Following Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Brentford on New Year’s Day, we have the first FotMob Team of the Week of 2025. It is, once again, dominated by Liverpool players with the Premier League leaders having three in the starting XI. But who made the cut alongside them and why?
By Sam McGuire
Goalkeeper: Christian Walton
The Ipswich Town shot-stopper put in a fine performance for the Tractor Boys as they beat title chasing Chelsea 2-0 at Portman Road. The 29-year-old faced shots with an Expected Goals on Target total of 1.48 and made four saves as the Blues peppered the Walton’s goal looking for a way back into the game. Poor finishing alongside some good goalkeeping repelled Enzo Maresca’s side and earned Kieran McKenna’s men an important three points.
Right-Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold isn’t letting the uncertainty surrounding his future impact his performances. Well, he certainly wasn’t against West Ham United anyway. The 26-year-old scored his first of the campaign. He also carved out three chances for the Reds as Arne Slot’s men ran riot in a 5-0 win. The No. 66 completed 87% of his passes, made nine ball recoveries and won 50% of his ground duels in what was a solid display, with and without the ball.
Centre-Back: Trevoh Chalobah
Crystal Palace came from behind to beat Southampton in a must-not-lose match for the Eagles. Imperative to that was Chalobah. The on-loan Chelsea defender scored the equaliser. He also completed 75% of his attempted passes, he won 100% of his dribbles, 100% of his tackles and bossed things in duels, winning 80% of his ground duels and 60% of his aerial duels.
Centre-Back: Manuel Akanji
Manchester City returned to winning ways against Leicester City with Akanji putting in a solid performance. The 29-year-old completed 97% of his passes. He was accurate with 75% of his attempted long passes, too. He also cleared an effort off the line, made four clearances in total and won 100% of his ground duels as the reigning champions kept a rare clean sheet.
Left-Back: Rayan Aït-Nouri
The 23-year-old set up two goals as Wolves claimed a draw with Spurs to keep themselves out of the relegation zone. Aït-Nouri was a star performer, carving out three chances on his way to those two assists. He completed 84% of his passes and finished with a 100% success rate in dribbles. He also won two of his three tackles and five of his seven ground duels on his way to an 8.8 FotMob rating.
Midfield: Mohamed Salah
Another matchday, another Team of the Week inclusion for Salah. It is almost a formality now that the Liverpool attacker will find himself in the FotMob Team of the Week. He has now made three appearances on the spin and eight in 18 matches. Against West Ham, he completed the most dribbles (three), created the most shots (four) and finished the game with three goal involvements to make it 30 for the season in the English top-flight.
Midfield: Mikel Merino
Merino got the nod ahead of Declan Rice as Arsenal made the trip to Brentford on New Year’s Day. The summer signing made the most of his opportunity in the starting XI, scoring the goal to put Mikel Arteta’s men in front. He also completed 80% of his passes, made seven ball recoveries and won six of his 11 duels before being replaced after 78 minutes.
Midfield: Alexis Mac Allister
Mac Allister followed up his 8.6-rated showing against Tottenham Hotspur with an 8.4-rated performance against West Ham. This time, the Argentine didn’t rack up assists. Instead, the 26-year-old was at his all-round best. He completed 89% of his passes, created three chances, won 75% of his tackles and involved himself in 12 duels.
Midfield: Gabriel Martinelli
A goal and four shots. Martinelli certainly stepped up for the Gunners in the absence of Bukayo Saka on Wednesday evening. The Brazilian attacker also created four chances as Arsenal overturned a 1-0 deficit to claim a 3-1 win against the Bees. He also pulled his weight without the ball too, winning 75% of his duels.
Forward: Liam Delap
Delap was the difference-maker as Ipswich claimed all three points against Chelsea. The former Manchester City youngster scored and assisted. He also won the penalty which he converted. Remarkably, he had five shots at Portman Road and attempted just eight passes. He was barely involved in the game but made it count when he was. It was a ruthless display from the 6’1″ centre-forward.
Forward: Ollie Watkins
Back in the starting XI for the first time in almost one month, Watkins staked a claim for a place in Unai Emery’s plans. He was only in the team because Jhon Durán was suspended but Watkins turned out to be the difference-maker for Aston Villa against Brighton, scoring and assisting in a 2-2 draw. He was heavily involved in final third action, taking six shots and creating four chances on his way to an 8.6 FotMob rating.
(Images from IMAGO)
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