TEAM: MANCHESTER CITY
Naturally, this was a tough decision. But in the end, and due to some mitigating circumstances, I give it to the defending champions.
It was one of the most one-sided Manchester derby away wins for some time. City played some lovely football and at times, looked like they had an extra man.
I would say they were lucky to come away with just a three-goal deficit.
Well done also to Everton. Tottenham. Liverpool. Bournemouth. Aston Villa. Also, Arsenal and Brentford were very close to winning this.
GOALKEEPER: BERND LENO (Fulham)
I had to think long and hard on this one, as there were no real outstanding performers. I just edged it to the Fulham man, who had to be on his game to earn a point.
Brighton took the lead and was threatening to run away with it. But Leno stayed strong and pulled off a few saves, which allowed his team to get an equaliser and a share of the points.
Shout out also to Spurs’ Vicario. Man City’s Ederson. Brighton’s Steele and Man Utd’s Onana.
DEFENDER: ETHAN PINNOCK (Brentford)
Not only did he get the opening goal, arriving at the far post to head home and set his team on their way to a memorable away victory. He was also part of a solid defensive display.
With help from his teammates, he showed superb concentration and discipline to defend for most of the game, yet reduced Chelsea to scraps and half chances.
Well done also to his teammates Ajar & Collings. Spurs duo Van de Ven & Romero. Fulham duo Ream & Bassey. Liverpool’s Van Dijk. Wolves’ Toti. Burnley’s Taylor also, Everton duo Tarkowski and Braithwaite who was close to winning this.
MIDFIELDER: BERNARDO SILVA (Man City)
Starting in a slightly deeper to accommodate the other attacking midfielders, so late in his career, he has adapted his game and ran the show.
It looked like he was everywhere, dictating the play, moving the ball quickly, changing the passing tempo, and gave the United players the run around all game.
Shout out also to his teammates Foden, Rodri, B.Silva and Grealish. Spurs’ Maddison. Aston Villa duo McGinn & Luiz. Fulham’s Palhinha. Bournemouth’s Billing Liverpool’s Szoboszlai. Everton’s Onana Arsenal trio Rice, Vieira and Smith Rowe also, Bournemouth’s Lamina.
FORWARD: EDDIE NKETIAH (Arsenal)
There was only going to be one winner for this. The Arsenal man, maybe more relaxed due to Jesus’ injury, notched a superb first Premier League hat-trick.
He showed all facets of his game, movement and awareness, touch, instincts and wrapped it up with a superb third from outside the box.
Well done also to his teammate Martinelli. Newcastle’s Wilson. Wolves duo Hwang & Neto Everton’s Calvert-Lewin. Tottenham’s Son. Palace’s Ayew. Brighton’s Ferguson. Liverpool trio Jota, Nunez & Salah. Brentford’s Mbeumo. Bournemouth’s Samenyo.
MANAGER: THOMAS FRANK (Brentford)
This was another close one, but I doubt anyone can deny the job his team did at Chelsea, not to mention it being the third straight win at Stamford Bridge.
It seems that no matter the circumstances, Frank has their number. This time, his team did a superb, disciplined, defensive smash-and-grab job for their third win in a row there.
Shout out also to Man City’s Guardiola. Arsenal’s Arteta. Tottenham’s Postecoglou. Liverpool’s. Kloop. Everton’s Dyche Villa’s Emery and Bournemouth’s O’Neil.
UNSUNG HERO: JARRAD BRANTHWAITE (Everton)
This was another close decision as there were several very worthy candidates, but I went for the 21-year-old who put in a vital man-of-the-match performance.
Everton desperately needed a victory, and although Calvert-Lewin scored the goal, it was his stand-out defensive coolness and awareness that helped them claim a clean sheet and three vital away points.
Well done also to Wolves’ Hwang. Liverpool’s Szoboszlai. Man City’s Rodri. Spurs duo Romero & Van de Ven. Everton’s Calvert-Lewin also Fulham’s Palhinha.
GAME: WOLVES 2-2 NEWCASTLE
Newcastle took the lead when Gordon’s right-footed cross from the left, was spilt by Sa. After Wilson’s initial shot was blocked, he executed an acrobatic hook with his back to goal, to expertly finish (22).
Wolves were then level when Neto’s corner from the left was met by Lemina, who powered a header in at the far post (36).
Just before half-time, Newcastle restored their lead from a controversial penalty decision where Hwang was adjudged to have fouled Schar. Wilson then made no mistake from the spot (45+4).
In the second half, Wolves finally got the equaliser. Toti, from just outside the right corner of the box, jinxed past a defender, cut inside and slipped a ball in the box for Hwang.
Just to the right of the goal, Hwang expertly chopped back, leaving the defender for dead, then fired a low shot in at the near post (71).
GOAL: EDDIE NKETIAH (Arsenal) v Sheff Utd
Full of confidence after already scoring two goals. Nketiah picked up the ball from Smith Rowe, fairly central, 25 yards from goal.
With his back to goal, he took one touch to control, one-touch as he turned in one motion, then without looking up, hit a rasping effort that rocketed into the top corner.
There were also good goals from Wolves’ Hwang, Bournemouth’s Billing and Fulham’s Palhinha.
FOOL: CHELSEA FC
Although we have been here before with Chelsea, I’m sure everyone thought they had turned a corner with their spirited performance against Arsenal last week.
However, It is again one step forward, two steps back for Pochettino’s men as they fell to Brentford in another lacklustre performance.
I read a statement that said, “In the last seven months, Brentford has won more games at Stamford Bridge than Chelsea.” Enough said. FOOLS!
