Written by Samuel Brady
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: Vicente Guaita (Crystal Palace)
We were spoilt for choice in the goalkeeping department this week with three outstanding performers in Vicente Guiata, Emiliano Martinez and Nick Pope all helping their respective sides to victories, but unfortunately only one could make the side and it’s the Palace No.1 who takes it. Guaita was at fault for Harry Kane’s opener after getting caught out by the Spurs forward’s driven long-range effort but the Argentine ultimately kept his side in the game with some outstanding saves to deny Kane again and also Eric Dier as Palace went onto level the game and earn a hard deserved point.
Embed from Getty ImagesRB: Reece James (Chelsea)
The only player in this week’s team to come from one of the ‘big six’, Reece James put in a very solid performance despite Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat away to Everton. The full back was unlucky not to pull his side level when his fizzing shot struck the post in the first half. James was reliable as ever defensively and was unfortunate to end up on the losing side as a result of Gylfi Sigurdsson’s penalty.
CB: Michael Keane (Everton)
Reece James’s and Chelsea’s loss were Everton and Michael Keane’s gain as the English central defender’s performance contributed to the Toffee’s 1-0 win. Keane proved impassable to the Chelsea attackers as he seemingly cleared every ball that entered the Everton penalty box with nine clearances, two interceptions and one shot blocked. England boss Gareth Southgate will certainly be keeping his eye on Keane’s performances ahead of next summers delayed European Championship.
Embed from Getty ImagesCB: Angelo Ogbonna (West Ham)
Angelo Ogbonna scored his second goal in the space of three games as West Ham continued their impressive form after coming from behind to beat Leeds 2-1. The result temporarily sent the Irons up to 5th in the table and it was Ogbonna who they thanked as he popped up with just 10 minutes to go to seal the turn-around. The Italian rose highest in the box from an Aaron Cresswell freekick to head the ball home into the top right corner past the hopeless Leeds keeper Illan Meslier.
LB: Ben Godfrey (Everton)
Ben Godfrey takes the left back spot this week, alongside fellow teammate Michael Keane. Godfrey, who has endured an up and down experience since his summer move from Norwich, showed his versatility as he filled in at left back and to excellent avail. The 22-year-old made the same number of interceptions (5) as the entire Chelsea starting XI, a coming-of-age performance.
RM: Bobby Decordova-Reid (Fulham)
Bobby Decordova-Reid was involved in one of the shock results of this weekend as his first half strike helped Fulham to a 1-1 draw with PL Champions Liverpool at Craven Cottage. The winger is now the first Fulham player to score in three successive PL appearances at home since former cottagers’ striker Dimitar Berbatov in 2013. Decordova-Reid, who looks a far improved player since his last Premier League outing for Cardiff City two seasons ago, is proving a beneficiary to Scott Parker’s style of play in the capital.
Embed from Getty ImagesCM: James Maddison (Leicester City)
James Maddison scored two goals on his PL return from injury in the foxes convincing 3-0 win over Brighton. Maddison’s second strike was top of the highlights reel as he curled his effort into the top corner past Seagulls keeper Maty Ryan after putting his side 2-0 up with another fine strike squeezing into the bottom corner. Leicester will be hoping their midfield maestro will be able to maintain his fitness as proves just how much of an asset he is to boss Brendan Rodgers.
CM: Tomas Soucek (West Ham)
Czech Republic international Tomas Soucek has been one of this season’s most impressive and consistent performers. The 6ft 4in giant has been a mainstay in the Hammers midfield and his growing reputation and performances have even seen some of Europe’s top clubs keeping a keen eye on him. Soucek netted his sides equaliser with a trademark against Leeds, a goal which now means only Harry Kane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have scored more headed goals (4) than Soucek’s three since his PL debut back in February.
Embed from Getty ImagesLM: Jeffrey Schlupp (Crystal Palace)
Jeffrey Schlupp loves scoring against Tottenham. The winger snatched the late equaliser as his Crystal Palace side drew 1-1 with the league leaders. Schupp’s last two PL goals have both come against Spurs with the first coming against the North London side back in July. Palace were good value for the point as they continually knocked on the door to find their way through the stubborn Spurs defence, a key feature of a Mourinho side. Schlupp’s goal is the first Tottenham have conceded in four league games with Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey having been the last player to score past keeper Hugo Lloris.
ST: Che Adams (Southampton)
Che Adams is finally finding his mojo in his Southampton career as the striker netted in The Saints comfortable 3-0 win over bottom side Sheffield United. Adams has now registered more assists and as many goals as he managed in the whole of last season’s campaign. Adam’s has just one of the many Saints players that have been in terrific form this season, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men now sitting in 5th in a Europa League spot, a strong contrast to last seasons fortunes.
Embed from Getty ImagesST: Dwight Gayle (Newcastle)
Dwight Gayle scored just 13 minutes into his first PL appearance of the season as he came back to haunt his former club West Brom in a 2-1 at St. James Park. The 31-year-old has been blighted by injuries in the latter stages of his career, but he rolled back the years to score a brilliant header from a Jacob Murphy cross. The result takes the magpies up to 11th in the league whilst West Brom remain in the relegation zone in 19th.
Sub-edited by Cameron Winstanley
