English Premier League Team of the Week: Wayne Rooney, Vincent Kompany Lead Way

Another exciting weekend of Premier League action has been and gone, and with it yet more eye-catching individual performances.

I take a look back over the latest round of top-flight fixtures to pick my best XI and explain just why they deserve their place.

From Wayne Rooney's match-winning hat-trick against West Ham to another commanding defensive display by Manchester City's Vincent Kompany, here's this week's Premier League team of the week.

It's worrying to think where Birmingham might be without Ben Foster. The England stopper was at his best at home to Bolton, pulling off a number of top saves to preserve his side's winning position.

Alex McLeish's team could have easily lost had he not been in between the sticks and no blame could be put on him as Johan Elmander's stunning strike gave Bolton a consolation.

Rating: 9/10

Few expected Blackburn to leave the Emirates with anything on Saturday evening but a gritty performance helped them secure a hard-fought point in their battle against the drop.

Salgado, along with the rest of Rovers' defence, put in an excellent display. The former Real Madrid man even made a goal-saving block on the line to give his side a vital point away from home.

Rating: 7.5/10

Arguably Manchester City's player of the season so far, Kompany put in another commanding shift in the 5-0 romp over Sunderland.

The Belgium international looked comfortable all afternoon and easily cut out a number of attacks from the Black Cats.

Rating: 8/10

Samba needed to be in fine form against title-chasing Arsenal and he didn't disappoint as Steve Kean's side upset the odds. The big central defender was dominant in the air and dealt well with the Gunners' attacking threat.

He and central defensive partner Ryan Nelsen will be vital if the Ewood Park club are to avoid relegation to the Championship.

Rating: 8/10

Moved to left-back at half-time against West Ham, Giggs relished his defensive role as Manchester United overturned a 2-0 deficit to secure a 4-2 win.

The veteran midfielder didn't shirk his defensive duties and still managed to provide a threat going forward, even setting up Javier Hernandez's late goal.

Rating: 8/10

West Brom boss Roy Hodgson needed his players to step up against former club Liverpool and Brunt did exactly that, confidently scoring two penalties to help the Baggies to a 2-1 win.

The skipper led by example all afternoon and his deadly spot-kicks could well make a huge difference in the battle against relegation.

Rating: 8/10

Possibly the best of Roberto Mancini's summer signings, Toure was at his devastating best against Steve Bruce's Sunderland yesterday.

The Ivorian put in an energetic midfield display, helping out at both ends of the pitch and even bagging himself a goal.

Rating: 8/10

The sale of Steven Pienaar to Tottenham and injuries to key duo Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini have given Osman an extended run in Everton's first-team of late and the experienced midfielder hasn't disappointed.

He turned in another fine display at home to Aston Villa on Saturday, scoring his side's opening goal and creating a number of chances for his team-mates.

Rating: 7.5/10

A Sunderland fan growing up, Adam Johnson showed no mercy against his hometown club at Eastlands on Sunday.

The England winger scored his City's opening goal and continually tormented the likes Phil Bardsley and Anton Ferdinand.

Rating: 7.5/10

After a less than impressive opening 45 minutes, Rooney burst into life during the second period, scoring a superb hat-trick to earn his side a valuable three points.

The controversial striker followed up a stunning free-kick with a well taken second goal and an accurately-struck penalty to ensure the points headed back to Old Trafford.

Rating: 9/10

Zamora has been restricted to a number of substitute appearances since returning from a broken leg but yesterday he was given a start and rewarded his manager with two goals.

The ex-West Ham forward took his chances well and gave the Blackpool defenders a number of problems as the Cottagers earned a 3-0 victory.

Rating: 8.5/10