Spurs and Chelsea welcomed Fulham and Arsenal in the Premier League’s first London derbies this season while Liverpool and Manchester City tried to live up to their billing as the pre-season favourites. Neil Etheridge played a big part against Newcastle and others had similar contributions against their respective sides.
Premier League Team of the Week #2
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Goalkeeper – Neil Etheridge – Cardiff City
Cardiff’s Neil Etheridge missed out on this spot last week because his penalty-save was ultimately in vain. However, his persistence sees him enter the team of the week for the first time this season after a penalty save for a second game running.
Etheridge’s 96th minute save won his side a crucial point against 10-man Newcastle as both sides look to reject tags of being relegation-contenders this season.
Right-back – Kieran Trippier – Tottenham Hotspur
Although now being employed further up the field, England’s World Cup hero finds place at the right-back spot this week. Trippier was spectacular against London-rivals Fulham, continuing where he left off in Russia, scoring another brilliant free-kick.
Centre-back – Steve Cook – Bournemouth
Bournemouth stalwart Steve Cook was impressive at both ends, completing the Cherries’ comeback at West Ham with the winning goal.
Cook helped restrict the Hammers to just one goal via the penalty spot despite the hosts enjoying the majority of possession.
Centre-back – John Stones – Manchester City
England international John Stones was calmness personified for the second week running as he enjoyed a comfortable afternoon against a rather toothless Huddersfield.
Stones looks to have finally won over critics after impressive showings for both England and Manchester City.
Left-back – Marcos Alonso – Chelsea
After missing out on Spain’s World Cup squad to Saturday’s opponent at left-back, Nacho Monreal, Alonso showed what his country missed in Russia.
An inspired attacking performance, getting an assist before scoring the decisive third goal, he pips City’s Benjamin Mendy to the left-back spot this week.
Centre-midfield – Fernandinho – Manchester City
The unsung hero of Pep Guardiola’s City side, the quiet Brazilian was at it again as he imposed his will in midfield against Huddersfield. He may not get the headlines, but certainly gets in on our Premier League Team of the Week.
The Brazilian made sure Huddersfield never got into the game, winning important duels and sweeping up play well along with supporting in attack confidently.
Centre-midfield – Matteo Guendouzi – Arsenal
Arsenal’s fightback to bring the game from 2-0 to 2-2 showed a lot of character. One person who personified that spirit was the only teenager to feature in the game, Matteo Guendouzi.
The young Frenchman was excellent in midfield, spraying accurate passes in every direction and splitting Chelsea open at will. His gorgeous through ball for Mkhitaryan led to Arsenal’s equaliser.
Centre-midfield – Nampalys Mendy – Leicester City
Initially brought in as N’Golo Kante’s replacement, Mendy’s never quite set the Premier League on fire. But he showed against Wolves why Leicester paid £14m for his services.
Tireless, high-octane, high-energy and his impressive ball retention skills were key to Leicester maintaining their two-goal lead despite Jamie Vardy’s sending off. A performance Kante himself would’ve been proud of.
Attacking Midfield – David Silva – Manchester City
David Silva marked his 250th Premier League appearance with a sumptuous free-kick for City’s fourth goal on Sunday. He may be on the wrong side of 30 now but seems to be only getting better with age.
The diminutive Spaniard pulled the strings magnificently throughout the game.
Striker – Troy Deeney – Watford
Watford’s inspirational skipper, Troy Deeney, was everywhere at Turf Moor, assisting and scoring in the visitors’ 3-1 win over Burnley.
The Hornets hadn’t scored an away goal in the Premier League since January but scored three at the home of one of the league’s top-seven last season.
Striker – Sergio Aguero – Manchester City
He was in our Premier League Team of the Week last week too, despite not getting on the score sheet. This time, however, Sergio Aguero blew away all other contenders, grabbing a hat-trick in City’s rout of Huddersfield.
At this rate, a second Golden Boot of his career may be in the near future for City’s golden boy.
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