TEAM: NOTTS FOREST
In a week that collectively had the most impressive set of performances across the board.
Forest, after coming off a crushing defeat last week, bounced back a week later to destroy Brighton 7-0 with a devastating display of attacking football and clinical finishing.
Well done to Arsenal, Liverpool, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Everton, Southampton, and Wolves.
GOALKEEPER: ALISSON (Liverpool)
Although he didn’t have much to do, when he was called upon, he made three very important saves at crucial times in the game.
Since back from injury, there were questions, but this performance eased any criticisms, for this week at least.
Shout out to Forest’s Sels. Arsenal’s Raya. Southampton’s Ramsdale and Tottenham’s Kinsky.
DEFENDER: MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (Arsenal)
At just 18 years of age, he is already becoming a fan favourite, and you can see why with this impressive performance against the Champions.
Not only did he help to snuff out the likes of Foden, B.Silva and Marmoush with confident defender. He scored an important third goal to set his team on the way to a destruction of Man City.
Well done to his teammates Saliba & Gabriel. Forest trio Milenkovic, Murillo & Morato. Liverpool duo Van Dijk & Bradley. Everton duo Tarkowski & Branthwaite. Chelsea’s Tosin.
Fulham foursome Castagne, Andersen, Bassey & Robinson. Wolves trio Doherty, Agbadou & Toti. Spurs foursome Spence, Davies, Gray & Porro. Palace trio Richards, Lacroix & Guehi.
MIDFIELDER: ANTHONY ELANGA (Notts Forest)
He was almost unplayable with his relentless running with the ball and close control to end with a hat-trick of assists.
However, his end-product was the most impressive thing. It is one thing to run at and beat players, but another to pick the right pass at the end of it and that’s what he did to devastating effect.
Shout out to his teammates, Aina, Williams, Danilo, Anderson & Gibbs-White. Arsenal trio Rice, Partey & Odegaard. Everton’s Doucoure. Spurs trio Bentancur, Sarr & Bissouma. Chelsea duo Neto & Palmer.
Liverpool’s Gravenberch. Palace trio Mitchell, Munoz & Lerma. Fulham duo Lukic & Smith Rowe. Southampton’s Aribo. West Ham’s Bowen also Wolves duo Bellegarade & Ait Nouri.
FORWARD: CHRIS WOOD (Notts Forest)
Although there were several very good forward performances this week, there was only going to be one winner due to his superb hat-trick.
Once, thought of as just target man, he has added several strings to his bow and has developed as a top striker. This hat-trick makes in 17, for the season and joint third in the scoring charts.
Well done to Liverpool’s Salah. Palace’s Mateta. Everton duo Beto & Ndiaye. Fulham’s Jimenez. Southampton’s Onuachu.
Arsenal’s Havertz. Wolves’ Cunha. Ipswich’s Delap. Man City’s Haaland and Spurs’ Son.
MANAGER: MIKEL ARTETA (Arsenal)
The student has mastered the master. Though Man City have had a torrid season, there were signs recently that they were getting back to their best.
The acid test was the trip to The Emirates, and often playing second fiddle to Pep, this time Arteta’s man put down a massive statement to destroy Man City with two teenagers scoring for the first time for Arsenal in the league.
Shout out to Forest’s Nuno Espirito Santo. Liverpool’s Slot. Fulham’s Silva. Spurs’ Postecoglou. Palace’s Glasner. Wolves’ Pereira and Everton’s Moyes.
UNSUNG HERO: JEAN PHILIPPE MATETA (Crystal Palace)
His two goals sunk Man Utd at Old Trafford. This moved him to double figures for goals in the Premier League and six in his last five game.
Many wasn’t expecting him to make such an impact, especially in a team that doesn’t score many goals. But this is the fourth time this season he has scored a brace.
Well done Forest duo Williams & Gibbs-White. Arsenal’s Nwaneri. Everton duo Beto & Doucoure. Wolves’ Bellegarde. Fulham’s Jimenez and Spurs duo Spence & Gray
GAME: ARSENAL 5-1 MAN CITY
Arsenal raced into an early lead following a defensive mistake where Havertz set up Odegaard to score (2). In the second half, Haaland equalised with a pinpoint header (56)
But Partey regained the lead immediately following another mistake with a deflected shot (56). Then Lewis-Skelly made it three with a lovely finish (62).
Havertz then extended the lead with a (76), before Nwaneri top off the evening after rounding off an excellent move to expertly finish (90+3).
GOAL: MO SALAH (Liverpool) vs Bournemouth
Liverpool won the ball just outside the Bournemouth box with Jones, who then played it onto Nunez who in turn, played it to Diaz on the left.
Diaz surged forward and then found Jones who continued his run to the edge of the box. He then found Salah on the right, who set himself then curled a lovely effort inside the far post to leave the keeper rooted.
FOOL: BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
There is no excuse for losing by seven goals in the league, no matter who you are or who. you are playing.
Forest played exceptionally well but it’s concerning for Brighton that after the fourth goal, the players just gave up which is not something the fans would like to see and could call into question the team’s character. FOOLS!
