Premier League Team of the Week (Matchweek 6)

Matchweek 6 of the Premier League was a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. Three of the Big Six – Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham- succumbed to defeats. Manchester City decimated Watford, 8-0, at the Etihad and Arsenal pulled off a miraculous win with 10 men.

Chelsea hosting Liverpool was the big game of the weekend. Jurgen Klopp’s men made the trip to Stamford Bridge and returned with three points in the bag. Goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino were enough to see off Frank Lampard’s side despite N’Golo Kante pulling one back for the hosts.

Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s troubles were compounded with a listless 0-2 loss to West Ham at the London Stadium. Solskjaer and his Red Devils are winless in their last nine away games. Interestingly, the Norwegian had won his first nine away games (in all competitions) as Manchester United boss.

Mauricio Pochettino and Tottenham were at the other side of VAR this time out. Serge Aurier’s goal was ruled by VAR due to Son Heung-Min being marginally offside. It was ruthless, yet correct decision that prevented Spurs from taking a 2-0 lead against Leicester City. The Foxes then came back to win 2-1.

Tottenham’s North London rivals, Arsenal, scripted a comeback for the ages while being down to 10 men. The Gunners came back from 1-2 down to defeat Aston Villa, 3-2, at the Emirates Stadium.

Another surprising result was Everton’s 0-2 loss to Sheffield United at Goodison Park. Considering the resources invested by the Toffees for the past few seasons, a poor run of results has put Marco Silva’s job in jeopardy.

In a weekend that saw Manchester City score eight, Pep Guardiola’s players dominating the Premier League Team of the Week is a no-brainer. Let’s also look at the others who’re part of the squad for Matchweek 6.

Goalkeeper

Mat Ryan comes in at goal for his contribution in Brighton’s goalless draw at St. James’ Park.

Ryan did not have much to do, considering Brighton were the better side. When called into action, the Aussie put up a solid show, saving four shots and parrying two.

The Seagulls shared honors with Newcastle away from home and Ryan’s contribution earns him a spot in the Premier League Team of the Week.

Defenders

As I mentioned, Matchweek 6 saw a lot of goals. The defensive line in this Premier League Team of the Week features three goalscorers.

Both Alexander-Arnold and Aaron Cresswell found the back of the net via expertly taken free-kicks. 

The Liverpool right-back blasted a shot past Kepa for the opener at Stamford Bridge. Cresswell curled in a beauty to increase West Ham’s lead to two goals. Defensively, both players did well to contain the opposition with the Hammers posting a clean sheet.

Nicolás Otamendi was one of the five men who put eight past a hapless Watford. The Argentine defender scored Manchester City’s fifth goal, which incredibly was scored in only the 17th minute. Earlier, his headed flick was latched onto by Bernardo Silva who scored his first of the night.

John Egan is the outlier in this defensive line as he did more of the grunt work associated with a traditional centre-back. 

The Irishman was immense at the back for Sheffield United as the Blades came out of Goodison Park with a deserved win. Egan’s 12 clearances were the highlight as Chris Wilder’s men held out Everton’s attacking unit.

Midfielders

Another Sheffield player in the team in the form of John Lundstram who slots in as a defensive midfielder. The Englishman was immense against his youth club, protecting his back three.

Lundstram also assisted Lys Mousset’s goal, sending in a perfectly weighted through ball for the Frenchman who delivered on the end product.

Despite only scoring once, Kevin De Bruyne was the primary orchestrator of Watford’s demolition. The Belgian was off from the get go, whipping in his trademark cross from the right for David Silva, who opened the scoring in the first minute. 

De Bruyne’s second assist was for Bernardo Silva’s third goal in the 60th minute. The Belgian capped of a phenomenal performance with a thumping shot that beat Ben Foster. That was City’s eighth and final goal of the one-sided match.

James Maddison is the final man in the three-man midfield. The attacking midfielder was the driving force for Brendan Rodgers’ squad, terrorizing Spurs’ defenders. Maddison had a good effort saved by Paulo Gazzaniga early in the first half but beat the Argentine with a stunning strike in the 85th minute.

Forwards

Bernardo Silva makes the left-wing spot his own after a hat-trick against Watford. The Portuguese midfielder had a relatively slow start to the season but this performance might be the catalyst for him to hit the heights of the previous campaign. 

Silva’s goals exemplified his attacking instincts as he laid the finishing touches on expertly provided assists.

Silva is joined on the opposite wing by his teammate, Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian has had to warm the bench at the Etihad but took this opportunity to impress, with open arms.

The winger directly contributed to three goals in the eight-goal mauling of the Hornets. In addition to his goal and assist, Mahrez also won a penalty that was converted by Sergio Aguero.

Up front is Burnley’s hero of the weekend, Chris Wood. The New Zealander was on target twice as Sean Dyche’s men disposed off Norwich City at Turf Moor. Wood’s performance was reminiscent of a traditional number nine, utilizing his size and positioning to find the net. 

His glancing header off an Ashley Westwood corner gave the Clarets the lead in the opening 10 minutes. Four minutes later, Wood steered in Dwight McNeil’s cross to double Burnley’s advantage. With three shots on target from four and two goals, Wood was at his clinical best.

The Team