The Premier League returned with a bang. Manchester City lost their fifth successive match with Spurs running riot at the Etihad. Chelsea ended Steve Cooper’s reign as Leicester City manager. Arsenal returned to winning ways and Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points. But I know what you’re all wondering…Who made the FotMob Team of the Week?
By Sam McGuire
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
The 28-year-old kept a clean sheet in Tottenham’s emphatic 4-0 win over Manchester City on Saturday evening. It was just their third shutout of the season. Vicario made five saves and faced shots with an Expected Goals on Target total of 1.1. His exploits between the sticks earned him an 8.7 FotMob rating. And he produced that performance despite playing at least an hour with a fractured ankle.
Right-Back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The West Ham right back scored the second for the Hammers as they recorded a 2-0 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park. The 27-year-old completed 85% of his passes, attempted four dribbles, won two of his three dribbles and four of his eight duels. He showed great composure to finish off a Jarrod Bowen pass, though the finish did look a little scuffed. The effort was good enough to nestle in the bottom corner, beyond Nick Pope.
Centre-Back: Mario Lemina
Deployed at centre-back, Lemina impressed against his former side as Wolves claimed a 4-1 win over Fulham on Saturday. The 31-year-old created two chances, claimed an assist and completed 83% of his passes against Marco Silva‘s inform side. Lemina also won two of his three tackles and had a 100% success rate in duels. Maybe the centre-back position is his long-term role for Wolves?
Centre-Back: Dara O’Shea
Ipswich Town ruined Rúben Amorim’s welcome party as Manchester United boss. The Tractor Boys claimed a 1-1 draw against the Red Devils at Portman Road and O’Shea caught the eye for the hosts in defence. The 25-year-old completed 81% of his passes. He won three of his four tackles and had a 100% success rate in duels, winning all 10 he was involved in.
Left-Back: Emerson
Emerson is the second West Ham United player to make the FotMob XI. The left-back claimed an assist in the 2-0 win over the Magpies, putting in the cross that Tomáš Souček headed home. The Italian international played his part defensively too, involving himself in six tackles and winning 86% of his duels. He was key to Julen Lopetegui’s side keeping a clean sheet.
Midfield: Enzo Fernández
Back in the starting XI for the first time since October, Fernández made quite the impression for Chelsea. The skipper scored and assisted in the 2-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday afternoon. He found a teammate with 85% of his attempted passes, he also carved out three chances and was successful in seven of his nine duels.
Midfield: Matheus Cunha
Cunha continued his fine form for Wolves. He’s now been involved in a goal for Gary O’Neil‘s side in each of his last four appearances in the Premier League. He scored twice and claimed an assist in the 4-1 win over Fulham to take his haul for the campaign to seven goals and three assists. He was the difference-maker for Wolves at Craven Cottage in a win that lifted them out of the relegation zone.
Midfield: James Maddison
Maddison was the star performer for Spurs against Man City. The versatile midfielder was named as the FotMob Player of the Match after his performance earned him a 9.1 rating. The 28-year-old scored twice, completed 89% of his passes and 100% of his dribbles. The former Leicester City maestro won 100% of his tackles and 9/13 duels while also winning the most fouls (five).
Attack: Mohamed Salah
Another game, another show stealing Salah performance. The 32-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the summer, made it at least one goal involvement in each of his last seven starts for the Reds following his two goal showing against Southampton. He turned out to be the match-winner against the Saints, netting an 82nd penalty to give Arne Slot‘s side the lead. It was a lead they held onto as they extended their lead to eight points at the summit.
Attack: Nicolas Jackson
Jackson now has 10 goal involvements this season in the Premier League following his opener against Leicester City. The striker continues to impress under Enzo Maresca. Against the Foxes, he attempted just eight passes but was heavily involved in the final third, taking three shots and carving out an opportunity for a teammate. He’s embraced being the centre forward for this Chelsea team and he’s delivering in the shape of goals.
Attack: Bukayo Saka
Saka was at his brilliant best for Arsenal as they returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. The forward scored a fantastic opener, rifling an effort beyond Matz Sels, before assisting Thomas Partey. He’s now on eight assists for the Premier League campaign, a figure no other player in the English top-flight can match. He carved out four chances at the Emirates and looked back to his best.
(Images from IMAGO)
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