Premier League Team of the Week: October 20-22

A substitute with a brace and two creative midfielders make the Team of the Week.

Hugo Lloris (Tottenham)

Manuel Pellegrini had every right to be optimistic after West Ham’s performance in their defeat to Tottenham. However, Irons striker Marko Arnautovic could not find a way to beat Spurs’ skipper Lloris, who denied him brilliantly on three occasions to preserve his clean sheet. Tottenham are currently enjoying their best ever start to a Premier League campaign.

Ashley Young (Manchester United)

It’s been a tough task to shackle Eden Hazard this season, but Young managed to contain Chelsea’s creative spark in the draw at Stamford Bridge. Like his teammates, Young grew more confident as the game progressed and it was his smart through ball that led to United’s second goal. The critics are silent for the time being.

Michael Keane (Everton)

Everton kept a clean sheet at Goodison Park for the second game in a row following victory over Crystal Palace. Keane hasn’t found life easy at Everton since his move last summer, but he won nine aerial duels and three of this four attempted tackles. The Toffees are up to eighth.

Shane Duffy (Brighton)

An incredible 19 clearances from Duffy ensured that Brighton held onto a clean sheet at Newcastle and recorded their first away win in the Premier League since November 2017. Only Steve Cook and Fabian Balbuena have made more clearances than the Ireland international this season.

Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City)

Mendy registered his fifth assist of the season in just six appearances when his cross was converted by Leroy Sane to round off the scoring against Burnley. The goal reflected City’s dominance in the final half an hour, and Clarets boss Sean Dyche must ensure that such slips in concentration don’t become a regular affair for Burnley.

Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)

Ozil made his first start as Arsenal captain against Leicester and produced a performance which proved that, on his day, he can be one of the best in the Premier League. He brought his side level with a composed volley, before he turned creator for two further goals after half time. He now has three league goals this season, having only managed four last term.

Etienne Capoue (Watford)

Capoue scored his first goal since August 2017 to give the Hornets the lead at Wolves. His powerful drive struck the back of the net before Rui Patricio has a chance to even move. Nobody made more tackles, touches or accurate passes than the imposing midfielder during the match.

David Silva (Manchester City)

There were many reasons why Manchester City’s second goal should have been ruled out, but take nothing away from Silva’s quick thinking. While all around him stood still, the Spaniard took advantage of the confusion to cross for his namesake Bernardo to finish. Having already teed up Sergio Aguero for the opener, it was a good afternoon for the City veteran.

Erik Lamela (Tottenham)

Lamela was the match winner as Tottenham held out for victory over West Ham. His smart header shortly before half time settled the game, while his guile and trickery caused the Irons problems throughout. What a return he’s enjoying!

Anthony Martial (Manchester United)

Amid rumours of an exit from Old Trafford as his contract runs down, Martial made another case to be a regular starter for United with two goals in their draw with Chelsea. His first showcased his “striker’s instinct” before he used superb technique to beat Kepa Arrizabalaga for his second. Alexis Sanchez might have to get used to life on the bench.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)

For the second game in a row Aubameyang came off the bench to score a brace, although this time his goals were far more important. He had only been on the field for two minutes when he swept in Hector Bellerin’s low cross and then sealed the points three minutes later with a simple tap-in. He now has 16 goals in just 22 Premier League appearances.