Premier League Team of the Week: Gameweek 3

Crystal Palace v Liverpool - Premier League
Premier League

After Old Trafford witnessed a resounding win for Spurs, the third week of the Premier League came to its conclusion.

Champions Manchester City dropped their first points of the season against a gutsy Wolves side which enabled Liverpool to seize top spot following their win over Brighton. The three London clubs Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham recorded victories after hiccups in their games.

Another London club who won was Fulham, who trounced a weakened Burnley side 4-2 for their first win of the season. Watford continued their rise as they won their third straight game to sit level at the top with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham.

West Ham is the only side without a point as Huddersfield picked their first one after a goalless draw against Cardiff. The week saw a surprising four red cards, two of which came in a pulsating 2-2 draw between Bournemouth and Everton.

That's all for the team roundup, now let us look at some individual performances. Here is the team of the week for the Premier League.


Goalkeeper

Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur)

Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Lloris skippered Spurs to a huge win

Lloris produces some stunning stops on the way to a much deserved clean sheet at Old Trafford. The Tottenham skipper was the pick of the bunch in a week where only four teams managed to prevent the opposition from scoring.

The Frenchman made five stops, which included a stunning save from Romelu Lukaku's curling shot. He commanded his penalty area well also, making two important punches in the game.

A calm and composed performance from Lloris puts him in the list, which includes a couple of his teammates as well.


Defenders

Left back: Luke Shaw (Manchester United)

Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Shaw was a constant menace on the wing

A defender who has conceded three goals should not be in the team of the week, right? But Luke Shaw truly was the only light in a dull United performance.

Shaw was a constant threat on the left side, especially in the first half. He completed three dribbles, two interceptions, two clearances, two blocks and won four aerial duels. On a day where the rest of the Red Devils faltered, Shaw boosted his credentials.

How ironic is it that Shaw of all people was the silver lining in Mourinho's dark cloud.

Centre back: Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)

Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Vertonghen marshaled the backline for Spurs

The Tottenham defense impressed at Old Trafford, and Vertonghen was one of the big reasons why.

Often pitted against compatriot Romelu Lukaku, he kept the burly striker quiet effectively. Lukaku often made runs into the left channel as he often does and Vertonghen was there each time to prevent the danger.

The Belgian made three tackles and eight clearances, and his passing range from the back was immaculate. A solid performance from an individual who is the model of consistency.

Centre back: Joe Gomez (Liverpool)

Liverpool kept their third consecutive clean sheet in their 1-0 win against Brighton and it is a huge testament to their improved defense. The imperious Virgil van Dijk will take credit and rightly so, but his partner arguably had a better game on Saturday.

Gomez has shown his versatility by playing center-back for Jurgen Klopp as Trent Alexander-Arnold has nailed the right-back slot. He has settled in the new role seamlessly. Against Brighton, he won a mammoth eight aerial duels, made five clearances and one interception.

These contributions were necessary as Brighton threatened to equalise late on. But Gomez and company held on to propel Liverpool to the top of the league

Right back: Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur)

Another Spurs player in the backline, Trippier was instrumental in their impressive win, and more so in attack than in defense.

He played a gem of a pass to Dele Alli and the midfielder failed to convert a glorious chance. His corners were deadly as ever, and Harry Kane converted one to put Spurs in the lead. Then he played a through ball for Christian Eriksen, who then set up the second goal.

He was taken off later on for Serge Aurier, but his 75 minutes on the pitch were crucial to Spurs and set them on their way to three points.

Midfielders

Centre midfield: Etienne Capoue (Watford)

Watford FC v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Capoue had a big influence on proceedings

Watford continued their amazing start to the season, beating Crystal Palace for their third straight win. Both midfielders Abdoulaye Doucoure and Etienne Capoue caught the eye, but Capoue impressed in particular.

He won 4 tackles and completed 3 dribbles, one of which was a powerful run through the middle which turned out to be the assist for the opening goal. The Frenchman's physique and skill make him a tough customer in the center of the park, and that was clearly visible on Sunday.

Centre midfield: Idrissa Gueye (Everton)

AFC Bournemouth v Everton FC - Premier League
The tireless Gueye drove Everton on

Everton went down to ten men against Bournemouth after Richarlison's departure, but they fought back valiantly. They netted twice, before a red card of their own and some naive defending made them settle for a draw.

Gueye was the driving force for the Toffees, especially in Morgan Schneiderlin's absence. He made seven tackles, which were more than anyone else in the game week. Winning three aerial duels and completing three dribbles, he truly did not let Everton feel the effect of being a man short.

Attacking midfield: Felipe Anderson (West Ham)

Arsenal v West Ham United - Premier League
Anderson showed just why did West Ham pay £40 million

West Ham is rooted to the bottom of the table after their loss at The Emirates but their performance perhaps deserved better. The Hammers cut open Arsenal numerous times, and Anderson was at the heart more often than not.

The record summer signing had one assist, three key passes and won two tackles. His passing and vision in midfield presented many opportunities which the likes of Marko Arnautovic and Robert Snodgrass did not take.

The present looks bleak for West Ham but with the quality of players they have, they have only one direction to travel.

Forwards

Left wing: Lucas Moura (Tottenham Hotspur)

Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Moura scored two well-taken goals

Lucas Moura is currently enjoying a run of games for Spurs, and he is certainly making the most of it. Due to Son Heung-min's absence, the Brazilian has started all three league games and he has impressed.

Old Trafford is one of the most daunting places to visit for a player, but Moura was terrific, scoring two goals and constantly posing a threat to David De Gea's goal.

His first one was a smart low finish and he rounded off the win by racing past Chris Smalling and finishing powerfully. Moura's dribbling ability and pace was visible throughout, and his mazy run in the first half prompted penalty shouts. Those were in vain, but his performance was crucial for his side's victory.

Striker: Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Fulham FC v Burnley FC - Premier League
Miss him yet, Rafa?

Going by numbers, Mitrovic was by far the best attacker on show. He starred in an impressive Fulham performance, recording two goals and an assist.

The first was a deft header after Tom Cairney's cross and the second came by virtue of his head as well, this time off Luciano Vietto's delivery. The Serbian was lively throughout, and Andre Schurrle scored off his rebound to complete the scoring.

Slavisa Jokanovic forked out £22 million for Mitrovic but he proved last season in the Championship that his presence is vital for them. He does it all for them and perhaps Rafa Benitez is having second thoughts after his performance.

Right-wing: Andre Schurrle (Fulham)

Another impressive performer at Craven Cottage, Schurrle was all over the Burnley defense, taking 11 shots on goal in the process.

He was unlucky to strike the woodwork, but his persistence paid off later on. The German unleashed a powerful shot off to seal the win for Fulham.

Along with his impressive shot tally, he completed 2 dribbles and made 2 tackles to round off an all-around performance. Schurrle is another one of Fulham's investments this window, and Sunday's showing told that it might be a good one.

Here's th
Here's the eleven!

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now