Premier League Team of the Week: September 28-30

No Manchester United or Arsenal players make our Team of the Week – do you agree?

Ederson Moraes (Manchester City)

While City’s defence remains ravaged by injury, we should not forget that they possess a world class player in goal. With the result still in the balance at 2-1 against Everton, the Brazilian did well to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin his second of the evening, before diving low to turn away Yerry Mina’s goalbound header.

Matt Doherty (Wolves)

Wolves saw off fellow strugglers Watford to claim their first league win of the campaign and move two points clear of the relegation zone. Doherty put his side ahead in the first half as he darted into the area to convert Pedro Neto’s low cross. It was then his cross from the right flank that resulted in Wolves’ second.

Joel Matip (Liverpool)

While Liverpool struggled to break down a resilient Sheffield United defence on Saturday, it should be noted that Jurgen Klopp’s side were also put under pressure. Matip ensured that Liverpool kept their third clean sheet in seven league games with five clearances. His composure and range of passing from the back also caught the eye.

Gary Cahill (Crystal Palace)

Cahill had become somewhat of a forgotten man at Chelsea and it is only right to see his talents recognised once again at Palace. The centre back played a key role as the Eagles saw off Norwich to maintain their unbeaten start at Selhurst Park. The veteran is proving a shrewd acquisition for Roy Hodgson’s side.

Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)

Injury to Emerson saw Alonso return to the Chelsea team for the visit of Brighton and, on this performance, could reclaim the spot permanently. He should have done better when free to score in the first half, but gave an otherwise promising performance at both ends of the pitch. The Blues finally have a home win!

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

The Belgian midfielder is fast becoming a fixture in our Team of the Week and it’s not difficult to see why. He registered his eighth assist of the season as his cross found Gabriel Jesus at the far post. He really is an early contender for the Player of the Season.

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester)

Leicester made the most of their numerical advantage against Newcastle with a resounding 5-0 win on Sunday. Their Super Eagles midfielder won nine tackles and made five interceptions (both match highs) before rounding off the scoring with a neat half volley. The Foxes are third.

John McGinn (Aston Villa)

Some players struggle to adapt following promotion from the Championship, but it seems as though such issues aren’t affecting McGinn. Having opened the scoring against Arsenal last week, the Scot thought he had done the same against Burnley, only to see his strike chalked off by the VAR. He did, however, add his name to the scoresheet after half time. With four dribbles and two tackles, he showed he can do it all.

Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)

Mahrez’s mazy dribbles caused Lucas Digne problems all evening on Saturday and it was no surprise that it was one that led to City’s opening goal. He should have already claimed an early assist, only for Ilkay Gundogan to somehow turn his low cross onto the woodwork. His key contribution finally came with 15 minutes remaining as he scored a free kick reminiscent of his AFCON strike against Nigeria.

Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)

Vardy’s rich vein of form continued with a second-half brace against a sorry Newcastle. One of the few remaining members of Leicester’s 2015/16 title winning side, the striker has been enjoying life with his newer attack-minded team mates. No player has scored more Premier League goals since Brendan Rodgers took over as his coach.

Jay Rodriguez (Burnley)

When a striker is introduced with his team a goal behind, the usual reason is so that they can find an equaliser. Rodriguez did just that at Villa Park, drawing his side level with 20 minutes to play. Considering he had joined Burnley this summer from Villa’s rivals West Brom, he had even more reason to celebrate.

 

*Stats via WhoScored