The gap at the top was reduced after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle United while three teams managed to separate themselves from an immediate relegation battle after positive results. The midweek round of fixtures in the Premier League did not disappoint.
By Sam McGuire
There were plenty of contenders for the FotMob Team of the Matchday, but who made the cut and why?
Goalkeeper: Mads Hermansen
Ruud Van Nistelrooy got off to a flyer as Leicester City manager. The Foxes recorded a 3-1 win over West Ham United on Tuesday but they were indebted to their goalkeeper for the victory. The 24-year-old made seven saves and faced shots with an Expected Goals on Target value of 3.08. Without him between the sticks, Van Nistelrooy’s reign at the King Power likely starts with a defeat.
Right-Back: Ashley Young
The Everton full-back rolled back the years against Wolves. The 39-year-old scored the opener for the Toffees as Sean Dyche‘s side picked up a much needed win in what was a huge six-pointer. Young completed 100% of his dribbles, won four of his seven tackles and came out on top in eight of his 13 duels at Goodison Park. He claimed a FotMob rating of 8.6 for his performance.
Centre-Back: William Saliba
Saliba bossed it against Manchester United. The Frenchman played a pivotal role in Arsenal picking up a 2-0 win over the Red Devils to cut the gap at the top to seven points. The 23-year-old scored, completed 94% of his passes, won three of his six duels and made five recoveries. He earned an 8.2 rating for what is quickly becoming the norm for the France international.
Centre-Back: Dean Huijsen
The centre-back was the match-winner for Bournemouth as they claimed a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The 19-year-old earned a FotMob rating of 8.3. To go along with his goal, he won 100% of his ground duels, 100% of his aerial duels, and made 10 clearances. It was a solid showing.
Left-Back: Antonee Robinson
The Fulham full-back impressed in their 3-1 win over Brighton on Thursday evening. The 27-year-old completed the most dribbles (four), created two chances and claimed an assist. Robinson also won six of his seven duels as well as making two interceptions. Against a rampant Brighton side, the left-back looked fairly comfortable and managed to catch the eye.
Midfield: Wilfred Ndidi
Ndidi put in a monstrous performance for the Foxes against West Ham United. The 27-year-old attempted the most tackles (eight) and won the most tackles (six). He also won the most duels (14 of 18). The Nigeria international made three interceptions and recovered the ball on four occasions. He also completed 100% of his dribbles and found a teammate with 86% of his attempted passes.
Midfield: Declan Rice
Rice ran the show for the Gunners in their 2-0 win over Man Utd. The powerhouse midfielder completed 88% of his passes, he claimed an assist and carved out three chances. He won 100% of his tackles, recovered the ball eight times and won seven of his eight duels at the Emirates.
Attack: Mohamed Salah
Another FotMob Team of the Week, another FotMob Team of the Week inclusion for Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool attacker is now the outright top scorer in the Premier League with 13 goals following yet another double, this time against Newcastle. The attacker also claimed an assist to make it 21 goal involvements in the English top-flight.
Attack: Kevin De Bruyne
Back in the team and back amongst the goals. De Bruyne made his first start for Manchester City since September in their 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. The Belgian playmaker scored and assisted as Pep Guardiola‘s side won their first match in seven. The 33-year-old created four chances for the hosts, had five shots and completed 100% of his dribbles. Maybe their title charge starts now he’s returned.
Attack: Alex Iwobi
Iwobi made it four games on the bounce with a goal involvement after twice finding the back of the net against Brighton. The versatile winger had a successful day against the Seagulls, scoring twice, creating one chance and completed three of his four dribbles in what was a 9.1 showing for Marco Silva‘s side.
Attack: Ollie Watkins
Watkins returned to haunt his former club during midweek. The 28-year-old scored and assisted against an in-form Brentford side as Aston Villa returned to winning ways. The versatile attacker claimed a 9.0 FotMob rating having created two chances, completing 89% of his passes, winning one penalty and taking six shots for Unai Emery‘s side.
(Images from IMAGO)
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