It was a reduced week of action in the Premier League, with policing issues meaning that Chelsea’s clash with Liverpool and Leeds United’s trip to Manchester United were postponed along with the derby between Brighton and Crystal Palace.
Nonetheless, seven games went ahead, providing 23 goals and plenty of top performances up and down the country. Here’s who 101 picked out as the standout stars.
📰 Table Of Contents
GK: Hugo Lloris
Including a goalkeeper that conceded twice may seem a little odd, but it was Lloris’ performance that set up Tottenham’s eventual 6-2 win over Leicester City, with the Frenchman making five saves to keep his side in the lead when the scoreline was much closer.
Though Spurs remain unbeaten, they are also unconvincing, and will need to improve to really ensure that they continue grinding out results this season.
Yet another big performance from Hugo Lloris 👏 pic.twitter.com/FH10CdArCo
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 18, 2022
RB: Nathan Patterson
The Scottish right-back continued to impress for the Toffees in their win over West Ham, including a vital tackle to prevent the Hammers from taking the lead.
Signed in January, he is already beginning to earn himself cult status at Goodison Park, and should he keep up his impressive performances he will certainly become a hero sooner than later.
Nathan Patterson’s first half by numbers vs. West Ham:
100% tackles won
47 touches
6/9 final third passes completed
5/7 ground duels won
2/3 dribbles completed
1 long ball completedRight-hand side on lock. 🔒 pic.twitter.com/xUqp1VBgrk
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 18, 2022
CB: William Saliba
It was in defence that he really stood out, however, looking calm and composed against Ivan Toney and showing smart feet to consistently get himself out of tight situations. He seems nailed on to start for France this international break.
Saliba gives Arsenal the lead with a header! ⚽ pic.twitter.com/WloxnggRE2
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 18, 2022
CB: Manuel Akanji
From out of favour in Germany to a stalwart in the Manchester City defence, Akanji has started Premier League life brilliantly for Pep Guardiola’s side, and put in another strong performance against Wolves in a comfortable 3-0 victory for his side.
[He has been] more than exceptional,” Guardiola told explained after the game.
“So aggressive, but then had the tempo to control the situation. From day one, we thought, ‘We got it’…”
👊 Only played 3 games & already settled in.
💰 Manuel Akanji is proving to be a bargain at just £15million! pic.twitter.com/oTekT43SSc
— GiveMeSport (@GiveMeSport) September 17, 2022
LB: Jordan Zemura
Bournemouth came away from St James’ Park with a very credible point against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side, meaning that they have taken five from a possible nine since Scott Parker’s departure.
Central to their performance was left-back Zemura, who created the most chances on either side as well as grabbing the assist for the Cherries’ goal.
He was defensively sound too, winning four of his six duels and making two tackles.
🇿🇼 Jordan Zemura created more chances (5) than any other player on the pitch for either Newcastle United or Bournemouth.
👏. #NEWBOU #BOU #Bournemouth #AFCB pic.twitter.com/Sh8h5Qk7SJ
— Mozo Football (@MozoFootball) September 17, 2022
CM: Alex Iwobi
Everton’s midfielder looks rejuvenated in a more central role under Frank Lampard, after previously being deployed on the wing.
His influence on the Blues’ first win of the season cannot be underestimated, with the former Arsenal academy graduate pulling the strings and not shying away from his defensive duties either.
Alex Iwobi’s game by numbers vs. West Ham:
74 touches
34 passes in final third
13 final third entries
8x possession won
3 clearances
3 duels won
3 touches in opp. box
2 shots
2 chances created
1 assistHe’s now assisted three of Everton’s last four goals in all comps. 🅰️ pic.twitter.com/lsyCLEtCCf
— Squawka (@Squawka) September 18, 2022
CM: Granit Xhaka
Another man enjoying a redemption arc, Granit Xhaka’s newfound position in Mikel Arteta’s side has seen him become one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League this season.
Captain in Odegaard’s absence, he marshalled his side well, while his ball for Gabriel Jesus’ header was precise and perfectly weighted. A customary yellow card was the only blemish on his copybook.
Granit Xhaka’s Premier League assists by season:
▪️ 16/17: 2 in 32 games
▪️ 17/18: 7 in 38 games
▪️ 18/19: 2 in 29 games
▪️ 19/20: 2 in 31 games
▪️ 20/21: 2 in 31 games
▪️ 21/22 2 in 27 games
▪️ 22/23: 3 in 7 gamesHe’s loving this new role. 🔓 pic.twitter.com/uMEnVSAgrJ
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) September 18, 2022
CM: Kevin De Bruyne
A man in no need of any redemption arc, Kevin de Bruyne continues to catch the eye and provide returns for Manchester City.
The Belgian registered another two assists, laying the ball on a plate first for Jack Grealish and then for Phil Foden, and was involved in everything good that Manchester City produced at Molineux.
Kevin De Bruyne has now provided as many Premier League assists as Steven Gerrard:
🔴 Stevie G: 504 games, 92 assists
🔵 KDB: 217 games, 92 assistsBonkers. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/vbMk42qiSr
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) September 17, 2022
RW: Heung Min-Son
It was always a case of when, not if, Heung Min-Son was going to get off the mark this season and the golden boot holder answered his critics in emphatic fashion.
Dropped to the bench, he entered the fray on the hour and by the 86th he had netted a hat-trick, giving the scoreline a one-sided look that it probably didn’t deserve.
When you have world-class players, however, that is what happens.
Hat-trick ✅
Hero ✅ pic.twitter.com/l4EPsgSHW7— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 17, 2022
ST: Erling Haaland
Just one goal this weekend for Haaland, but it was a beautifully taken one. Often associated with providing the finishing touch within the 18-yard box, the Norweigian picked the ball up 30 yards out, before driving at the Wolves backline and finding the corner with his weaker foot from the edge of the area.
He can’t stop scoring, and Mo Salah’s Premier League record of 34 goals in a season is already looking like light work for the youngster.
The most goals scored in a Premier League season is 34.
Erling Haaland is already at 11 😳 pic.twitter.com/cF8255vBe4
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 18, 2022
LW: Jack Grealish
Ahhh man that felt good 🥰🫶🏻 great win going into the international break! Away fans were incredible 💙 P:S thanks @KevinDeBruyne about time 😘🅰️ pic.twitter.com/13szVVyUNq
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) September 17, 2022
