There were so many decent showings throughout matchday four in the Premier League that we could’ve had two Team of the Week XIs. And no, that isn’t an exaggeration. So who made the cut this week?
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker wasn’t too busy in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa but he did make a big save at 2-0, palming Matty Cash’s powerful header away from close range. The Brazilian shot-stopper made three saves on the day and managed to impress in possession. He found a teammate with 97% of his passes while also completing three of his four attempted long passes to round off a good day between the sticks.
Right-Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
After a few shaky displays over recent weeks, the Liverpool right-back looked back to his brilliant best. He captained the side in place of the suspended Virgil van Dijk and he seemed to relish the added pressure. The No.66 created five chances, one big chance, all while finishing the game with a pass success rate of 91%. It is no coincidence that his best showing of the campaign was also the first game of the season that the Reds have completely controlled. Jürgen Klopp will be hopeful that the hamstring injury he picked up isn’t as bad as it could be and he’s fit enough for the trip to Wolves after the international break. In the form he showed against Villa, he’s irreplaceable.
Centre-Back: Cristian Romero
The 25-year-old Argentine was one of many Spurs players to really catch the eye during the 5-2 win over Burnley. He was brilliant in possession, finishing the game having completed 92% of his passes, while also winning three of his four ground duels and all four of his aerial duels. In fact, no player on the pitch completed more passes than the centre-back (68). He’s really adapted to life under Ange Postecoglou. He capped off this performance with a goal, his second of the season.
Centre-Back: Kurt Zouma
Zouma scored what turned out to be the winner for West Ham against Luton. The 28-year-old put in an impressive showing against tough opposition on his way to a FotMob rating of 8.5. He won seven of his 10 aerial duels and two of his three ground duels while also making 11 clearances. Dominant defensively and composed in possession, he finished the game with a pass success rate of 88%.
Left-Back: Destiny Udogie
Udogie has been one of the revelations of the season. He’s made the left-back position his own under Postecoglou and the 20-year-old is thriving. Against Burnley, he chipped in with an assist and completed 93% of his passes, highlighting just how comfortable he is in possession. Udogie also completed all of his attempted dribbles, won 80% of his tackles, 89% of his ground duels and recovered the ball on 14 occasions.
Centre-Midfield: James Ward-Prowse
Another game, another goal involvement for the new West Ham No.7. Ward-Prowse finished with an assist in the win over Luton to make it three assists and a goal in his first three outings for the club. The 28-year-old was brilliant in the heart of the Hammers midfield, attempting 75 passes and completing 89% while also completing 100% of his dribbles and finding a teammate with 62% of his long passes. Defensively, he was robust, winning six of his eight duels.
Centre-Midfield: Manor Solomon
The 24-year-old was drafted into the starting XI to replace Richarlison, with Heung-Min Son leading the line for the game against Burnley. It was an inspired tactical tweak by Postecoglou. Solomon assisted two goals and created the most chances of the game (5). He was also successful with three of his five dribbles while also taking two shots. As far as first starts for a new club go, this one is right up there. Richarlison might struggle to get back into the XI if this sort of form from the former Fulham man is the norm.
Centre-Midfield: Pedro Neto
Though Wolves lost 3-2 to Crystal Palace, Neto really caught the eye. The 23-year-old is looking back to his best after an injury-hit 2022/23 campaign. He created three chances at Selhurst Park, two big chances, and finished with two assists. Neto also had three shots, proving himself to be an outlet for the away side throughout. He has the potential to be a real difference-maker for Wolves and Gary O’Neil would be wise to build the attacking side of things around the Portuguese winger.
Centre-Forward: Heung-Min Son
Heading into the game against Burnley, Son was without a goal in the Premier League this season. He’s now on three after a clinical performance at Turf Moor. The Spurs captain had five shots, scored a hat-trick and created a chance in what was a complete performance in a new centre-forward role. The 31-year-old led the line well and was a constant menace throughout. With Spurs now stacked in wider areas following the deadline day arrival of Brennan Johnson, this might be the No.7’s new position on a more permanent basis.
Centre-Forward: Evan Ferguson
Ferguson was the game-changer for Brighton in their 3-1 win over Newcastle United. The 18-year-old netted his first Premier League hat-trick and impressed with his general play. For example, he was tidy in possession and completed 94% of his passes. He completed 100% of his dribbles, won 75% of his ground duels and 100% of his aerial duels. Ferguson took his first goal well, caught Nick Pope out with his second and then had a slice of well-deserved luck for this third. He’s now on 10 Premier League goals in just a little over 1,100 minutes since making his debut last season.
Centre-Forward: Erling Haaland
The Manchester City No.9 had the least touches (17) of any outfield player to play 90 minutes. Yet he finished with a hat-trick and an assist to yet again make the point that, sometimes, less is more. Haaland had four shots and created two chances as he helped the champions to a 5-1 win over Fulham. They’re the only team to still have a 100% record in the English top-flight and the treble at the Etihad takes Haaland to the top of the goal charts with six in his first four matches.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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