TEAM: BRENTFORD
Although there were some impressive performances this week, it should come as no surprises who claimed this award.
Nobody expected Brentford to get a win a Chelsea, let alone coming from a goal down to score four and destroy their West London rivals. It was undoubtedly their performance of the season where every player played their part in this memorable away victory.
Well done also to Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Wolves, Man City, West Ham and Liverpool.
GOALKEEPER: DAVID RAYA (Brentford)
Going to Stamford Bridge, if Brentford were to win regardless of the score line, their keeper would have to have a good game and he certainly did that.
Chelsea actually had more shots on goal, but Raya was the difference. Whereas his teammates were clinical upfront, Chelsea were unable to get past him and it took an absolute worldie to beat him with their only joy.
Shout out also to Leeds’ Meslier, Wolves’ Sa and Norwich’s Krul. Man Utd’s De Gea, Liverpool’s Alisson and Leicester’s Schmeichel.
DEFENDER: JOACHIM ANDERSEN (Crystal Palace)
Not only did he help to completely nullify Arsenal’s attack for much of the game apart from a few chances, he was also instrumental in their goals.
He got the nod back for Meteta’s opening goal, then it was his penetrative pass that created the second goal. After that he help to marshal the defence, while putting in some decent challenges and headers in the second half to maintain a clean sheet and a moral boosting win.
Well done to his teammates Clyne, Guehi & Mitchell. Leicester’s Fofana, Wolves’ Kilman, Leeds duo Ayling & Dallas, Southampton’s Livramento, Brighton’s Veltman, Liverpool’s Gomez, Tottenham duo Davies & Romero also West Ham trio Cresswell & Fredrricks.
MIDFIELDER: VITALY JANELT (Brentford)
He surprised one and all by scoring two vital goals to seal an unlikely away win at Chelsea. Both were taken very well, with two very different but equally full of quality finishes against a top-class keeper.
The first a rasping, first time finish into the top corner and the second, a lovely dink over Mendy to cap a man of the match performance.
Shout out also to his teammates Norgaard and Eriksen. Man Utd’s Fred, Leicester’s Maddison. Wolves duo Jonny & Marcal. Leeds’ Harrison. Southampton’s Ward-Prowse. Man City duo De Bruyne & Gundogan. Brighton’s Mac Allister. Liverpool’s Thiago & Fabinho. Tottenham’s Emerson, Doherty, Kulusevski & Bergwijn. West Ham’s Bowen and Palace’s Gallagher.
FORWARD: HARRY KANE (Tottenham)
This was probably the toughest decision this week, as there was a fair few very decent forward performances. However, in the end although he didn’t get a goal, I still gave it to him as he ran the show and caused all sorts of problems.
Although it helps that he has so many willing runners beyond him, Newcastle just couldn’t contain his movement to drop deep and pick up pockets of spaces, but he then excelled with his vision and passing ability to open up Newcastle at will. This has been a feature in Spurs’ recent resurgence.
As stated, well done to his teammate Son who was close to winning this. Liverpool’s Jota. Leicester’s Iheanacho. Palace trio Meteta, Zaha & Ayew. West Ham’s Antonio. Brentford duo Mbeumo & Toney.
MANAGER: THOMAS FRANK (Brentford)
This was a pretty easy one as I am sure nobody predicted this score line, even if you were crazy enough to predict a Brentford win which I doubt.
His team were on the front foot from the very start and was the better team for large parts of the game. Even when they went a goal down, they continued to play with attacking enthusiasm and really got their rewards with the best performance and result of their season.
Shout out also to Palace’s Viera and Tottenham’s Conte.
UNSUNG HERO: CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN (Brentford)
Not so much unsung, but still deserves a mention. Would have been midfielder of the week if it wasn’t for his teammates two goals, but what a signing he has been.
He has transformed the way Brentford play and their recent fortunes. has oozed class on the pitch with his passing range, movement and intelligence which he showed to get the second goal.
But his all-around play has been a joy to watch and very important to Brentford’s game.
GAME: CHELSEA 1-4 BRENTFORD
After a good first half from Brentford where they the better team and missed a few chances, Chelsea took the lead. Rudiger picked up the ball all of 35 yards out and thundered a shot past Raya (48).
However, Brentford were level almost instantly when Norgaard won the ball deep in Chelsea’s half. The ball found Mbeumo on the edge of the box who squared it for Janelt to hit first time into the top corner (50).
Brentford then took a surprise lead when Mbeumo again found space as the ball was played over the top from inside his own half. He raced down the left and again got his head up to square for Eriksen, unmarked running into the box and he fired in, above the onrushing Mendy (54).
Just a few minutes later, Brentford got a third when Toney’s flick on found Mbeumo, he played it back to Toney who slipped a lovely ball into the box for Janelt to run onto and drink over Mendy from an acute angle (60).
Havertz then had a goal disallowed and missed another opportunity before Brentford sealed the humiliation by scoring a fourth. Sub Wissa capitalised on Chelsea failing to clear a free kick to lash home first time into the bottom corner with his first kick of the game (87).
GOAL: ANTONIO RUDIGER (Chelsea) v Brentford
After a lacklustre first half and not creating much chances, Chelsea needed something to happen the Rudiger provided that out of the blue.
The ball was played back to him from Kante, just at the inside left position, he took a touch inside, onto his right foot to get the ball out of his feet, took two strides and unleashed a thunderous effort from about 35 yards that flew in off the inside of the post, giving the keeper no chance.
FOOL: MICHAEL KEANE (Everton)
There were several candidates for this. Lampard, Everton team as a whole, Chelsea team, Tavares, Maupay, Iwobi and Ashley Young.
But the Everton captain takes this for showing uncaptain like actions. With his team in dire straights and every person and point are vital.
His two yellow cards must have been infuriating. Especially the second where, if you are on a yellow already, you just don’t need to risk.
But he did, virtually ended any chance of getting something from the game and will now have to serve a ban at a time his team needs all the help they can get. FOOLS!
