Premier League Team of the Week 8

Premier League Team of the Week 8

It was another weekend of pulsating Premier League action with 32 goals scored across the nine games so far.

Arsenal maintained their fast start to the Premier League season with a 3-1 win in the north London derby, ending Tottenham’s unbeaten run in the process. Meanwhile, there was a derby win for Manchester City too as they thumped Manchester United 6-3 courtesy of a hat-trick from Erling Haaland.

Newcastle were among the goals too, with a 4-1 win over Fulham, while Everton and Chelsea snatched three points against Southampton and Crystal Palace respectively……………………..Continue Reading

It was more pain for Liverpool, however, who were held to a 3-3 draw with Brighton at Anfield to leave them further off the pace ahead of their titanic clash with Arsenal next weekend.

But who made it into Team of the Week? 101 takes a look at the standout stars of the weekend.

GK: Jordan Pickford (Everton)

Whisper it quietly, but Frank Lampard’s Everton are looking much better this season. Despite it being still unclear where the goals will come from, they are much tighter defensively despite injuries, though they still owe much to a rejuvenated Jordan Pickford.

Five saves ensured that three points went his side’s way in a narrow win over Southampton, and England and Everton’s no.1 is at the top of his game.

RB: Ben White (Arsenal)

All of the talk ahead of the new season was that White’s position in the Arsenal side was under threat from new arrivals, but the Englishman has carved out, and is excelling in, a new role for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Englishman turned in another strong performance at right back for the Gunners, and grabbed an assist for his troubles as he teed up Thomas Partey for his side’s opener.

CB: Thiago Silva (Chelsea)

Silva should probably have seen red for a handball while Crystal Palace were through on goal, but survived and turned in a fine performance as his side went on to win the game 2-1 courtesy of a last minute strike from Conor Gallagher.

The Brazilian topped all of his side’s defensive metrics and excelled on the ball too as he continues to defy his advancing years in the heart of the Blues backline.

CB: William Saliba (Arsenal)

From fine wine to barely crushed grapes, Arsenal’s newest and youngest addition at centre-back continues to excel on a weekly basis, but was handed his toughest challenge against Harry Kane this weekend.

The ease with which he dealt with the Tottenham striker from open play was astounding, while he was also alive to Heung-Min Son’s runs in behind that caught the Gunners out last time the two sides met. His calmness and poise is key to Mikel Arteta’s side.

LB: Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)

In a bad week for clean sheets, Cancelo continued to impress going forwards for Manchester City as they demolished Manchester United in the north London derby.

The full back turned maurading midfielder was one of a host of standout performances for Pep Guardiola’s side, and continues to show that he is one of the best in the world at full back.

CM: Joe Willock (Newcastle United)

Willock has been freed of his shackles and Eddie Howe is reaping the rewards. The former Arsenal man came up with two assists, his first of the season, appearing in a more advanced role on the left hand side of the midfield three.

CM: Thomas Partey (Arsenal)

While Granit Xhaka continues to receive the plaudits for his new role in Arsenal’s midfield, the truth is Thomas Partey makes the side tick.

His goal was excellent, but his all round play and ability to play the linking role between defence and attack by himself is what allows Mikel Arteta to throw more bodies forwards and create chances.