By Sam McGuire
The recently crowned champions lost at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea boosted their chances of Champions League football and Arsenal fell to defeat against Bournemouth while Brentford and Manchester United played out a 4-3 thriller.
So who made the FotMob Team of the Week and why?
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
Emi Martínez kept a clean sheet as Aston Villa eked out a 1-0 win over Fulham on Saturday. The World Cup winning goalkeeper, believed to be a transfer target for Saudi clubs this summer, made three saves against the Cottagers on his way to an 8.6 rating. He also completed 80% of his passes, proving himself to be valuable in possession for Unai Emery‘s side.
Right-Back: Michael Kayode
Kayode is quickly proving to be the signings of the winter. The 20-year-old full-back is on loan from Fiorentina and he’s made himself right at home with Brentford. He’s started the last three for the Bees and Thomas Frank‘s side have taken nine points. Against Manchester United, Kayode claimed his first assist in the Premier League. He created two chances, completed the most dribbles (five), won the most duels (nine) and was the most accurate passer to play 45 minutes or more, finding a teammate with 97% of his attempts.
Centre-Back: Murillo
The 22-year-old centre-back was back to his best for Nottingham Forest in their 1-1 draw with the in-form Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Brazilian defender scored the goal for the away side and completed 89% of his attempted passes. He made 11 clearances, two interceptions, five recoveries and won 100% of his ground duels, playing his part in a big point for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side.
Centre-Back: Joško Gvardiol
Gvardiol is enjoying his new role at centre-back for Manchester City. The versatile defender claimed an 8.0 FotMob rating in the 1-0 win over Wolves on Friday night. The 23-year-old completed 93% of his passes, was accurate with 78% of his attempted long passes, made two interceptions and won 100% of his duels. He played a key role in City keeping a clean sheet and boosting their hopes of a top four finish.
Left-Back: Neco Williams
Williams ran riot for Nottingham Forest down their left flank against Crystal Palace. He had a total of four shots, he chipped in with an assist and completed 91% of his passes. The versatile full-back had a total of 93 touches, a figure that only Elliott Anderson (106) could better. He made a total of six clearances, won four of his six ground duels and half of his aerial duels.
Midfield: Bernardo Silva
Silva was the Player of the Match for Pep Guardiola’s side in the 1-0 win over Wolves. He completed 89% of his passes, created three chances and attempted four dribbles against the in-form visitors. The versatile midfielder won two of his three tackles, recovered the ball three times and was involved in 13 duels, winning seven of those. He’s stepped up over recent weeks, just as City have needed it.
Midfield: Cole Palmer
Palmer was brilliant against the champions as Chelsea defeated Liverpool 3-1 at Stamford Bridge to give their hopes of playing in the Champions League a significant boost. He ended his goal drought with a late penalty but he was key throughout the game, even without a goal involvement, just ask Gary Neville. The Sky Sports commentator fawned over the former Manchester City youngster for his part in the opener having sat Curtis Jones down with some intelligent movement into space. He also had a hand in the Chelsea second. It backed up the idea that he’s pivotal to Enzo Maresca’s side. If he plays well, they play well.
Midfield: Youri Tielemans
The match-winner for Aston Villa against Fulham. The Belgian maestro made it 10 goal involvements for the Premier League campaign with this strike. He wasn’t at his best in possession, failing to create a chance for the Villans while completing just 75% of his attempted passes at Villa Park. But he did complete 100% of his dribbles, win 100% of his tackles and came out on top in five of his seven duels to go alongside his game winning strike.
Midfield: Kevin Schade
Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have stolen the show for Brentford in attack this season. It has allowed Schade to go a little under the radar. The 23-year-old has 10 goals and two assists in the Premier League now following his double in the 4-3 win over Manchester United. The winger caught the eye against the Red Devils with two goals, three shots, two attempted dribbles and he won seven of his seven aerial duels. The showing earned him a FotMob rating of 8.9.
Attack: Alejandro Garnacho
The young attacker didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. Garnacho scored and assisted in Manchester United’s 4-3 loss to Brentford. He created the most chances (five) of anyone on the pitch, he also created a big chance. The 20-year-old attempted two dribbles and was involved in seven duels, showing why he can be an asset for Ruben Amorim moving forward, if the versatile attacker remains at Old Trafford.
Attack: Evanilson
Back in the team after his red card against Manchester United was overturned. He made it count against Arsenal, scoring what turned out to be the winner as he capitalised on a penalty box scramble late on. It was one of four shots he had against Mikel Arteta‘s side. He was a nuisance throughout, winning four of six ground duels, and won two fouls as the Cherries shocked the Gunners.
(Images from IMAGO)
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