Premier League Team of the Week: September 1-2

Goalscoring defenders and a scoring substitute make our Team of the Week.

Rui Patricio (Wolves)

Wolves have their first win since their return to the Premier League as Adama Traore’s late goal ensured West Ham remain the only pointless side in the England’s top seven leagues. However, the Irons would have taken an early lead had Patricio not pulled off a smart double save to deny Felipe Anderson and Marko Arnautovic, while he demonstrated his agility to claw Michail Antonio’s header off the line. He might be the bargain of the season so far.

Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

What a goal! Newcastle played excellently at the Etihad but paid the price for not closing down the England defender. Walker has proved capable of shooting from distance in the past and made no mistake with a strike that was as powerful as it was accurate. That’s the way to end a 34-month goal drought.

Craig Cathcart (Watford)

The Hornets’ perfect run continues as they came from behind to beat Tottenham on Sunday. Cathcart scored the goal that completed the comeback with a header from Jose Holebas’ cross. He has now scored five Premier League goals – all from set pieces.

Joe Gomez (Liverpool)

Gomez cut a composed figure in Liverpool’s victory at Leicester, and he was quick to end any threat from the Foxes with three interceptions and five clearances. He now seems Jurgen Klopp’s first choice to partner Virgil Van Dijk in defence, and Dejan Lovren may have trouble reclaiming his place once fit.

Jose Holebas (Watford)

Set pieces were crucial to Watford’s win over Tottenham and it was no surprise to see that Holebas was creator in chief. The former Roma defender added to last week’s goal with two assists at Vicarage Road with both of his side’s goals coming from his set piece deliveries. He’s a useful weapon for the Hornets.

Pedro (Chelsea)

It looked as though Chelsea would be frustrated by Bournemouth in their clash at Stamford Bridge as the Cherries’ five defenders held firm. Pedro was unleashed from the bench and scored his third goal of the season. Right now he seems to have adapted to Maurizio Sarri’s style the quickest.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Southampton)

The Saints finally have a deserved win under their belts after they outplayed Crystal Palace and Hojbjerg was key to the victory with an unsurpassed 65 completed passes, while no player had more touches of the ball (93). He was then rewarded for his work with a late goal, meaning that Southampton have now won four of their last six games at Selhurst Park since the Eagles were promoted.

James Milner (Liverpool)

Milner claimed his 80th assist in the league as his corner was converted by Roberto Firmino on Saturday. Only six players have set up more goals in Premier League history, and it’s a fine compliment indeed that Naby Keita’s absence did not affect Liverpool’s performance. Liverpool stay top.

Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)

The number of forwards at Manchester City means that playing opportunities are becoming scarcer, but Sterling staked a claim for a regular starting berth with an unstoppable strike against Newcastle. Only Sergio Aguero has scored more goals for City this season, and it appears that Leroy Sane is in danger of losing his place on the left wing.

Glenn Murray (Brighton)

Brighton fought back from two goals down to draw with Fulham and extend their unbeaten run at home to five matches. Murray scored both of the Seagulls’ goals, meaning he has 15 goals since the start of last season. Only three English players have scored more in that time.

Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United)

The Red Devils returned to winning ways at Burnley after back-to-back defeats had put the pressure on last season’s runners up. Lukaku gave his side a comfortable half time lead with two well-taken goals to put United back into the top half. As for Burnley, they remain on just one point after four games.