A vital substitute and a match-winning midfielder make our Team of the Week.
Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
In the end, the match between Liverpool and Manchester City was not decided by the strength of the attackers on display, but instead the discipline of the defences. Alisson’s superb league record at Anfield is intact following a fourth consecutive clean sheet at home, with smart saves to deny Riyad Mahrez at his near post. The Reds remain undefeated.
Matt Doherty (Wolves)
The Wolves wing back makes our Team for the second week in a row after his goal decided a fiercely-contested clash at Selhurst Park. His powerful drive beat Wayne Hennessey at the near post to earn Nuno Espirito Santo’s men a fourth win in five matches – they only managed five in the whole of their last Premier League campaign!
John Stones (Manchester City)
Manchester City kept a clean sheet at Anfield for the first time since 1986 as they stifled Liverpool’s forwards on Sunday. Stones won five aerial duels and made seven clearances during the match, and no player saw more possession (7.8%) or had a higher pass success rate (98%). A solid show from the former Everton defender.
Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham)
Cardiff were second best throughout their defeat at Tottenham, but things could have ended differently had Alderweireld not cleared the ball from the goal line in the first half. The interception maintained Spurs’ lead and ensured that they kept their first clean sheet at home this season in all competitions.
Danny Rose (Tottenham)
Rose’s fine run of form continued in Spurs’ win at Wembley. No player completed more dribbles (three) or made more tackles (four). Ben Davies was a key figure for Mauricio Pochettino last season, but he’s not been missed of late.
Juan Mata (Manchester United)
Eyebrows were raised when the Spaniard replaced Eric Bailly inside 20 minutes at Old Trafford, but it seems that Jose Mourinho’s decision was more than just a public criticism of the Ivorian defender. The substitute netted a precise free kick to reduce the arrears in the 70th minute and set United up for a much-need comeback. He now has two goals and one assist in just five appearances this season.
Jorginho (Chelsea)
Maurizio Sarri’s midfield general made four tackles at Southampton, including a late effort to deny Danny Ings a clear chance and end any hopes of a Saints fightback. The summer signing has made 776 successful passes so far this season, almost 100 more than any other player.
Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton)
The Icelandic midfielder scored his 50th Premier League goal at Leicester and, typically, it was a memorable strike. His shot from all of 30 yards left Foxes goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel flapping at thin air as the ball found the far top corner. Since his Premier League debut, no player has scored more times from outside the area.
Richarlison (Everton)
Deployed in a different role to his usual spot on the left flank, Richarlison was no less effective as he gave the Toffees the lead with an emphatic volley. He caused Wes Morgan problems all afternoon and his movement eventually led to the Leicester skipper’s dismissal. Could this switch be permanent?
Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal)
Lacazette is a man in form and scored his third and fourth league goals of the season as Arsenal swept aside Fulham at Craven Cottage. He put the Gunners ahead with a powerful strike in the first half, before he beat Marcus Bettinelli at his near post again after the break. His consistency could prove crucial to Arsenal’s top four hopes.
Josh King (Bournemouth)
King won the game at Watford in the space of the minute as he drew a foul from Christian Kabasele that saw the Hornets defender dismissed. The Norway striker then dispatched the resulting penalty to put the Cherries 2-0 up and sealed the points before half time with an accurate header. Influential to say the least!