European Football: Match week 15

European football game about to start [Image from flickr by Kieran Lynam]

This was a crazy weekend; Chelsea's unbeaten march came to an end. Manchester City lost their talisman as they closed the six-point gap to just three. December has got off to an explosive start. Arsenal's woes continue as Stoke continued their dominance at home against the Gunners. The last win for Arsenal at the Britannia was in February 2010. West Ham stormed into the top three for 24 hours but continue to impress. I name my Barclays Premier League Match day 15 squad. Manchester United to the form table as they managed their fifth consecutive win.

David de Gea: The best shot stopper in the league, leading already in the Player of the year for the club as the Spaniard continues to shine his beacon. The amount of points he managed to gain United are considerable. Another master class display as Manchester United won their fifth game in a row.

Alan Hutton: The Irishman has been a consistent performer and probably Aston villa's best player. One to lose his temper on occasion was the one to deliver a blow to Nigel Pearson's side with a college finish, grabbed a vital three points for under pressure Villa.

Fabricio Coloccini: The captain was part of a solid back four that managed to nullify the Chelsea juggernaut. A solid display as the Tyneside team managed to win and Coloccini returning from injury was a key player.

Jan Vertonghen: Fortunate to keep a clean sheet as the Belgian defender and Hugo Lloris managed to rescue Spurs from yet another home defeat. With rumors circulating that Manchester United may come in for him, Jan had a quality game in a dark Spurs show.

Carl Jenkinson: Had to find a spot for the arsenal 'reject' who is on loan and having a commendable season, providing a cross for the equaliser against Swansea. He was defensively sound despite a lapse in concentration once or twice. Don't the Gunners miss the England international?

Alex Song: Tank. The Barcelona player is giving West ham lots of freedom to play more attacking football. He has shown his leadership qualities, creativity and composure: A pillar in yet another quality performance by Sam Allardyce's side.

Yaya Toure: A big blow as Batman limped off early, but Yaya managed to stabilize the ship as he has done so often and controlled proceedings. The Ivorian skipper was not at his usual best but managed to be the difference between the sides.

Moussa Sissoko: Newcastle have been on a resurgent rise and the French international has been their best player: another workmanlike display against the title chasers, dangerous on the break and a thorn in the blues flesh.

Yannick Bolasie: Skillful, energetic and pacy. The Congo international created chances that were not taken by his teammates. The player will not be at Selhurst Park for long, looking at his form and his raw talent. The 360 flick against Spurs was a bit of entertainment.

Andy Carroll: The real disappointment was when Sakho didn't slide the ball across for the hat trick goal. A top level display from Andy, who was at his best: Aerial prowess, energetic and full of confidence as he inspired the Hammers to third on Sunday night.

Pappis Cisse: He has rescued Newcastle every time he has come on to play. Cisse has been pivotal and the reason they have managed to turn their form around. The second half cameo against Chelsea saw the Senegalese forward win it for them in a typical striker's performance. He is surely my player of the week.

Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira

Twitter: @bchanakira2