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Page last updated at 22:04 GMT, Sunday, 21 August 2011 23:04 UK

Garth Crooks' team of the week

Garth Crooks
By Garth Crooks

Manchester City picked up their second win of the season with another impressive display of attacking football against Bolton. Title-rivals Chelsea edged past a dogged West Brom side and Arsenal's woes continued as they slumped to a home defeat against Liverpool.

Newcastle fans got the bragging rights in the Tyne-Wear derby and promoted sides Norwich and Wigan picked up deserved points against Stoke and Wigan respectively. Here are my choices on the weekend's star performers:

Garth Crooks

HILARIO
Hilario

Goalkeeper
Chelsea

Petr Cech is a hard act to follow and Hilario did it brilliantly. With Chelsea spending the first-half as though they were in a pre-season friendly, the substitute keeper had to be on top of his game to restrict West Brom to just one goal. His save from Peter Odemwingie in injury-time saved Chelsea two points.

Did you know? Hilario made three saves in his first Premier League appearance since Chelsea's 4-2 home defeat to Manchester City in 2009-10.

JOSE ENRIQUE
Jose Enrique

Left-back
Liverpool

Jose Enrique played against Arsenal like he had been in that Liverpool team all his life. As strong as Alan Kennedy in defence and a left foot like Alec Lindsay in attack. An excellent purchase by Mr Dalglish.

Did you know? Enrique embarked on five dribbles, more than any of his Liverpool team-mates and a third of the team's total.

ROGER JOHNSON
Roger Johnson

Centre-back
Wolverhampton Wanderers

I love to see centre-halves who have influence in both boxes. Marshalled the Wolves to their second consecutive victory. Solid in defence and his sheer presence in attack seemed to unnerve the Fulham defence. Consistent and dependable.

Did you know? Johnson made five interceptions versus Fulham, only three Premier League players made more this weekend.

FABRICIO COLOCCINI
Fabricio Coloccini

Centre-back
Newcastle United

Last week you Mags put a coherent argument together and brought my attention to the skipper's performance. Against Sunderland he was even better. A stylish defender fit for the modern era. Pity I can't say the same about the haircut!

Did you know? Coloccini made 11 clearances. Only in one game last season did he make more, and that was the same fixture: away at Sunderland.

JOSE BOSINGWA
Jose Bosingwa

Right-back
Chelsea

The Portuguese star has struggled to produce his consistent best at Stamford Bridge but on his day the Chelsea full-back is the best in the Premier League and Sunday was one of those days. You know when a full-back is on top of his game when he's not afraid to play the first time cross. He produced two of the best passes in the game and the second resulted in a match winner.

Did you know? Bosingwa made 121 touches versus West Brom, more than any other player in the Premier League this weekend.

FABIAN DELPH
Fabian Delph

Midfield
Aston Villa

The last time I saw this young man play at Villa Park, he looked like a player with an enormous amount of potential. Against Blackburn he played like a player who was about to fulfil that potential. He controlled the pace of the game. Best player on the pitch.

Did you know? Delph completed all three of his dribbles and completed 90 minutes for only the second time in the Premier League.

DAVID SILVA
David Silva

Midfield
Manchester City

If Manchester City are hopeful of winning anything this season, then they are going to have to rely on Silva's wonderful craftsmanship. Another outstanding performance.

Did you know? Silva created three goalscoring chances versus Bolton, the 14th time he has created three or more chances in a Premier League game since joining the club.

JAMIE O'HARA
Jamie O'Hara

Midfield
Wolverhampton Wanderers

A typically hard working performance from the former Spurs midfielder. O'Hara seemed to be at the heart of every attack and defended when necessary. The best start to a season for Wolves that I can remember.

Did you know? O'Hara completed 83% of his passes and produced five shots, matching his best ever total in a Premier League game, which he has achieved twice before (once for Spurs, once for Portsmouth.)

SHANE LONG
Shane Long

Striker
West Bromwich Albion

For 60 minutes, he absolutely terrorised Chelsea defenders Alex and John Terry. His hard work and all-round display was rewarded by a superbly taken goal. Excellent forward play.

Did you know? Long has now scored against Manchester United and Chelsea in his first two appearances for West Brom.

EDIN DZEKO
Edin Dzeko

Striker
Manchester City

Last season this player struggled to make his mark. A goal in the Community Shield and another against Bolton suggests the frontman is finding his confidence as well as the net.

Did you know? Dzeko has now created nine goalscoring chances in two games this season, as many as in 15 appearances for Manchester City in 2010-11.

GABRIEL AGBONLAHOR
Gabriel Agbonlahor

Striker
Aston Villa

It's about time we started to see that explosive football that graced Villa Park when he first burst onto the scene. If Agbonlahor can find consistency, he's a must for England. My goal of the weekend. Sensational!

Did you know? Agbonlahor became only the second player to reach 50 Premier League goals for Aston Villa. Agbonlahor is now just 10 behind Dwight Yorke.



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see also
Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool
21 Aug 11 |  Premier League
Aston Villa 3-1 Blackburn
21 Aug 11 |  Premier League
Bolton 2-3 Man City
21 Aug 11 |  Premier League
Chelsea 2-1 West Brom
21 Aug 11 |  Premier League
Everton 0-1 QPR
20 Aug 11 |  Premier League
Norwich 1-1 Stoke
21 Aug 11 |  Premier League
Sunderland 0-1 Newcastle
21 Aug 11 |  Premier League
Swansea 0-0 Wigan
20 Aug 11 |  Premier League
Wolves 2-0 Fulham
21 Aug 11 |  Premier League
How to watch Match of the Day
09 Aug 11 |  Match of the Day


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