At this point, this feature should be called Erling Haaland and Friends.
By Sam McGuire
The Manchester City forward is, once again, in the FotMob Team of the Week following his goalscoring exploits for the reigning champions. They’re now the only team in the English top-flight with a 100% record and it is largely because of his many, many goals this season.
But who joins the powerhouse No. 9 in the XI and why?
Goalkeeper: Arijanet Muric
The Ipswich Town shot-stopper was put to work against Brighton. The 25-year-old, who signed from Burnley in the summer, made six saves as the Tractor Boys picked up a point away to the high-flying Seagulls. Muric faced shots with an Expected Goals value of 2.45 as the hosts peppered the away side’s goal. His exploits between the sticks earned him a FotMob rating of 9.3.
Centre-Back: Fabian Schär
The Newcastle United centre-back scored an important goal against Wolves, netting an equaliser late on. The Magpies then used this as a platform to go on and win the game. The Swiss defender completed 86% of his passes, made seven clearances and won five of his eight duels.
Centre-Back: Matthijs De Ligt
After a forgettable international break away with the Netherlands, De Ligt bounced back with Manchester United, putting in an impressive display away at Southampton. The 25-year-old scored the opener for the Red Devils to set Erik Ten Hag’s side on their way. He also completed 92% of his passes, cleared a shot off of the line and won 100% of his aerial duels.
Centre-Back: Gabriel
The Arsenal centre-back scored the winning goal in the North London derby. Gabriel escaped Cristian Romero to power home a header in the second half in what was the only goal of the game. He was at his resolute best, making eight clearances and winning two of his three ground duels. The Brazil defender was dribbled past on just one occasion as the Gunners secured all three points to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League this term.
Midfield: Tyrick Mitchell
The Crystal Palace wing-back caught the eye against Leicester City. He claimed an assist with one of four chances that he created. Of those, two were classed as big chances. The 25-year-old attempted three dribbles and completed 49 of his 63 attempted passes. He also won 100% of his aerial duels to round off a solid performance for the Eagles.
Midfield: Wilfred Ndidi
Ndidi starred for the Foxes in their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. The 27-year-old midfielder claimed two assists having carved out four chances. He finished with three big chances to his name. Ndidi didn’t shirk his defensive responsibilities either, recovering the ball on seven occasions while involving himself in 19 duels on the day.
Midfield: Dwight McNeil
McNeil, somehow, ended up on the losing side on Saturday evening. The Everton midfielder finished with two goal involvements having scored the opener and assisted the second for the Toffees, putting in an unbelievable cross for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to nod home. He created the most chances (four) of any player on the pitch and finished with two big chances created. The 24-year-old completed 100% of his tackles but struggled in duels, winning just one of four. His offensive output played a big part in his 8.3 FotMob rating.
Midfield: Mario Lemina
Lemina put in a Player of the Match showing for Wolves but also ended up on the losing side. The 31-year-old skipper scored the opener, carved out two chances and one big chance as the hosts let a 1-0 lead slip against Newcastle United. Lemina completed 100% of his dribbles, 100% of his tackles, made two interceptions, six recoveries and came out on top in five of seven duels.
Attack: Ollie Watkins
Watkins played 84 minutes for Villa in their 3-2 win over Everton. The England international scored two goals and carved out one chance for the Villans. What makes this output even more remarkable is the fact he attempted just six passes and had 19 touches. He was barely involved in the game but he made it count when he did get the ball. To go with his two goals, the 28-year-old missed two big chances. His performance at Villa Park earned him an 8.9 rating.
Attack: Erling Haaland
Another game, another two goals for Haaland. The two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner scored twice to make it nine goals in four outings this term. The 24-year-old was the match-winner for City, scoring what turned out to be the winner for the champions as early as the 32nd minute. The No. 9 had as many shots (six) as he had completed passes. It was yet another quintessential Haaland showing. He wasn’t involved much in the build-up but he was the difference-maker in the final third for the reigning champions.
Attack: Amad
Amad Diallo got the nod ahead of Alejandro Garnacho for Manchester United’s game against Southampton and he made the most of it. The versatile attacker assisted a goal and carved out six chances for the Red Devils in the 3-0 win. The 22-year-old won three of his four tackles, won four of his seven ground duels and had a 100% success rate in aerial duels. It was an utterly devastating display and one that should see him retain his place in the starting XI next time out.
(Images from IMAGO)
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