Hello to you and welcome to Team of the Weekend, our roundup of the best and the worst from the Premier League. The biggest game in the world ever (Quote: Sky) amounted to a 0-0 draw but there was plenty of incident elsewhere as we prepare to take a break for the Nations League. Without further ado, let’s crack on.
Goalkeeper
Kepa – Chelsea were brilliant again on Sunday and unfortunately I couldn’t find a home for any of their outfield players (spoiler alert) so instead I’m including Kepa. He made a wonderful save to deny Nathan Redmond with the game still in the balance, tipping his long range shot onto the bar. It turns out the world’s most expensive goalkeeper is quite good.
Defenders
Ricardo Pereira – The composure shown by Ricardo is what has earned him a place in this week’s eleven. A fantastic counter attack from an Everton corner lead to Ricardo turning Everton defenders inside out before wrong-footing Jordan Pickford to get Leicester on terms. No wonder he’s being played on the wing if this is what he is capable of.
Christian Kabasele – More like Kabasilly. I’ve been sitting on that one for a while. Kabasele was dismissed during Watford’s 4-0 mauling against Bournemouth for two stupid yellow cards. Firstly, he absolutely smashed Asmir Begovic and looked shocked at being booked. Then he went a step further and tried to cynically pull back Josh King by the shirt, failed, so tripped him in the box instead. Have a week off.
Wes Morgan – When you’re on a yellow card, don’t keep fouling. When you’re on a final warning, don’t dive in. Captain Morgan is looking a bit sea sick in recent weeks and with two reds to his name already this season, I’m not sure he will command a regular spot in the Leicester team for much longer. Jonny Evans is lurking.
Midfielders
Gylfi Sigurdsson – It’s rare I include players two weeks in a row but sometimes it is a necessity. What a goal! The Cruyff turn, the crisp strike – a wonderful hit and a goal worthy of winning any game…and probably goal of the month.
Joe Ralls – Just give him a nudge, Joe. Ralls took the rather emphatic route of trying to kick Lucas Moura’s leg clean off his body to stop him charging towards the Cardiff goal and was somehow shocked to see a red card. Harry Arter, who famously disagrees with himself, was also not amused.
Juan Mata – A truly ridiculous game at Old Trafford which had everything. A comeback, a substitution after less than 20 minutes, some sort of all out attack formation and a delicious free kick to start the comeback. As you know, scoring a free kick guarantees a place in this team but there were so many headlines in this match it probably makes my life easier that my hand was forced.
Aaron Ramsey – It seems Ramsey and Arsenal can’t agree on a new deal but when he does things like this, I don’t know why. Ramsey’s finish was the perfect end to a brilliant team move as Arsenal rolled back the years to a team that swept aside a Fulham side that just couldn’t live with them.
Riyad Mahrez – What a woeful penalty. With Aguero off the pitch it was left to Mahrez to take the late penalty that would have secured three points for Man City at Anfield however, he leaned back and sent the ball towards the moon. The big game was a bit disappointing in the end but Mahrez could have at least saved us from a 0-0 draw.
Forwards
Callum Wilson – The England squad came out this week and there were some surprise names. Mason Mount is doing reasonably well at Championship level. Nathaniel Chalobah has played about twice all year. Why isn’t Callum Wilson up for consideration? Two goals and an assist this week should hopefully make Mr Southgate take notice, I’m not saying he should be replacing Kane or Rashford but surely he’s worth a look in the squad? Danny Welbeck is coasting it at the moment.
Laurent Depoitre – Don’t ever upset Sean Dyche. Laurent Depoitre took a ridiculous dive that was thankfully snuffed out by the referee but such is Dyche’s hatred of diving, he’s got his team seeking revenge for him. The irony is that James Tarkowski might get a bigger punishment for standing on Depoitre following the dive but I’m naming and shaming the Huddersfield forward because I am team Dyche. Let’s kick diving out of football.
Manager
Jose Mourinho – It had to be him. At 2-0 down it looked like curtains for Jose’s Man Utd career but he left nothing at home on Saturday night, making early changes and drastic decisions to find a way back into the match and ultimately win it at the death. Whether Alexis Sanchez will be the new Mark Robins as history unfolds remains to be seen but for now at least, Mourinho has kept his head above water.
That’s all from me this week but I’ll be back in a few weeks after the International break. Bye for now.
