EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Premier League Team and Player of the Week – Gameweek 17

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One more round of Premier League games done and the title race has only become tighter. Almost 12 teams lie within a 10 point gap. Best League in the world.

Last week saw 2 games postponed and this week saw another Fulham game postponed. A number of positive cases among their staff members forced the fixture against Burnley to be called off.

The rest of the games were nothing but entertaining. The only draw of the week turned out to be the most entertaining game in the Premier League this week.

How the games went:

West Ham defeated Everton at Goodison Park after Tomáš Souček to struck the winner four minutes from time. At Old Trafford, Manchester United beat Aston Villa 2-1 to continue to their race to the top. Villa were brilliant going forward but an equally good defensive display by United nullified their effort.

Tottenham Hotspur brought an end to their frustrating run of losses and draws with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Leeds United. Goals from Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min and Toby Alderweireld took Jose Mourinho’s men 4 points off the top with a game in hand.

Crystal Palace too secured a much needed 3 points after an impressive display against Sheffield United at home. Though the away side dominated with possession, they were not threatening.

Then the game that went see-saw all along. Brighton and Wolves settled for a 3-3 draw. Brighton were the first to score, Wolves pulled back not one but three, Brighton scored twice and finally no one found the winner.

Arsenal continued their revival with a thumping 0-4 victory over West Brom. Goals from Kieran Tierney, Bukayo Saka and a quick brace from Alexandre Lacazette lifted the Gunners to 11th with 23 points.

Leicester City continued their brilliant away form with a dominating 1-2 win past Newcastle United. Manchester City secured a 1-3 victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Guardiola’s tactical brilliance left Frank Lampard puzzled on the touch-line as Chelsea were outclassed by City.

Southampton secured an important victory against Liverpool with Danny Ing’s strike separating the two sides. Liverpool failed to register a single shot on target until the 75th minute. The result left Southampton’s manager Ralph Hasenhuttl flooded with emotions at the end of the game.

Premier League Team of the Week

Goalkeeper:

David de Gea(Manchester United)

For the second week running, the Spaniard was exceptional between the posts. Made important saves to keep the confidence of the squad.

Defenders:

Kyle Walker-Peters(Southampton)

Good marking to keep Sadio Mane away from the goal and thus did not allow Liverpool’s attack to be as threatening.

Eric Bailly(Manchester United)

His technical brilliance on the ball allowed United’s attack to more deep and attack faster. Made a crucial block in the last minute of the game to help them secure the 3 points.

Kieran Tierney(Arsenal)

Solid display down the left to help Arsenal’s defence and attack. Scored a well deserved goal.

Midfielders:

İlkay Gündoğan(Manchester City)

Troubled Chelsea defence all throughout the game. Scored a beauty and played an important part in the rest of the game.

Tomáš Souček(West Ham)

Scored the goal that separated the two sides. A poacher’s finish to seal the 3 points.

James Maddison(Leicester City)

Was a major threat on the pitch as usual. Scored a brilliant goal to secure the win.

Kevin de Bruyne(Manchester City)

Played in a different position but adapted really quickly. Finally scored his first goal from open play.

Forwards

Jack Grealish(Aston Villa)

Menacing down the wings and always had a pass or shot in him. Unlucky to end up in the losing side.

Alexandre Lacazette(Arsenal)

A brace within four minutes to double Arsenal’s lead. Always has an eye for the goal and has 3 goals from 2 games.

Harry Kane(Tottenham Hotspur)

Drilled in a penalty and gave a gem of an assist for Son’s 100th goal. That partnership is only getting more lethal every game.

Player of the Week

Team efforts were the highlight this week rather than individual brilliance. However, we picked 3 players who were vital to their teams performance – Eric Bailly, Jack Grealish, and Kevin de Bruyne.

The player for this week is Jack Grealish. He gave such an outstanding performance that the United fans had nothing but praises to heap over him. We saw Solksjaer speak with him after the match. Will he? Won’t he?

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