It was a busy weekend in the Premier League.
By Sam McGuire
We have new leaders, a winless streak has come to an end and one player registered a 9.9 FotMob rating. So here’s a look at your Team of the Week for Gameweek six with an explainer as to why they made the XI.
Goalkeeper: Mads Hermansen
The Leicester City shot-stopper conceded four goals on Saturday afternoon in the defeat to Arsenal. However, without the 24-year-old between the sticks, it could’ve been a lot worse for the Foxes. The 24-year-old made an astonishing 13 saves at the Emirates having faced shots with an Expected Goals on Target total of 5.74. He made the most saves in a Premier League game since December 2017 when David De Gea made 17 against the Gunners.
Right-Back: Jurrien Timber
One week after attempting just seven passes in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City, Timber put on a creative clinic for the Gunners in their 4-2 win over Leicester City. The 23-year-old created seven chances and claimed one assist. Only Bukayo Saka (eight) carved out more opportunities for teammates at the Emirates as the Gunners momentarily claimed top spot. The versatile Dutch defender also completed 91% of his attempted passes to complete an impressive display in possession.
Centre-Back: Maxence Lacroix
Lacroix claimed an assist against Everton. The 24-year-old couldn’t prevent the Eagles from suffering a defeat at Goodison Park but he still impressed for Oliver Glasner’s men. He completed 100% of his dribbles and won two of his three tackles. In fact, one of these tackles was a last-ditch one that prevented Abdoulaye Doucouré from getting a shot at goal when in one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The French defender also won five of six ground duels.
Centre-Back: Marc Guéhi
Guéhi joins his defensive partner in the FotMob Team of the Week. The former Newcastle United transfer target scored the opening goal at Goodison Park. He completed 92% of his attempted passes, successfully completed 100% of his dribbles and made a remarkable 10 clearances. The Palace centre-back made six ball recoveries, won 100% of his ground duels and triumphed in six of his 11 aerial duels.
Left-Back: Joško Gvardiol
Gvardiol scored his first goal of the season for Manchester City in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United. The left-back claimed an 8.2 FotMob rating for his showing at St James’ Park. The former RB Leipzig man completed 85% of his passes, he was 100% successful in tackles, made two interceptions and five ball recoveries. The 22-year-old also won six of his 10 ground duels.
Midfield: Carlos Baleba
Brighton were on the end of a heavy defeat this weekend, losing 4-2 to Chelsea at Stamford Bride, but Baleba certainly did his reputation no harm. The 20-year-old held his own against Chelsea’s expensively assembled midfield, scoring and assisting for the Seagulls. He completed 89% of his passes, attempted four dribbles, made 11 ball recoveries and came out on top in seven of his 10 ground duels. To top things off, he was dribbled past on just one occasion.
Midfield: Dejan Kulusevski
Spurs ran riot at Old Trafford this weekend, claiming a 3-0 win over the Red Devils. Their entire team put in a shift but it was Kulusevski who stood out. The 24-year-old scored early in the second half with a deft finish. He completed 89% of his passes too. This is even more impressive when you consider the sort of passes he was attempting. He was looking to be the difference maker, time and time again. He finished the game having created nine chances, the most on record (since 2003/04) by a visiting player in a Premier League game at Old Trafford.
Midfield: Lewis Cook
The Bournemouth maestro pulled the strings for the Cherries in their 3-1 win over Southampton on Monday evening. Cook claimed an 8.7 FotMob rating having registered two assists. He created four chances on the night in what was a dominant on-ball showing. The 27-year-old made six ball recoveries and won 50% of his ground duels. Andoni Iraola’s men are now up to 11th following their second win of the season.
Attack: Cole Palmer
Another 9.9 FotMob rating for Palmer. This is the second time he’s achieved this feat. It is also the second time he’s scored four goals in a single match. The Chelsea forward scored all of the goals for the Blues in their win over Brighton. He also hit the post and had a goal disallowed in what was a potent showing by the England international. The former Manchester City youngster had seven shots at Stamford Bridge and created four chances. He was almost a one-man attack for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Attack: Dwight McNeil
Everton finally picked up their first win of the season. They had to overturn a 1-0 deficit at Goodison Park against Crystal Palace but did just that with two second half goals. McNeil scored both on his way to an 8.7 rating. The versatile midfielder scored from a distance and then showed great composure to fire an effort in from close range under pressure. He also created one chance for the Toffees and completed two of his three long passes.
Attack: Liam Delap
Delap is enjoying his start to life in the Premier League. The Ipswich Town attacker netted twice for the Tractor Boys in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa. The 21-year-old claimed an 8.8 rating in a performance that you’d expect to see from Erling Haaland. He was barely involved, attempting just eight passes, but he made the most of his opportunities. He turned chances with an Expected Goals vale of 0.57 into attempts on goal with an Expected Goals on Target value of 1.89.
(Images from IMAGO)
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