Premier League Gameweek 11: Best XI Stars and Standout Performers

Premier League Gameweek 11: Key Performances and Top Players

With eleven rounds completed in the 2016/17 English Premier League, the campaign’s patterns are beginning to emerge. Yet, Gameweek 11 delivered several surprises, with Liverpool and Chelsea producing commanding wins and both Sunderland and Hull City breaking their winless streaks. As the race for the title intensifies and the relegation battle heats up, standout displays from both teams and individual players have reshuffled expectations.

This article highlights the most impressive performers from the weekend, with the best eleven selected for their outstanding contributions during a memorable round of top-flight action.

Breakout Victories and Unpredictable Results

This weekend saw Sunderland finally register their first victory of the season with a spirited 2-1 result over Bournemouth, while Hull City notched their first league win since the second matchday by overcoming Southampton 2-1. These wins offered much-needed confidence boosts for two sides under pressure.

However, the most dominant storylines came from Liverpool and Chelsea. The Reds, under Jürgen Klopp, continue to impress as genuine title contenders, demolishing Watford 6-1 with a scintillating attacking display. Simultaneously, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea breezed past Everton 5-0, blending offensive flair with defensive rigidity.

Strikingly, 9 out of 11 selections in this week’s Premier League Team of the Week emerged from just two clubs: Chelsea and Liverpool—a testament to their current supremacy.

Premier League Gameweek 11: Best XI

The following players were chosen for their significant impact and influence during Gameweek 11.

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (Sunderland)

Sunderland’s breakthrough win away at Bournemouth was anchored by Jordan Pickford’s resilience between the posts. The young keeper delivered several vital saves to maintain his side’s lead, including a remarkable close-range stop from Joshua King in the dying minutes. Pickford’s reflexes and composure were critical factors in clinching the Black Cats’ first three points of the campaign, reflecting his growing importance and potential as a top-flight shot-stopper.

Right Wing-Back: Victor Moses (Chelsea)

Victor Moses continued to justify Antonio Conte’s faith in him, excelling as Chelsea’s right wing-back. Full of energy and purpose, Moses overloaded Everton’s left flank, delivering eight crosses and narrowly missing a goal with a thunderous effort. Key defensively and involved in buildup play with over 100 touches, Moses’ attacking runs and defensive contributions showcased his transformation into one of the team’s top performers this season.

Centre Back: Michael Dawson (Hull City)

The return of Michael Dawson has been pivotal for Hull City, and his leadership was evident against Southampton. Tasked with containing attacking threats like Charlie Austin and Dušan Tadić, Dawson made decisive tackles, numerous blocks, and capped his display by scoring Hull’s winning goal with a commanding header. His presence at the heart of defense has instilled confidence in the Tigers and could prove vital in their fight for survival.

Left Wing-Back: Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)

Since joining Chelsea, Marcos Alonso has cemented his place in Conte’s system. Against Everton, the Spanish defender contributed at both ends—scoring the team’s second goal with a well-timed run and finish, making more tackles than any other player on the pitch, and generating attacking opportunities with five crosses and three chances created. Alonso demonstrated why he has quickly become integral to Chelsea’s structure.

Central Midfield: Adam Lallana (Liverpool)

Adam Lallana’s development under Klopp has been remarkable, with the England international now among the league’s top creative midfielders. Against Watford, Lallana contributed two assists (one with each foot), created four chances, and maintained a high completion rate with his passing and crossing. His vision and technical ability have elevated Liverpool’s midfield, with Lallana now ranking just behind Kevin De Bruyne for assists in the league.

Right Attacking Midfield: Sadio Mané (Liverpool)

Sadio Mané bolstered Liverpool’s attack with his relentless energy, netting two clinical goals against Watford to take his season total to six. Though not as active in chance creation, Mané’s efficiency in front of goal made a difference in the Reds’ emphatic win. His ability to stretch defenses and provide a direct attacking threat continues to be a key component of Liverpool’s system.

Left Attacking Midfield: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)

Philippe Coutinho put in another sensational performance, contributing a goal and an assist before halftime and playing a role in nearly every Liverpool attack. With five successful dribbles, five shots, six crosses (three of which connected), and five chances created, Coutinho exemplified creativity and composure. His consistent form has been crucial to Liverpool’s high-scoring style and ongoing title challenge.

Right Wing: Pedro Rodríguez (Chelsea)

Pedro Rodríguez retained his starting place and rewarded Conte’s decision with a standout display against Everton. He not only assisted on key goals—including ones for Marcos Alonso and Eden Hazard—but also scored Chelsea’s fifth with clever positioning. Beyond his attacking output, Pedro contributed with four tackles and several incisive dribbles, rejuvenating the verve that defined his Barcelona days.

Centre Forward: Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)

Roberto Firmino has thrived under Klopp, continuing his impressive run with another stellar outing. Against Watford, he notched a goal, assisted two others, and created four chances, in addition to winning aerial duels and registering multiple shots on target. Firmino’s intelligence, movement, and work ethic make him a linchpin in Liverpool’s dynamic attack.

Left Wing: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Eden Hazard has rediscovered the form that once made him the league’s most feared winger. He terrorized Everton’s defense with two expertly taken goals and was constantly involved, completing all his attempts on target, five crosses, and three take-ons, while maintaining nearly perfect passing accuracy. Hazard’s transformation into Chelsea’s creative leader under Conte suggests more match-winning performances to come.

Striker: Diego Costa (Chelsea)

Diego Costa’s aggressive approach and clinical finishing spearheaded Chelsea’s dominant win over Everton. Not only did he score with a fierce volley and assist Hazard, but Costa also created four chances, put four shots on target from six, and undertook defensive duties. His all-around display underlines his importance to Chelsea’s ambitions this season.

Premier League Team of the Week: Gameweek 11 Table

Substitutes and Other Noteworthy Performances

Several players narrowly missed out on the starting XI but made valuable contributions:
– George Friend (Middlesbrough): Strong defense and an assist against Manchester City.
– Robert Snodgrass (Hull City): Key role in Hull’s first win in weeks.
– Matty Phillips (West Brom): Instrumental in victory over Leicester City.
– Wayne Rooney, Sam Vokes, Victor Anichebe, Zlatan Ibrahimović: Each played pivotal roles for their clubs in important results, including Manchester United’s win over Swansea and Burnley’s victory against Crystal Palace.

Player of the Week: Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard shone brightest during Gameweek 11, orchestrating Chelsea’s attacking masterclass and scoring twice with signature skill and composure. His creativity, confidence, and relentless movement set him apart as the week’s top performer.

Manager of the Week: Antonio Conte

Antonio Conte’s tactical acumen has sparked Chelsea’s resurgence, culminating in one of their finest collective performances against Everton. Known for his ability to inspire belief and get the best from every player, Conte’s management has revitalized talents like Hazard, Moses, Pedro, and Alonso. Chelsea’s fluid and dominant 5-0 triumph highlighted his managerial excellence and further tightened their grip on the title chase.

Conclusion: Gameweek 11’s Lasting Impact

This eventful weekend reminded fans of the Premier League’s unpredictability and quality. With Chelsea and Liverpool asserting their dominance, and underdogs like Sunderland and Hull City battling back with vital wins, the narrative for the season continues to shift. As the campaign progresses, fans can expect more thrilling displays and new standout stars to emerge on English football’s biggest stage.