London24 team of the week: Dempsey, Azpilicueta, Frimpong and more

Monday, November 26, 2012
12:08 PM

The sports team at London24 have chosen this week’s star 11 from the 14 Premier League and Football League clubs around London. Tweet us @London24Sport to let us know what you think!

In the Premier League this week, Rafa Benitez received a hostile welcome from Chelsea fans as the Blues drew 0-0 with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was another manager to come under pressure from his own supporters, who voiced their displeasure during the Gunners’ goalless stalemate at Aston Villa.

Spurs came out on top against London rivals West Ham with an impressive 3-1 victory, while Fulham suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Stoke City.

In the Championship, Crystal Palace’s unbeaten run came to an end with a 2-1 defeat at Leeds but Millwall beat Blackburn 2-0 at Ewood Park while Charlton drew 1-1 with Huddersfield.

In League One, both Brentford and Leyton Orient were victorious, with wins over Sheffield United and Preston North End respectively.

And in League Two there was a 1-0 victory for Dagenham & Redbridge against Fleetwood Town, but Barnet and AFC Wimbledon were both beaten.

GOALKEEPER – Simon Moore; Brentford

The 22-year-old put in another top notch performance in Brentford’s 2-0 win over Sheffield United, with a string of excellent second half saves helping Uwe Rosler’s side keep a clean sheet and move into the play-off places.

DEFENDER – Cesar Azpilcueta; Chelsea

The Spaniard was an assured presence at right back as Benitez got his Chelsea reign underway with a defensively encouraging 0-0 draw against Manchester City. Azpilicueta has slowly played his way into the side this season, and it looks like he could be there to stay.

DEFENDER – Michael Dawson; Tottenham

Recalled against West Ham to handle the aerial threat of Andy Carroll, Dawson staked a big claim for a run in the side at the expense of William Gallas. Will be irritated that Carroll got on the scoresheet late on but he was dominant in the air and his distribution to the midfield was key in building attacks.

DEFENDER – Mathieu Baudry; Leyton Orient

The Frenchman scored his first league goal for Orient in their 2-0 win over Preston. Baudry, 24, joined Orient during the summer following his release from Bournemouth and was rock solid for Russell Slade’s side as they won their fifth game on the trot.

DEFENDER – Jake Bidwell; Brentford

The Everton loanee was solid for Brentford, with manager Rosler saying he didn’t put a foot wrong all game. The 19-year-old is carving out a decent reputation at Griffin Park.

MIDFIELDER – Emmanuel Frimpong, Charlton

The combative 20-year-old made an impressive debut for Charlton against Huddersfield after moving to the Championship side on loan from Arsenal. He was a busy presence in the Addicks’ midfield before he was forced off with injury in the 66th minute. The Addicks’ felt his absence as they let their 1-0 lead slip to draw 1-1 late on.

MIDFIELDER – Harry Forrester; Brentford

The former Aston Villa youngster has been a consistent performer for the Bees this season and he was instrumental in the win over Sheffield United. The 21-year-old scored Brentford’s second in the first half with a wonderful turn and shot.

MIDFIELDER – Clint Dempsey; Tottenham

By far the American’s best performance in a Spurs shirt. Deployed in the number 10 role, he dropped off the front into the midfield to good effect and really came to life in the second half, hitting the bar with a curling effort and then setting up Gareth Bale’s goal with a delightful chipped ball through the defence.

MIDFIELDER - Michael Spillane; Dagenham & Redbridge

When the chips were down for the Daggers Spillane was the one to be counted on. He rallied the troops throughout and always looked to put Daggers on the front foot as they secured a narrow victory against Fleetwood Town.

STRIKER – Jermain Defoe; Tottenham

Defoe took his goal tally into double figures with a brace against his former club West Ham. He was a constant menace to the Hammers’ defence and his superb first goal was an early contender for goal of the season.

STRIKER – Chris Wood; Millwall

Wood is becoming a regular fixture in our team of the week, but he was in terrific form once again as Millwall beat Blackburn 2-0 at Ewood Park. He notched Millwall’s opener in the 71st minute, his eighth of the season so far. Manager Kenny Jackett is hoping to extend the youngster’s loan from West Brom into the new year.