We have a varied Team of the Week for you following matchday 17. Some might call it a little controversial given there are no players in the XI from the league leaders despite Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Brighton. But let us explain.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Goalkeeper: André Onana
It will go under the radar but Onana made eight saves in Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
The hosts struggled to carve out decent chances but did pepper the away side’s goal, racking up 34 shots. However, they worked the United shot-stopper much more than people may have realised and he finished the game with eight saves to his name, five of which were from inside the penalty area.
Right-Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Another whose performance could’ve easily been slept on. Alexander-Arnold made a key challenge to stop Alejandro Garnacho when the United winger looked set to test Alisson Becker in a one-on-one situation. He was moved into midfield in the second half and ended the game having attempted the most dribbles (he also completed 100%) while also creating six chances for the Reds in what was a frustrating 0-0 draw for the title hopefuls. His 8.8 FotMob rating was the highest of the match.
Centre-Back: Rúben Dias
A surprise inclusion? Perhaps, given Manchester City allowed a 2-0 lead against Crystal Palace to slip. However, Dias performed well and shouldn’t really be punished for the team’s capitulation. The Portugal international attempted the most passes – a staggering 181 – and found a teammate 96% of the time. He also created a big chance for the champions while also having a 100% record in duels.
Centre-Back: Michael Keane
In what was only his third start of the season, Michael Keane impressed for Everton against former side Burnley. The centre-back found the back of the net with a calm finish to give the Toffees a 2-0 lead and effectively kill the game off after just 25 minutes. The 30-year-old made eight clearances and also won four of his six aerial duels on his way to an 8.4 rating at Turf Moor.
Left-Back: Dan Burn
Burn is playing for a place in the Newcastle team now following the impressive form of Tino Livramento. And based on this showing, he’s up for the fight. The 31-year-old finished the game against Fulham with a pass success rate of 88%. He also scored to give the Magpies that all-important third goal. Burn won 100% of his aerial duels and made four interceptions, playing his part in the clean sheet for Eddie Howe’s side.
Midfield: Cole Palmer
Palmer was the main man for Chelsea against Sheffield United as Mauricio Pochettino’s men returned to winning ways. The 21-year-old scored and assisted in the 2-0 win to take his tally for the campaign to six goals and three assists following the move from Manchester City. He certainly caught the eye at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, completing 92% of his passes while creating two big chances for teammates and having a total of five shots.
Midfield: Bruno Guimarães
Guimarães ran the show for the Magpies in the heart of midfield. The 26-year-old created the most chances (five) of any player and claimed an assist. He completed the most dribbles (four), completed the most passes (106) and was the most fouled player (five). The former Lyon man also created two big chances and more than deserved his 8.8 FotMob rating.
Midfield: Dejan Kulusevski
Kulusevski is loving life right now. The 23-year-old scored and assisted in Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Friday night. The former Juventus winger also created three chances, two of which were classed as big chances. He attempted four dribbles and involved himself in 11 duels in what was an all-round impressive showing.
Attack: Mohammed Kudus
Kudus had a lot of fun in West Ham United’s 3-0 win over Wolves. The 23-year-old netted twice, finished the game having completed the most dribbles (five) and won the most duels of any player (14). He was actually involved in an astonishing 27 duels, highlighting why he’s managed to force his way into David Moyes’ squad. The former Ajax man is just as useful without the ball as he is with it. Kudus is now on five goal for the Premier League campaign.
Attack: Anthony Gordon
Gordon is having a season, isn’t he? The former Everton youngster chipped in with yet another assist as Newcastle returned to winning ways. It was his tenth goal contribution of the Premier League campaign. He created four chances and one big chance against Marco Silva’s side. He also racked up four shots while attempting three dribbles at St James’ Park. Gordon was a constant menace for the Magpies.
Attack: Lucas Paquetá
Kudus may have scored twice but it was Paquetá who stole the show for the Hammers. The Brazilian maestro assisted all three goals for West Ham and created a total of six chances. The 26-year-old, who was a transfer target for Manchester City in the summer, also completed 80% of his attempted dribbles, recovered the ball 13 times, won two of his three tackles and came out on top in 12 of his 19 duels.
(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.