Written by Samuel Brady
Sub-edited by Cameron Winstanley
Hello and welcome to my Premier League team of the week for the weekend just gone. I have gone through and analysed this weeks top performers for each position, in my opinion, and decided to go for a 4-4-2 formation this week. Let me know your thoughts and who would you keep and swap?
GK: Nick Pope (Burnley)
With the latest round of international matches coming up this week, it was Nick Pope’s performance in the 0-0 stalemate with Brighton that will give Gareth Southgate a selection headache for England’s next fixtures. Pope produced good saves from Danny Welbeck in what was a mean defensive performance for the Clarets who stood strong to deny Brighton’s 19 shots, the most any team has massed in a game so far this season. With speculation mounting over fellow countryman Jordon Pickford’s form, Pope will be hoping his performance is enough to convince Southgate that he is the man for the job.
LB: Aaron Cresswell (West Ham)
Aaron Cresswell was a standout performer in West Ham’s narrow 1-0 win over London rivals Fulham on Saturday. The left back came close to scoring when his freekick struck the crossbar, before going onto carve out four chances for his side in the game, which now takes his total chances created for the season to 17 (PremierLeagueStatMan). West Ham’s recent form has been beneficial to Cresswell who also registered four key passes, 96 touches and an 89% passing rate (Matchday365).
CB: Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
With pressure mounting on manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United needed at least a solid performance away at Everton following a tough few week for the Red Devils. United surprisingly delivered winning 3-1, including a very solid defensive display from Harry Maguire. The centre back won 100% of his tackles as well as seven clearances, four ball recoveries, four aerial duels won and all without committing a foul (StatmanDave). The United captain has had a rough start to the season with poor performances and off the field issues, but Maguire will be hoping to keep these types of displays consistent in his game.
CB: Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
Thiago Silva scored his first PL goal for Chelsea in the Blues 4-1 win over Sheffield United. The Brazilian registered 120 touches, 100 successful passes, five recoveries and four aerial duels (SquawkaFootball) in a performance which shows at 36 years of age, that he still has what it takes to perform at the highest level. Since his arrival from PSG on a free transfer, Silva is finally the experienced figure head they have craved so badly for at Stamford Bridge.
RB: Matt Doherty (Tottenham)
Matt Doherty assisted Harry Kane’s 90th minute winner against West Brom, a result which briefly sent Spurs top of the league for the first time in six years. Doherty who signed from Wolves in the summer transfer window, also helped his side to just their second clean sheet of the season before teeing up Kane for his close-range header. Doherty will be looking to build on from his performance and give Jose Mourinho no choice but to keep team mate Serge Aurier out of the starting eleven.
LM: Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
Eberechi Eze scored his first Crystal Palace, and PL goal, in the eagles surprising 4-1 demolition of Leeds at Selhurst Park. The winger, signed from QPR in the summer, netted in spectacular fashion with a pinpoint freekick shortly after assisting Scott Dann’s header from a corner. As well as his goal contributions, Eze also created two chances, 9 ball recoveries, 87% pass accuracy and 59 touches (SqwuakaFootball), stats that will please Roy Hodgson’s hard-working style.
CM: Stuart Armstrong (Southampton)
Stuart Armstrong was awarded MOTM in Southampton’s previously mentioned win over Newcastle. Armstrong’s dazzling feet followed by his low driven strike was just his third PL goal at home and his first in the league since February earlier on this year (OptaJoe). A consistent performer for the Saints since his arrival from Celtic in 2018, Armstrong along with fellow TOTW teammate, Che Adams, helped Southampton register their third consecutive league win, the first time since 2016.
CM: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Once again Bruno Fernandes shone in Manchester United’s 3-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park. The midfield maestro scored two and assisted Edinson Cavani’s first goal for the club in a much needed three points for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has come under fire in recent weeks. Fernandes now has more goal involvements in his first 10 PL away matches than any other player in the leagues history (ESPNFC).
RM: Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea)
Hakim Ziyech registered two assists on a MOTM performance for Chelsea against Sheffield United. The Moroccan international created six chances, as well as his two assists which means that no other player has created more chances in a PL game this season (OptaJoe). The summer signing from Ajax is already proving his worth despite just playing only 190 minutes of football for the blues this season. Ziyech’s form looks like he will be at the heart of a much-anticipated title challenge this season for Frank Lampard’s side.
ST: Che Adams (Southampton)
Che Adams first season at St. Mary’s proved to be a tough learning curve for the 24-year old. However, contrast to this season, Adams has finally made his mark. In his first 24 PL appearances for Southampton, Adams return was a sorry zero but now in his last 14, Adams has found the target 7 times (SkySportsStatto), form that has seen him on the nominees list for the Premier Leagues player of the month for October. Adams goal in the 2-0 win over Newcastle helped put Saints top of the league, all be it for two days, in what has been a resurgence under Ralph Hassenhuttl.
ST: Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Ollie Watkins scored a brace as he helped Aston Villa thump Arsenal 3-0 on Sunday. Watkins three-minute brace was his sixth in seven games in the PL this season, with only Dean Saunders (7) and Dion Dublin (9) netting more in their first seven Villa appearances (Optajoe). Watkins is making his £28m transfer fee look full value for money so far, being directly involved in 7 goals in 7 PL appearances (Statman Dave). If Watkins can keep up his early form, then it could prove to be a very exciting season for the Villains.
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