After yet another demolition job in the Premier League, Arsenal dominate the Matchday 27 FotMob Team of the Week. The Gunners ran out 6-0 winners over Sheffield United to heap the pressure onto Liverpool and Manchester City ahead of their top of the table clash next weekend. Who else made the XI though?
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola
Areola is a regular in the Team of the Week. His exploits for West Ham have been a key reason as to why the Hammers find themselves in seventh position. The 31-year-old was the Player of the Match in the recent 3-1 win over Everton.
The West Ham keeper saved a penalty at 0-0 and made a total of nine saves at Goodison Park on Saturday. He faced shots with an Expected Goals on Target value of 4.11, preventing 3.11 goals on the day with a dominant display between the sticks.
Right-Back: Conor Bradley
The 20-year-old hasn’t missed a beat since coming in to replace the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold. This time around, he didn’t score or assist, but he played a pivotal part in Liverpool keeping a clean sheet against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The young full-back won the most tackles (four of five) while also winning the most duels (10 of 18). Bradley also made seven ball recoveries while managing to carve out two chances as the Reds secured top spot for another week.
Centre-Back: Cristian Romero
The 25-year-old Spurs defender scored the goal to give his side the lead after Ange Postecoglou’s men came from behind to claim all three points against Crystal Palace. Romero also completed the most passes (117 of 126) in the 3-1 win on Saturday.
The Argentine defender was accurate with 75% of his long passes while also winning 6/8 aerial duels in what was an almost perfect performance as Spurs kept their top four hopes alive.
Centre-Back: William Saliba
Another clean sheet for the rampant Gunners, another big William Saliba performance in the heart of the defence. The 22-year-old finished with a pass success rate of 97% on Monday night with 167 of his 172 passes finding a teammate. He played an incredible 16 passes into the final third and recovered the ball on nine occasions, as he played his part at both ends of the pitch.
Left-Back: Jakub Kiwior
Kiwior joins Arsenal teammate Saliba in the FotMob Team of the Week. The 24-year-old scored in the 6-0 win over Sheffield United and he also created a chance. Defensively, he was switched on. The versatile defender won 100% of his tackles, five out of seven duels, and recovered the ball a total of four times on his way to an 8.3 rating.
Midfield: Phil Foden
Foden ensured Manchester remained blue with a dominant derby display. He fired the hosts level with a rocket just after half time and then lashed a second past André Onana with just 10 minutes remaining. He had a total of nine shots and created two chances, one of which was a big chance. The versatile forward had a total of 18 touches in the United penalty area and was the most fouled (four) player on the pitch.
Midfield: Rodri
Rodri was once again the metronome for this Manchester City side. He claimed two assists in the 3-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday. The Spanish playmaker completed the most passes (103) of anyone on the pitch, he created three chances, won five of his eight duels and 50% of his tackles in his 9.0-rated showing.
Midfield: Edson Álvarez
Álvarez really caught the eye in the middle third for West Ham away to Everton. The 26-year-old scored the all-important third goal in the 3-1 win to put the game to bed but his overall showing was ridiculously dominant.
For example, he finished with a pass success rate of 83% while also completing all four of his dribbles. The Mexico international won 10 of his 12 ground duels, made five interceptions and recovered the ball on seven occasions. At times, he was almost a one-man wrecking ball.
Attack: Kai Havertz
Havertz put on a clinic in attack for Arsenal on Monday evening. The former Chelsea man scored and assisted against Sheffield United. He carved out a total of four chances for teammates, finished with a pass success rate of 93% and successfully completed 50% of his attempted dribbles as he went on to claim a match high 8.8 rating.
Attack: Ollie Watkins
After his two-goal showing in Aston Villa’s 3-2 win over Luton Town, only Erling Haaland (18) has more goals than Watkins (16) in the Premier League this season.
The Villa No. 11 had a total of five shots and hit the woodwork but still managed to add two goals to his haul for the campaign. His form over recent weeks has seen him score five goals in his last three outings for the Villans. This coincides with Unai Emery’s men picking up maximum points.
Attack: Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli is another Arsenal forward who finished the game against Sheffield United with a goal and an assist. The explosive attacker had a total of four shots and assisted two chances for the Gunners. Martinelli had an incredible 11 touches in the opposition penalty area and involved himself in 14 duels before having to be substituted due to injury.
(Images from IMAGO)
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