Three defenders from the Merseyside Derby are in our Team of the Week.
Hugo Lloris (Tottenham)
The Spurs skipper may not have been heavily involved throughout the North London Derby, but it’s hard to omit him after his injury-time penalty save. The draw ensures that Tottenham stay four points ahead of Arsenal.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Crystal Palace)
Wan-Bissaka returned to the Palace line-up against Burnley and delivered his first assist since the opening day. The 21-year-old also made seven tackles; he has now won more tackles this season than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues!
Michael Keane (Everton)
Everton kept Liverpool at bay in the Merseyside derby as they drew 0-0 at Goodison Park for a second season in succession. In the heart of defence, Keane made seven clearances and six interceptions. Interestingly, the last four derbies in the league have all featured Under 2.5 Goals.
Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)
Van Dijk made 13 clearances against Everton, the second-highest number of any player in the Premier League this weekend. Liverpool have now kept a clean sheet in three of their last four away games – nobody can claim that the defence isn’t doing its job!
Lucas Digne (Everton)
Tasked with shackling Liverpool’s runaway attack, Digne made a total of nine defensive contributions. He had more touches (69) than any of his teammates. Everton’s next three opponents at Goodison Park? Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United….
Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)
Mahrez came off the bench to score the game’s only goal as City overcame Bournemouth on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side have now won 1-0 in two games running. All wins count the same, though.
Declan Rice (West Ham)
Another standout display from the Irons’ midfielder, whose stock rises with every passing week. He opened the scoring against Newcastle with a header, while his defensive contributions included seven tackles. The win puts West Ham into the top half of the table.
Andreas Pereira (Manchester United)
Injuries at United have handed opportunities to some of their younger prospects, and Pereira certainly impressed against Southampton. The Brazilian levelled the scores with a dipping effort from 25 yards before teeing up Romelu Lukaku minutes later. His contract expires in June – will the club keep him?
Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Zaha was heavily involved in all three of Crystal Palace’s goals as they comfortably beat Burnley. His goal, Palace’s third, came after superb trickery to beat the covering defenders. Seven of his eight league goals this season have come away from home.
Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United)
Having forced early saves from Southampton’s Angus Gunn, Lukaku had to wait until the second half to put his name on the scoresheet. He then netted the winner with a fine strike from the edge of the box. He has scored four goals in his last two matches, having scored four in his previous 19 appearances.
Diogo Jota (Wolves)
Wolves returned to winning ways with a quickfire double against Cardiff. Jota opened the scoring after 16 minutes when he combined well with his teammates to carve apart the Bluebirds’ defence. Two minutes later he was the provider, unselfishly setting up Raul Jiminez to double the lead. An easy win for Wolves.