After two full fixture lists over the New Year period, it is time to look at the players who have performed the best and made into the Team of the Week.
The fixtures included Sunderland at home to League leaders Manchester City, Fulham hosting Arsenal and struggling Blackburn away at Champions Manchester United.
Position : Goalkeeper
David Stockdale (Fulham)
Having returned from his loan spell at Ipswich to cover Mark Schwarzer's injury the young England International was thrown into the starting XI for Fulham over the festive period. His world class saves kept Arsenal at bay and helped Fulham claw out a 2-1 victory over the Gunners.
Position: Defender
Stephen Kelly (Fulham)
Like his goalkeeper, Kelly was also in superb form against Arsenal as well as in the previous fixture against Norwich City. His solid performances in the two games helped earn Fulham four points.
Position: Defender
Christopher Samba (Blackburn Rovers)
The Blackburn skipper has been heavily linked with a move in January with Tottenham being rumoured as potential suitors for the centre back. Without Samba, Blackburn would be in a significantly weaker position then they are currently. His dominating display at the back helped Rovers secure a shock 3-2 victory over Manchester United on New Years Eve.
Position: Defender
Matthew Kilgallon (Sunderland)
Having failed to impress previous manager Steve Bruce, Kilgallon was thrown on early into the game following an injury to Wes Brown. His resolute and solid defensive performance epitomised Sunderland's desire and they were rewarded with a dramatic 1-0 victory against leaders Manchester City.
Position: Midfielder
Craig Gardner (Sunderland)
Former Birmingham City midfielder had to fill in at the back for Sunderland due to their recent injury crisis. A solid showing from Gardner helped his side to a clean sheet and a valuable victory over Manchester City.
Position: Midfielder
Nathan Dyer (Swansea City)
The Swansea winger is starting to show his potential after another star performance for his team against Aston Villa. His goal against Villa followed up another big performance two days earlier against Tottenham and the 24 year old is impressing in his first season in the top flight.
Position: Midfielder
Stephen Ireland (Aston Villa)
Often criticised midfielder Stephen Ireland responded in style with the equalising goal at Stamford Bridge. His creativity and endeavour against Chelsea showed and Villa came away with an impressive 3-1 victory to celebrate the New Year.
Position: Midfielder
Mohamed Diame (Wigan)
The Senegalese defensive midfielder displayed his ability during the 2-2 draw away at Stoke. The midfielder was able to dominate the opposition and Wigan fought back to ensure they left the Britannia with a well earned point.
Position: Forward
Craig Bellamy (Liverpool)
A brace for Bellamy against his former club Newcastle brought the game back to 2-1 after the reds had gone 1-0 down. Bellamy will need to be in top form in the coming months with the absence of Luis Suarez.
Position: Forward
Juan Mata (Chelsea)
Chelsea may well be struggling to find their best form, but Spanish winger Juan Mata has been a revelation since his arrival from Valencia in the summer. His impressive performance in the victory at Wolves was just what they needed following the 3-1 loss against Villa.
Position: Forward
Yakubu (Blackburn Rovers)
Blackburn's 3-2 win at Old Trafford will go down as one of the shocks of the season. Yakubu was again on hand to help his side by scoring two goals that put Blackburn 2-0 up. The Nigerian forward has now scored 12 goals in 14 games so far for Rovers.
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