Goalscoring defenders and creative midfielders make our Team of the Week.
Martin Dubravka (Newcastle)
Newcastle were one of only three Premier League sides to keep a clean sheet this weekend, so it’s only right to credit them here. Dubravka was in goal as Newcastle battled to an unlikely win at Tottenham. This was the first time that they avoided defeat away at a ‘Big Six’ side since April 2016. What a result!
Matt Doherty (Wolves)
Wolves’ match with Burnley saw a total of 62 aerial duels, more than any other fixture in the league this weekend. On the right wing, Doherty won seven duels and won both of his tackles. It’s a third successive draw for Wolves, though.
Joel Matip (Liverpool)
Liverpool equalled a club record of 12 consecutive league wins with a straightforward victory against Arsenal. The Reds had struggled to find the opener before Matip headed home in front of the Kop just before half time. At 1.95m, it’s unsurprising that he won all four of his aerial duels.
Fabian Schar (Newcastle)
Schar has proven to be a bargain since he joined the Magpies last summer, and he put in another stoic display at Tottenham. The Swiss international won four tackles and six clearances to keep the hosts at bay, giving manager Steve Bruce his first win at the club.
Patrick Van Aanholt (Crystal Palace)
What a way to win a game! It looked as though a famous win at Old Trafford had slipped from Palace’s grip. However, just moments after Manchester United thought they had snatched a draw, Van Aanholt fired under David De Gea to take all three points.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Two goals from Salah at the start of the second half put the game beyond Arsenal at Anfield. First he converted a penalty that he won himself after a tug from David Luiz. He then beat the visitors’ defence for pace before slotting past Bernd Leno. Liverpool stay top.
Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea)
Kovacic offered an array of qualities in Chelsea’s win at Norwich. He completed six dribbles (no player made more) and won four tackles. He even provided the assist for the winning goal – his first in 2019.
David Silva (Manchester City)
Silva marked his 400th game for Manchester City with two assists as his side won 3-1 at Bournemouth. He also completed more dribbles than any other player (three), while no midfielder or forward made more accurate passes (54). He will be sorely missed after he departs in May.
Moussa Djenepo (Southampton)
Southampton have their first points of the season following a hard-fought win at Brighton. Substitute Djenepo had only been on the field for a matter of minutes before he fired in the opening goal. Saints fans will hope that the Mali international can deliver a few more strikes like that.
Tammy Abraham (Chelsea)
Frank Lampard showed belief in Abraham by restoring him to the starting line up to face Norwich. The academy graduate repaid the faith as he opened and closed the scoring at Carrow Road, giving Lampard his first competitive win as Blues boss.
Sebastien Haller (West Ham)
Haller has his first goals in English football as West Ham recorded their first win of the season at Watford. He had gone close in the first half with an acrobatic effort but finally got off the mark when he tapped in from close range. He doubled his tally with an overhead kick to seal the win.
Stats via Whoscored.