TEAM: NEWCASTLE
It was an interesting week with not many outstanding performances. From the four teams that won this week, the Geordies were the most impressive.
Most were expecting a Chelsea reaction after their disaster in Europe, but Newcastle nullified them from start to finish. They were the better team with more chances and deserved their win at Stamford Bridge.
Well done to Arsenal. Brighton and Man Utd.
GOALKEEPER: ALISSON (Liverpool)
It was a week with several good performances but no outstanding one to choose from.
However, I went with the Liverpool man who was the standout, unexpectedly against relegation-threatened Tottenham, who have not won a game this year. However, they seemed up for the game at Anfield and Alisson had to be at his best to spare his teammate blushes.
Shout out to West Ham’s Hermansen. Fulham’s Leno. Brighton’s Verbruggen. Palace’s Benitez. Newcastle’s Ramsdale. Burnley’s Dubravka and Chelsea’s Sanchez.
DEFENDER: KONSTANTINOS MAVROPANOS (West Ham)
Not only did he put in a stalwart defensive performance to thwart City in their title race, but he also put the nail in the coffin with a fine headed goal.
Admittedly, he received help from his teammates, who all performed admirably. But he was the standout performer and scored the goal that earned what could be a vital point in their relegation fight.
Well done to his teammates, Disasi, Wan-Bissaka & Todibo. Leeds foursome Struijk, Bijol, Rodon & Bogle. Arsenal’s Saliba. Liverpool’s Szoboszlai. Brentford’s Kayode.
Newcastle duo Thiaw & Liveramento. Brighton duo Van Hecke & Dunk. Forest’s Aina. Palace’s Lacroix and Bournemouth’s Truffert.
MIDFIELDER: BRUNO FERNANDES (Man Utd)
He has often been United’s talisman, and this week was no different, but he added a unique record to his name.
His two assists in the game were both exquisite balls in. One from a free kick, the other a lovely first-time through ball, made it 16 assists for the season and the most ever from a United player.
Shout out to his teammate Casemiro. Arsenal’s Dowman. Newcastle’s Willock, Liverpool’s Ngumoha. Everton’s Barkley.
Man City’s B.Silva. Brighton’s Minteh. Wolves duo Tchatchoua and Joao Gomes. Bournemouth’s Scott and Burnley’s Anthony.
FORWARD: ANTHONY GORDON (Newcastle)
This was the closest run thing from all categories this week. There were a few in the running, but I went with the Newcastle man who is playing as a makeshift forward.
However, he was an absolute menace with his direct running and energy throughout the game that gave the Chelsea defenders all they could handle, and scored what turned out to be the game-winner.
Well done to Tottenham’s Richarlison. Arsenal’s Gyokeres. Man Utd’s Cunha. Wolves duo Armstrong and Arokodare.
MANAGER: MIKEL ARTETA (Arsenal)
With all the teams stumbling around them, his team maintained form and continued to churn out wins. They are now odds-on favourites for the title with a nine-point lead.
This week, Everton frustrated them for much of the game, and it was fair to say they were unlucky not to score. Arteta made some decisive subs in the second half, and two scored late goals, including a record-breaking 16-year-old.
Shout out to Newcastle’s Howe. Man Utd’s Carrick and Brighton’s Hurzeler.
UNSUNG HERO: MAX DOWMAN (Arsenal)
He wouldn’t have even dreamt this game ending better. After Everton had been stifled and frustrated, they pushed for an equaliser after conceding a late goal.
The 16-year-old showed great pose, composure, strength, power and skill to fend off one Everton player, then beat another to run unchallenged down the pitch to make history as the youngest Premier League goal scorer.
Well done to Tottenham’s Richarlison. Liverpool’s Ngumoha. Wolves duo Armstrong and Arokodare.
GAME: BRENTFORD 2-2 WOLVES
Brentford raced into an early two-goal lead when Kayode powerfully headed in Lewis-Potters’ cross from the right (22). Then, Outtara raced onto a long ball and squared for Thiago to tap home (37). Thiago almost made it three, but his header hit the bar.
Bellegarde then galloped through the middle and played a ball to Armstrong on the edge of the box for a lovely touch and finish (44). In the second half, Armstrong hit the post before Arokodare headed in an equaliser from close range (77). Arokodare then almost won it, but his header came back off the bar.
GOAL: MAX DOWMAN (Arsenal) vs Everton
Following an Everton corner, deep into stoppage time, where Pickford went up for it, too. The corner was headed up into the air, then to outside the box where Dowman was waiting.
He controlled with his head to nod past a defender, then showed strength to get past him. Then expertly jinxed inside another defender to leave them on the floor and used his pace to sprint away into the Everton half and stroke the ball into an empty net.
FOOL: CHELSEA
I mean, there was a case for Liverpool or Slot to be here, but although it was a poor performance and result, they still earned a point.
However, after their poor performance in Paris. You were expecting a reaction from Chelsea, but they produced one of the worst performances since Rosenior came in, and they seem to be hitting a poor patch at the worst time of the season. FOOLS!
