Just two points separate the top four teams in the Premier League after gameweek nine as Tottenham Hotspur lead the way thanks to a Jose Mourinho masterclass. Spurs soaked up plenty of pressure against Manchester City and came out 2-0 victors. Liverpool kept up the heat with a comfortable 3-0 win over Leicester City on Sunday evening while Chelsea momentarily went top on Saturday after beating Newcastle United 2-0.
Everton got back to winning ways following three successive defeats, beating Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage. Manchester United recorded their first league victory at Old Trafford this season, getting the better of West Bromwich Albion. Elsewhere there were away wins for West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion over Sheffield United and Aston Villa respectively. Leeds United and Arsenal played out the weekends solitary goalless draw.
On Monday, Burnley got the better of Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton played out a 1-1 draw.
Let’s take a look at who makes this week’s Premier League team of the week:
Premier League Team of the Week
Goalkeeper & Defence
GK: Sam Johnstone (West Bromwich Albion)
The West Brom shot-stopper put in a stellar performance on his return to Old Trafford. However, despite his best efforts, he couldn’t stop his side falling to yet another defeat. Johnstone twice denied Anthony Martial in the first half with excellent stops. He was only beaten by Bruno Fernandes’ retaken penalty, the first of which he saved.
RB: Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion)
The Brighton full-back was harshly sent off late on against Villa, but the youngster was a constant threat from right wing-back. Villa couldn’t handle his pace and direct style of play.
CB: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)
The Belgian rolled back the years with a near-perfect display in Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Manchester City. The defender denied a certain goal early on with an excellent tackle on Gabriel Jesus before limping off ten minutes from time.
CB: Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur)
It’s hard to include Alderweireld without his centre-back partner, Eric Dier. The duo put their bodies on the line which is exactly what Mourinho would have wanted. The Englishman has been quietly solid recently and may have finally found his most natural position in the centre of defence.
LB: Lucas Digne (Everton)
Doubled his assist count for the season (4) as the Frenchman teed up Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure to score in the first half.
Midfield
CM: James Milner (Liverpool)
Having filled in at right-back, Milner was forced into midfield in the second half when Naby Keita went off injured. His lack of pace wasn’t a problem as he put in a composed performance, also provided two assists from pinpoint corners.
CM: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham Hotspur)
Surely the Dane is a contender for signing of the season so far? Hojbjerg has been instrumental in his side’s journey to the top of the table. The midfielder is willing to put his body on the line when called upon and was excellent in the 2-0 defeat of Manchester City.
CM: N’Golo Kante (Chelsea)
Played in his more natural role, the Frenchman looked back to his best in Chelsea’s away win at Newcastle. Kante put in a dominant display in the centre of the pitch which allowed the Blues forward players to shine.
Forwards
ST: Danny Welbeck (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Injuries have really hampered Welbeck’s career. Once a promising youngster at Manchester United, it’s hard to believe that he turns 30 this month. However, he troubled Villa’s defence all afternoon and took his goal with real class.
ST: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
The England skipper incredibly registered his ninth assist in as many games as he teed up Giovani Lo Celso to double Spurs lead against Manchester City. Kane has adapted his game this season, often dropping deep and proving that he is more than just an out-and-out goalscorer.
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton)
Completing this week’s trio of English forwards is Everton’s Calvert-Lewin, who picked up where he left off before the international break, bagging a brace in the Toffees 3-2 win over Fulham. He is the first player to reach double figures in the Premier League this term.
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