-trick had his 25 yard drive not hit the crossbar. Overall his best performance in the Black Cats shirt.
Striker: John Carew (Aston Villa)
The Norweigian has settled into English football rather effortlessly since his move to Aston Villa and this was evident during his wonderful display against Reading. Carew was at the centre of every attack as he played the receiver for brilliant moves executed by Ashley Young and Gabbi Agbonlahor. His two goals capped off a wonderful afternoon for himself and his team, as Villa finally look to be a team capable of challenging for Europe.
Striker: Carlos Tevez (Manchester United)
Tipped to be a failure before a ball had been kicked, as it was believed that he couldn't play with Rooney, Tevez has done nothing but prove the critics wrong. His direct style of play and mixture of pace and power were all evident during Saturday's demolition of Newcastle. His eye for goal and creative spark created opportunity after opportunity. Although he was outscored by Ronaldo on the day, the Argentine still put in an outstanding all-round performance.
Andrew Hallett