Erling Haaland’s longest run without a Premier League goal is four. After failing to find the back of the net this weekend, the Manchester City No. 9 is currently three games without a goal in the English top-flight. Thankfully for him, others stepped up. Both goalscorers for the champions find themselves in the FotMob Team of the Week. But who joins John Stones and Joško Gvardiol in the XI?
By Sam McGuire
Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen
The Brighton shot-stopper put in a Man of the Match performance for the Seagulls against Newcastle United this weekend. The 22-year-old kept a clean sheet having made six saves. The Magpies racked up an Expected Goals total of 2.02 but just couldn’t find a way past the Dutch goalkeeper. His performance earned him a FotMob rating of 8.7.
Right-Back: Ashley Young
Young rolled back the years for Everton in their win over Ipswich Town. The 39-year-old completed 79% of his passes at Portman Road while also creating two chances for the Toffees. The right-back attempted four tackles, two dribbles, recovered the ball on six occasions, and won six of his nine duels.
Centre-Back: John Stones
For the second time this season, Stones has scored a late goal to turn a game around for Manchester City. He netted the equaliser against Arsenal a few weeks back and he powered home a header against Wolves on Sunday to complete the turnaround for the champions. It capped off a fairly dominant showing with Stones winning 100% of his ground duels, 67% of his aerial duels and completing 86% of his 92 attempted passes.
Centre-Back: Ethan Pinnock
Pinnock made it two goals in his last two Premier League appearances for Brentford. He opened the scoring for the Bees against Manchester United, though Thomas Frank’s side conceded two second half goals to lose the match. Pinnock was impressive though. The 31-year-old completed 95% of his passes, made a last man tackle, won 100% of his ground duels and was involved in seven aerial duels.
Left-Back: Joško Gvardiol
The Manchester City full-back scored his second goal of the season this weekend, finding the back of the net against Wolves with a right footed effort from outside of the box. He was busy at Molineux, attempting 119 passes, carving out three chances and winning 100% of his tackles and ground duels. His showing earned him an 8.6 FotMob.
Midfield: Curtis Jones
Jones started back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since February. He got the nod against Chelsea with Alexis Mac Allister only fit enough for the bench. He made the most of the opportunity. The versatile midfielder won Liverpool’s penalty and scored what turned out to be the winner. He also completed 90% of his passes, won two of his three tackles and six of his eight ground duels.
Midfield: Youri Tielemans
Tielemans was a class above for Aston Villa in their win over Fulham. The 27-year-old completed 91% of his passes while also carving out four chances for Unai Emery’s men, the most of any player on the pitch. He finished with an assist and an 8.4 FotMob rating. The Belgium international also completed 100% of his dribbles, won one of his two attempted tackles, recovered the ball on six occasions and won six of his nine duels.
Attack: Mohamed Salah
Another game, another two goal involvements for Salah. The Liverpool attacker now has five goals and five assists for the Reds in the Premier League this season following his goal and assist in the win over Chelsea. He put in a strong showing against his former employees, completing three of four dribbles and winning five of his nine ground duels. His 8.6 rating was well deserved.
Attack: Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes was influential for Manchester United in their comeback victory over Brentford. The 30-year-old carved out two chances, one of which was classed as a big chance. He claimed an assist and had a total of five shots on Saturday afternoon. The United skipper won 100% of his aerial duels, 57% of his ground duels and made seven ball recoveries. He was busy with and without the ball, putting in a real captain’s performance.
Attack: Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho was almost like a one-man attack for Manchester United against Brentford. The 20-year-old had eight shots and created two chances for the Red Devils. He scored the equaliser just after the break. The Argentine also attempted four dribbles, won 100% of his tackles and was involved in 15 duels.
Attack: Jamie Vardy
The 37-year-old put in a quintessential Vardy performance in Leicester’s comeback win over Southampton. He was barely involved, having just 12 touches, the fewest of any outfield player, and he managed just five passes. He had a total of four shots though. He won the penalty and scored from the spot.
(Images from IMAGO)
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