By Sam McGuire
Crystal Palace have three in the team following their 2-0 win over Spurs while West Ham have three representatives in the starting XI here following their 2-0 victory against Manchester United. Who made the cut though and why?
Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola
The 32-year-old was in fine form for West Ham as they claimed a 2-0 win over Manchester United. The shot-stopper made five saves against the Europa League finalists and faced shots with an Expected Goals on Target total of 1.22. His exploits between the sticks earned him a FotMob rating of 8.6.
Right-Back: Mats Wieffer
Wieffer was deployed at right-back in Brighton’s 2-0 win over Wolves and that might be his position for the Seagulls moving forward. He earned a FotMob rating of 8.4 for his performance at full-back, winning the most duels (14), completing 86% of his attempted passes, completing 100% of his dribbles and winning five of his nine tackles. It was his highest rated performance of the season and it arrived against an in-form Wolves team.
Centre-Back: Michael Keane
Keane was making his first start since January. If his showing against Fulham is anything to go off, he might retain his place in David Moyes’ starting XI for the rest of the season. The 32-year-old completed 90% of his attempted passes, he scored a goal, made five interceptions and six clearances. Keane earned himself a FotMob rating of 8.1 for his performance against the Cottagers at Craven Cottage.
Centre-Back: Marc Guéhi
Guéhi was at his best for Crystal Palace in their 2-0 win over Europa League finalists Tottenham Hotspur. The skipper completed the most passes (54) and had a pass success rate of 90%. He even created a chance for the Eagles. The England international won 60% of his tackles, made three interceptions and recovered the ball on eight occasions. Guéhi also won six of his seven duels to cap off a fine defensive display, playing his part in a clean sheet for Oliver Glasner’s side.
Left-Back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Wan-Bissaka terrorised his former employers. The 27-year-old completed the most dribbles (five) of any player. He finished with a pass success rate of 86%, created two chances and claimed an assist in West Ham’s 2-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. The versatile full-back also won two of his three tackles and won 50% of his ground duels.
Midfield: Sandro Tonali
Tonali has been one of the best midfielders in the league this season. He chipped in with another big goal for the Magpies on Sunday, this time in their 2-0 win over Chelsea. The Italy international completed 90% of his attempted passes, created two chances for teammates and won 60% of his duels in an impactful showing for Newcastle in a game that would prove decisive in their quest for a Champions League place.
Midfield: Daniel Muñoz
Muñoz claimed an 8.3 rating as Palace won 2-0 against Spurs. The 28-year-old hit the woodwork, carved out three chances and finished with an assist. He was an asset going forward and defensively. As a wing-back, he played his part in a clean sheet, winning 50% of his tackles, recovering the ball three times and winning two ground duels. The Colombian was an outlet down the right flank for Glasner’s side.
Midfield: Morgan Gibbs-White
A goal and an assist for Gibbs-White as Nottingham Forest drew 2-2 with already relegated Leicester City. Failure to win dents their hopes of a top five finish, but the Forest skipper played his part in trying to almost single-handedly getting them over the line here. He had five shots and created two chances. He also won 100% of his tackles and was involved in eight duels, ensuring he put himself about at the City Ground.
Midfield: Tomáš Souček
Souček put in a good showing for Graham Potter’s side in their victory against the Red Devils. The 30-year-old opened the scoring in the 2-0 win and played a key role in the Hammers keeping a clean sheet. He won 100% of his tackles, made four headed clearances, recovered the ball twice and won 75% of his aerial duels at Old Trafford. A solid performance capped off by an important goal.
Midfield: Eberechi Eze
Eze appears to be finding form at the perfect time for Crystal Palace. Following his double against Spurs, he has five goals in his last four outings. He’s also scored in four successive matches for the Eagles. He was the player of the match for the Eagles on Sunday, claiming a FotMob score of 8.9. Eze scored twice, carved out a chance for a teammate, attempted three dribbles and won four of his duels in what was an all-star showing.
Attack: Beto
The centre-forward was a machine for Everton in their win over Fulham. He won the most duels (10), including 73% of his aerial duels. He created a chance, missed a big chance and scored for the Toffees in what was a quintessential display from the big striker. The 27-year-old isn’t the most consistent in front of goal but he’s a nuisance and that’s why he’s such a handful for the opposition. No matter what, he’ll cause problems for teams and he did that against Marco Silva’s side.
(Images from IMAGO)
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