Premier League Team of the Week: Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham stars impress in Matchweek 9
Premier League Matchweek 9 was once again filled with great goals and matches.
Leicester City led the way heading into the weekend, but they were knocked off top spot by both Chelsea and Spurs on Saturday.
The Foxes were then unable to return to the summit as they were defeated by champions Liverpool, who moved up to second, on Sunday evening.
At the bottom, West Brom and Sheffield United are all still searching for a first victory after respective defeats against Manchester United and West Ham, but Burnley did get their first win as they beat Crystal Palace.
So following the latest round of fixtures, who were the top individual performers across the 10 top-flight games?
Here’s Shoot’s Premier League Team of the Week…
GK: Bernd Leno (Arsenal)
When the other team has had 25 shots on goal and you’ve not conceded then you know your goalkeeper has had a good outing. That was exactly the case for Arsenal’s Bernd Leno who helped his side secure a point at Leeds United. The German, whose handling was spot on, most notably saved brilliantly from Patrick Bamford and Stuart Dallas.
DF: James Milner (Liverpool)
Deputising for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, the experienced James Milner again failed to let the Reds down. As well as helping his side keep a clean sheet against Leicester, the 34-year-old was also the provider of two goals from corners. Played the last 36 minutes in midfield but we’ll keep him as part of our back-four.
DF: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham)
Looked like he was back to his best as he helped Spurs beat Man City 2-0. The Belgian was solid alongside Eric Dier at the heart of the defence, making some vital blocks, interceptions and clearances to keep Pep Guardiola’s side out. One of Alderweireld’s biggest contributions came within the first 10 minutes when he made a great last-ditch tackle to deny Gabriel Jesus.
DF: Angelo Ogbonna (West Ham)
The Italian was a rock at the back for the Hammers who recorded a fourth win from their last seven matches against Sheffield United. Ogbonna made the most clearances, interceptions and won the most aerial duels for his side as David Moyes’ side registered a 1-0 victory.
DF: Lucas Digne (Everton)
Although Everton were left clinging on at the end for their 3-2 win at Fulham, we have opted for their left-back Lucas Digne. The Frenchman pressed high up the field and was rewarded for his forward thinking as registered assists for both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure with two pinpoint crosses. Ancelotti’s side always look a threat when the ex-Barcelona man has the ball out wide.
MF: N’Golo Kante (Chelsea)
An absolute engine in the middle of the park once again for Frank Lampard. Not only did he break up possession well, the Frenchman also used the ball effectively and just had far too much for Newcastle’s midfielders. Whether he plays as a sitter or in a slightly more advanced position, Kante rarely lets Chelsea down.
MF: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham)
Certainly not the most eye-catching display, but Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg once again proved why Jose Mourinho was so keen to sign him in the summer. The Dane frustrated the Man City midfield by sitting in front of the back-four and stifling their attacks. Was tireless and made numerous tackles which played a key part in a big victory.
MF: Solly March (Brighton)
After a couple of seasons trying to find a set position in the Brighton side, Solly March is flourishing in a left wing-back role. The 26-year-old gives his side real energy as he works both up and down the pitch. On Saturday he was also the match winner as his well taken right foot strike secured all three points for the Seagulls. Breathed a sigh if relief when a late penalty given for his challenge was overturned.
FW: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton)
Whether it’s at club or international level, Dominic Calvert-Lewin can not stop scoring this season. Everton’s number nine was at it again on Sunday at Craven Cottage as he netted twice in the 3-2 win at Fulham. Now the Premier League’s outright leading scorer on 1- goals, the 23-year-old also held up the ball superbly as the lone striker.
FW: Harry Kane (Tottenham)
Spurs’ star man once again proved he is one of the best strikers around with a brilliant performance in the win against Man City. Despite not scoring, the England skipper was at the heart of everything good going forward. Playing in a slightly deeper number 10 role more than an out-and-out nine, Kane linked up play perfectly and also registered a ninth Premier League assist of the season when he teed up Giovani Lo Celso for the second goal.
FW: Danny Welbeck (Brighton)
Hampered by injuries in recent years, Danny Welbeck is looking to reignite his top-flight career with Brighton. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has certainly made a promising start with the Seagulls and – in just his third appearance – scored his first goal for the club in the win at Aston Villa. As well as his powerful run and cool finish, the 42-time England international worked tirelessly for boss Graham Potter.