As far as Team of the Weeks go, this might be the most varied one we’ve had. Why? Well, no players from any of the top three – Arsenal, Manchester City or Liverpool – make the XI. Here’s a breakdown of why the players who did make the starting XI made the cut.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Goalkeeper: André Onana
The Manchester United shot-stopper kept his fifth clean sheet of the campaign on the 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park. The former Ajax and Inter goalkeeper is now tied with Nick Pope and Sam Johnstone for most clean sheets in the league following the shutout on Sunday.
He made six saves as Everton created chances with an Expected Goals total of 1.73. The hosts just weren’t able to find a way past the 27-year-old. United are now just four points off the top four.
Right-Back: Diogo Dalot
Another Red Devil making the Team of the Week. Dalot was something of a revelation down the right for United against Everton. He set up Alejandro Garnacho’s goal of the season contender and created a further two chances.
The 24-year-old, who signed for Man Utd in 2018, also won two of his three attempted tackles, recovered the ball seven times and came out on top in three of his four duels to round off a complete performance.
Centre-Back: Teden Mengi
Luton Town registered their first home win of the season on Saturday. Rob Edwards’ men held on against Crystal Palace to pick up a surprising three points at Kenilworth Road. Key to that success was Mengi.
The right-sided centre-back in a back three, Mengi scored the opener, but the 21-year-old’s defensive showing caught the eye. He won 67% of his tackles and 75% of his ground duels. He also made eight-headed clearances and he played his part in repelling the Eagles.
Centre-Back: Pau Torres
Torres is proving to be one of the signings of the summer. It is clear to see a number of Champions League-level sides wanted the centre-back. What isn’t clear, however, is why none of them made a move prior to his switch to Aston Villa.
Unai Emery’s men are now in fourth spot following victory over Spurs. Torres powered a header past Guglielmo Vicario to equalise for the away side just before the break. It capped off a dominant showing with the 26-year-old winning 100% of his tackles, 83% of his ground duels and 100% of the aerial duels he was involved in.
Left-Back: Antonee Robinson
The Monday night game at Craven Cottage did not disappoint with Fulham winning a five-goal thriller against Wolves.
Robinson played his part in getting Fulham off to a flyer, assisting Alex Iwobi with just seven minutes on the clock. Though Marco Silva’s side did concede twice, Robinson did impress defensively. He won 60% of his ground duels and 100% of his aerial battles while also recovering the ball seven times. His 8.1 FotMob rating was more than deserved.
Midfield: João Pedro
It was quite the day for Pedro. He started Brighton’s game against Nottingham Forest on the bench but replaced Ansu Fati after just 21 minutes. He went on to put in a performance that gained him a FotMob rating of 9.1 after scoring twice in a 3-2 win for the Seagulls, their first three points in the league since September. He also won the penalty, which he converted, and put in a monstrous pressing performance, involving himself in 18 duels and winning 11 of them.
Midfield: Willian
Willian is rolling back the years for Fulham. The 35-year-old was the match-winner on Monday night, scoring two penalties to seal all three points for the Cottagers. He kept his cool in stoppage time to convert from the spot to give Fulham their first Premier League win since the first week of October. The former Chelsea man also created two chances.
Midfield: Marcus Tavernier
The left-winger scored twice for Bournemouth in the 3-1 win over Sheffield United. He had a total of six shots in the game, meaning he was responsible for 26% of the total efforts had by the Cherries. The 24-year-old also created three chances to round off what was an exceptional showing. His display earned him a FotMob rating of 9.2, the highest of anyone in the Premier League this week.
Attack: Hee-Chan Hwang
Hwang didn’t deserve to be on the losing side on Monday night.
The 27-year-old scored from the spot to make it 2-2 with one of his three efforts against Fulham. He helped Gary O’Neil’s side defend from the front. He was dribbled past just once, recovered the ball on seven occasions while also winning 60% of his ground duels. Hwang was a constant threat throughout the game and was fouled three times.
Attack: Anthony Gordon
Gareth Southgate’s decision to overlook Gordon looks a little foolish after yet another eye-catching display this weekend. The Newcastle winger scored and assisted in the 4-1 win over Chelsea on Saturday evening. He was fouled four times and involved himself in 13 duels to really emphasise how much of a modern-day forward he is – he’s part of the defensive phase as much as he is the offensive phases of play. The 22-year-old now have five goals and three assists in the Premier League this term.
Attack: Chiedozie Ogbene
Ogbene was a menace for Luton down their left flank on Saturday afternoon. The 26-year-old claimed an 8.2 FotMob rating for his showing in front of the home fans. He claimed an assist, put in a defensive shift and was a reliable outlet for the Hatters. The Republic of Ireland international attempted six dribbles and completed three of them. He also won six of his 10 duels showing his duality as a player in this workman-like team.
Ogbene more than played his part in lifting Luton four points clear of the drop zone.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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