After an 8-0 win, it is no surprise to see Newcastle United have four players in the Team of the Week. This week’s XI is about as straightforward as we’ve had all season with a number of individual eye-catching performances this weekend.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Goalkeeper: Ederson
It isn’t often you see the Manchester City goalkeeper in a Team of the Week. The champions are usually in complete control of the match and their shot-stopper is rarely called into action. Against Nottingham Forest though, Ederson had a bit to do, especially in the second half after Rodri’s sending off.
The 30-year-old made three saves and cleared up a number of times as the hosts threatened to make their extra man count. His performance earned him an 8.4 FotMob rating.
Right-Back: Kieran Trippier
Trippier ran the show from right-back in Newcastle United’s 8-0 victory over Sheffield United. The skipper created five chances, claimed three assists and completed 83% of his passes in a dominant creative display. The 33-year-old also won three of his duels, both of his tackles and recovered the ball on six occasions during his 70 minutes on the pitch.
Centre-Back: James Tarkowski
Everton picked up their first win of the season and Tarkowski played a significant role in earning the three points. The former Brentford centre-back got one over his old team, scoring the second goal of the day for the Toffees to help them retake the lead. Dominic Calvert-Lewin added a third to guarantee maximum points but it was Tarkowski’s resilient showing in defence that really counted. The 30-year-old won eight of the nine aerial duels he was involved in as he came out on top in his battle with Yoane Wissa.
Centre-Back: Virgil van Dijk
Some blame Van Dijk for Jarrod Bowen’s equaliser in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over West Ham United but the truth is it was just an intelligent piece of play by the England international. Aside from that moment, the Liverpool captain put in a flawless showing at Anfield. He had chances to score but could only walk away with an assist, having nodded down for Diogo Jota to convert from close range.
He completed 93% of his passes and won 14 of his 15 duels, including 12 of his 13 aerial duels as both he and Joel Matip did a number on Michail Antonio.
Left-Back: Dan Burn
Burn joins his Newcastle United captain in this week’s Team of the Week. The left-back scored against the Blades but his overall performance more than justified his inclusion in this XI. He completed 85% of his passes, 100% of his dribbles, won 100% of his tackles and 100% of his aerial duels. The 31-year-old made four clearances and made six ball recoveries to help his team to a clean sheet.
Centre-Midfield: Phil Foden
Foden scored his first Premier League goal of the season in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. The versatile forward got the league leaders off to a flying start, finding the back of the net after just seven minutes. He created one chance, completed three of his four dribbles and finished the game with a pass success rate of 96%.
The 23-year-old impressed without the ball too, winning both of his tackles and six of his seven ground duels as the away side dug deep after the break with a man down to keep a clean sheet.
Centre-Midfield: Bruno Guimarães
Guimarães put in an impressive showing in the heart of the Newcastle midfield just days after verbally agreeing a contract extension with the club. The Brazilian maestro scored and assisted in the 8-0 win to earn himself a 9.2 FotMob rating. The 25-year-old also created five chances, completed 100% of his dribbles, won 100% of his tackles and won all eight of his duels. He was in complete control of the middle third for the Magpies.
Centre-Midfield: Karou Mitoma
Mitoma started the match on the bench for Brighton but a disappointing first-half showing saw Roberto De Zerbi bring the talented winger on at the break. It turned out to be an inspired decision with the Japan international scoring twice to win the match for the Seagulls. The 26-year-old now has six goal involvements across 486 minutes this season.
Right-Wing: Mohamed Salah
Another week, another record for Salah. In converting the penalty, the Liverpool No. 11 became the first player in Premier League history to score or assist in 12 consecutive matches twice. The 31-year-old won the penalty and created two chances in yet another quintessential Salah display to earn himself a FotMob rating of 8.8.
Centre-Forward: Heung-Min Son
Since being deployed as a centre-forward, Son has been in fine form. His double in the North London derby takes his tally to five goals in three outings as the man leading the Spurs line. The No. 7 wasn’t heavily involved at the Emirates but he made the moments that he was really matter. He equalised on two occasions as Spurs took a point off Arsenal to extend their unbeaten start to the season.
Left-Wing: Anthony Gordon
Gordon didn’t start the match, replaced in the starting XI by Harvey Barnes. However, the former Leicester City attacker lasted just 11 minutes before a toe injury forced him off. Gordon looked like a man with a point to prove after coming on. He had four shots, created three chances and finished the match with an Expected Goal contribution of 1.1 having scored and assisted. The 22-year-old completed all of his dribbles and contested a remarkable 14 duels, coming out on top in eight.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every match from the Premier League live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage and player ratings. Download the free app here.