TEAM: BOURNEMOUTH
This was a tough one. Although I generally don’t give team awards when a team plays against ten men, especially since the first half. However, Bournemouth recorded only their second win against Arsenal in club history,
They snapped Arsenal’s long unbeaten away record and showed how to play against ten men, stretching Arsenal and scoring two in an unlikely victory.
Well done also to Liverpool, Spurs, and Brighton, who were close to winning this, as well as Leicester, Aston Villa, Everton, Man Utd, Notts Forest, and Man City.
GOALKEEPER: JOSE SA (Wolves)
He was literally within seconds from helping his team earn a valuable point at home to the champions.
Although he was beaten by a wonder strike. Through sheer bad luck and much controversy, he was beaten in the last seconds from a header. Before that, he pulled off several superb saves to thwart Man City, which should have seen him earn a point for his team.
Shout out also to Brighton’s Verbruggen. Aston Villa’s Martinez. Ipswich’s Muric and Notts Forest’s Sels, who was close to winning this.
DEFENDER: JOSKO GVARDIOL (Man City)
It was a toss-up between him and his teammate, who scored vital goals in the last-minute away victory.
However, defensively, he was solid as a rock. In only his second season, he has already proved to be a key man at both ends of the pitch and almost undroppable.
Well done also to his teammate Stones. Brighton foursome Dunk, Veltman, Igor & Kadioglu. Bournemouth duo Senesi & Kerkez. Everton duo Keane & Young.
Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold. Man Utd’s Evans. Brentford’s Pinnock. Wolves’ Dawson. Spurs duo Porro & Udogie. Southampton’s Walker-Peters and Forest duo Murillo & Milenkovic.
MIDFIELDER: CURTIS JONES (Liverpool)
Jones was the action man in an action-packed game and shone the brightest on a pitch full of star-studded players.
Not only did he win the penalty for the opening goal, but he almost won a second that var ruled out before scoring the winner. All while keeping Chelsea’s star man quiet throughout the game.
Shout out also to his teammate Gravenberch. Spurs trio Kuluveski, Bissouma & Sarr. Villa duo Rogers & Tielemans. Wolves duo Semedo & Ait Nouri. Chelsea’s Lavia. Bournemouth duo Christie & Semenyo.
Everton duo Ndiaye & McNeil. Man Utd’s Garnacho. Man Utd duo Rashford & Eriksen. Brighton’s Mitoma. Southampton’s Aribo. Leicester duo Buonanotte & Fatawu and Forest’s Anderson.
FORWARD: OLIVER WATKINS (Aston Villa)
This was probably the hardest decision this week. Although several forwards scored and had good performances, none stood out above the rest.
However, I gave it to the Villa man, who continues to prove he is a top striker. Scored a superb headed goal, to put his team ahead, showing his versatility. Then, his running and directness caused havoc which resulted in Fulham’s captain getting a second yellow, which sealed the game.
Well done also to Man Utd’s Hojlund. Spurs’ Son. Liverpool’s Salah. Leicester duo Vardy & Ayew. Brighton’s Welbeck. Notts Forest’s Wood.
Bournemouth duo Kluivert & Evanilson. Wolves’ Larson. Chelsea’s Jackson. Southampton’s Archer and Fulham’s Jimenez.
MANAGER: ARNE SLOT (Liverpool)
Although his team had less possession in the game against Chelsea, there seems to be a different type of control to Slot’s Liverpool.
Resisting the temptation to be like the old Liverpool, they seem more measured, methodical and defensively more solid. He has now won 10 of his 11 games in charge and surprisingly top the league.
Shout out also to Bournemouth’s Iraola, Brighton’s Herzeler and Spurs’ Postecoglou, who were all close to winning this.
UNSUNG HERO: DEJAN KULUSEVSKI (Tottenham)
He has been Spurs’ best player by far this season. Playing full of confidence in a more central role has worked, and he has been central to everything Spurs do well.
After going a goal down, his superb equaliser pulled them level in the first half. They never looked back as they blitzed West Ham in the second with three goals in eight minutes, which he had a hand in two.
Well done also to his teammate Sarr, Man City’s Gvardiol, Leicester’s Fatawu, Liverpool’s, Everton’s Keane, Gravenberch and Brighton’s Welbeck.
GAME: SOUTHAMPTON 2-3 LEICESTER
In a huge early six-pointer in the league season. Southampton took an early two-goal lead through Archer’s poacher’s finish (8) and Aribo from a similar position (23).
However, Leicester came roaring back in the second half when Buonanotte pulled one back from close range (64). Then, Vardy equalised from the sport (74) after he was pulled back in the box by Fraser, who received a red card.
Then, in 90+8 minutes, Ayew turned in Winks’ low corner to send Leicester fans into pandemonium.
GOAL: JOSKO GVARDIOL (Man City) vs Wolves
With his team a goal down, not for the first time he pulled his team back in it with a wonderstrike.
He picked the ball up from Doku just outside the box to the right. He took one touch to set himself, then unleashed a rasping effort that flew into the top far corner, giving Sa no chance.
FOOL: WILLIAM SALIBA (Arsenal)
Although Trossard has to shoulder some of the blame for his terrible back pass that caught him off guard. His split-second decision to haul Evanilson down for a clear red card was all on him.
Especially as it was just inside the half, we all know he has the pace to get back, and it was early in the game. That sending-off naturally led to Arsenal’s first away defeat this year and to make matters worse, he misses the big game visit of Liverpool. FOOL!
