Manchester City dominate the Premier League Team of the Week for matchday 10 with three of their players making the XI after an impressive showing in the Manchester derby. But who joins the trio?
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Goalkeeper: Ederson
There were no real standout showings by a goalkeeper this weekend but the Manchester City shot-stopper did enough in the derby to edge his way into the team.
The 30-year-old kept a clean sheet and made three saves as the reigning champions eased to all three points at Old Trafford. Ederson also completed 79% of his passes, proving himself to be a key part of the City build-up once again.
Right-Back: Max Aarons
Aarons is known for his attacking contributions but it was his defensive performance that really caught the eye in Bournemouth’s 2-1 win over Burnley, their first of the season.
The former Norwich City full-back recovered the ball on eight occasions, won nine of his 10 ground duels and had a 100% success rate in the air.
He also completed both of his dribbles and was fouled four times. Aarons was a stress reliever for the Cherries, buying time and space throughout the match.
Centre-Back: Kyle Walker
Walker player as a right-sided centre-back as part of a defensive three for Manchester City against Manchester United.
The 33-year-old won the most tackles of anyone in the match (three) and was the most accurate passer of anyone to feature in a minimum of 45 minutes, finding a teammate with 95% of his attempts.
He also created two chances, completed both of his dribbles and was successful in 80% of his duels on his way to the 8.3 FotMob rating.
Centre-Back: Ethan Pinnock
The Brentford centre-back put in a monstrous performance as the Bees claimed a 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Pinnock scored the opener. Even without the goal though, the 30-year-old would’ve been worthy of a place in the Team of the Week.
He completed 85% of his passes against an aggressive Blues side. He also won all of his tackles, won three of his five ground duels and five of his six aerial duels.
It was a solid outing and he was key to the clean sheet.
Left-Back: Marcus Tavernier
The Bournemouth left wing-back joins teammate Aarons in the Team of the Week after an eye-catching showing against Burnley.
Tavernier was the FotMob Player of the Match with his 8.2 rating. The 24-year-old had three shots, completed all of his dribbles and was busy defensively. He won the most duels (12) of anyone in the match and was involved in eight tackles, winning three.
Midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai
The Liverpool No.8 put on a creative clinic at Anfield as the Reds romped to a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Szoboszlai created four chances – the most of any player in the match – and claimed two assists – the first of his Premier League career.
The former RB Leipzig man completed 75% of his dribbles and recovered the ball 13 times to really emphasise just how much of a complete performance this way on Sunday afternoon.
Midfield: Mario Lemina
The Wolves midfielder took complete control of the middle third at Molineux as Gary O’Neil’s side extended their positive run of form with a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.
Lemina equalised for the hosts in the first half and, in truth, it was a moment his performance deserved.
He completed 98% of his passes, created one chance, completed 100% of his dribbles and won seven of his 10 duels. Lemina was up against one of the best midfielders in the Premier League in Bruno Guimaraes and it would’ve been easy to be overshadowed, but he caught the eye.
Midfield: João Palhinha
With the performance Palhinha put in against Brighton, it is easy to understand exactly why Bayern Munich wanted to spend big money to bring him to the Bundesliga during the summer transfer window.
The former Sporting midfielder made the most tackles (four), won the most fouls (four), and dominated duels, coming out on top in 16 of them.
He also netted the equaliser as Fulham held the Seagulls to a draw.
Striker: Callum Wilson
The Newcastle United No.9 is making the most of his opportunity in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.
Wilson scored twice to take his tally to seven for the season.
He was barely involved and had the least touches (22) of any player to appear in 90 minutes but he was involved when it mattered most. He attempted four shots and two dribbles on his way to claiming an 8.6 FotMob rating.
Striker: Erling Haaland
Man City’s main man bossed the derby. Haaland scored twice and assisted the Phil Foden goal in what was a ruthless final third display.
He worked André Onana with all four of his efforts and finished with an Expected Goals haul of 2.04.
Haaland had the fewest number of touches of any outfield player to play in 90 minutes but made every touch count. It is a common occurrence with the profile centre-forward. He’s now on 11 goals for the season, three clear of his closest rivals – Mohamed Salah and Heung-Min Son.
Striker: Eddie Nketiah
The Arsenal forward claimed a 9.6 FotMob rating after netting a hat-trick in the 5-0 win over Sheffield United.
Nketiah showcased his poaching ability with his first two efforts before rifling in an effort from 20 yards to complete the treble and guarantee the match-ball was heading home with him.
Outside of the goals, he was barely involved but that was the point of his inclusion in the starting XI. He was allowed to influence things in the final third and he did just that.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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