Premier League Team of the Week: August 17-19

Good results for Wolves and Norwich mean there are places for their players in our team of the week.

Rui Patricio (Wolves)

Wolves became the first team in Premier League history to recover from a losing position against Manchester United in three consecutive meetings. However, the game would certainly have not ended 1-1 had it not been for Patricio, who preserved the parity with a penalty save to deny Paul Pogba. The unbeaten run against the Red Devils continues.

Ricardo Pereira (Leicester)

After an underwhelming first half at Stamford Bridge, Leicester fought back against Chelsea and could have claimed all three points. Pereira won a match-high eight tackles during the game, while no other player completed more dribbles (five). The Foxes face a very different test next time away at Sheffield United.

Çağlar Söyüncü (Leicester)

Harry Maguire’s departure has given Söyüncü an opportunity in the heart of Leicester’s defence, and he is yet to disappoint. Having joined from Freiburg a year ago, he made just six league appearances in his first season but impressed at Chelsea. The hosts, meanwhile, can count themselves lucky to have gained a point.

Jack O’Connell (Sheffield United)

Following a hard-earned draw at Bournemouth last Saturday, the Blades have their first league win since their return to the top flight. Along with Everton, they were also one of only two teams to keep a clean sheet this weekend. O’Connell won six aerial duels and, interestingly, had three shots on goal, more than any other player on the field.

Lucas Digne (Everton)

Digne’s telling contribution against Watford came after just ten minutes, when he intercepted a pass and instantly sent Bernard clear to score the game’s only goal. Everton have now kept a clean sheet in their last six games at Goodison Park.

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

City will still be wondering how they failed to come away with all three points against Tottenham. Unfortunately, the disappointing result threatens to overshadow the performance of De Bruyne, who served up two assists with wicked deliveries from the right wing. Having been hampered by injuries last term, the Belgian seems to be making the most of every opportunity this time around.

Dani Ceballos (Arsenal)

The Real Madrid loanee left the pitch to rapturous applause from the Arsenal faithful after a stand-out display against Burnley. Making his first start in the Premier League, he registered an assist in each half and showed neat footwork to complete four dribbles (a match-high). Can he keep it up?

Todd Cantwell (Norwich)

Cantwell contributed two assists as the Canaries beat Newcastle in their first home game back in the Premier League. The 21-year-old only played in 24 of Norwich’s triumphant Championship campaign in 2018/19, but is set to be a key part of the set-up this season.

Adama Traore (Wolves)

Traore’s introduction at half time against Manchester United turned the game on its head. The pacey winger ensured that the visitors were pinned back after the break, allowing his teammates to advance up field. Having not been a guaranteed starter last season, his role as a super sub seems set to continue.

Teemu Pukki (Norwich)

As it goes, there aren’t many better ways to mark your first Premier League game in front of your own fans. Pukki, top scorer in the Championship last season, had already fired top flight defences a warning with a goal at Anfield and he went two better here with a hat trick against Newcastle. The Finn the first player to score a Premier League hat trick for Norwich since 1993, and it’s a moment he’s unlikely to forget.

Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

It was another triumphant return to St. Mary’s for Mane, who registered a goal and an assist to put Liverpool top of the table. The former Saints winger opened the scoring on the stroke of half time with a powerful strike from distance. He then created excellent chances for Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah, both of which were spurned, before he teed up the former to double the lead. Two wins in two for the European champions.

Stats via WhoScored