Match winning defenders and pass masters make our Premier League Team of the Week.
Rui Patricio (Wolves)
Wolves became the first team to take points from Manchester City this season after they fought for a 1-1 draw at Molineux on Saturday. Pep Guardiola said after the game that his players weren’t at their sharpest, but such comments do Rui Patricio a disservice after he made five saves. The big question remains: why the number 11 shirt?
Kieran Trippier (Tottenham)
After his contribution at the World Cup, fans can attest that Trippier’s set piece delivery is amongst the best in world football right now. The defender scored a free kick last weekend, and set up the opening goal at Old Trafford on Monday with a corner. Only Toby Alderweireld had more touches for Spurs, while nobody won more aerial battles.
Harry Maguire (Leicester)
What a goal! It seemed Leicester would have to settle for a draw at Southampton, only for the England defender to beat Alex McCarthy from 30 yards and claim all three points for the Foxes. Will he ever score a better goal? It’s unlikely.
Christian Kabasele (Watford)
The Belgian defender coped fantastically with the multiple threats offered by Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke at Vicarage Road, showing focus to stifle the former and strength to stop the latter. Five tackles and nine defensive headers are proof enough. That’s three wins in three for Watford.
Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
Eight days after he scored the winner against Arsenal, Alonso was once again integral in a Chelsea victory as he created both of the Blues’ goals at Newcastle. He not only won a penalty after a dangerous run into the area, but then claimed an assist when his shot was diverted into the net by DeAndre Yedlin. Yet more effective attacking play from the Spaniard.
Lucas Moura (Tottenham)
After a slow start to his career in the Premier League, Lucas announced himself to England in style with a brace at Old Trafford. The Brazilian was composed when it counted to finish two smart attacking moves from the visitors. The highest praise is that Son’s absence has gone unnoticed at Tottenham.
Etienne Capoue (Watford)
It’s not often that someone records the most dribbles when Zaha is also on the pitch, but Capoue did just that in Watford’s win over Crystal Palace. Alongside his four dribbles, the French midfielder made four successful tackles and created Roberto Pereyra’s opener. However, he probably should have been dismissed for an early foul on Zaha.
Jorginho (Chelsea)
He’s only played four games for Chelsea, but it’s already abundantly clear that Jorginho is crucial to Maurizio Sarri’s approach at Stamford Bridge. The Italian international played 158 successful passes at St. James’ Park, while the hosts managed just 131 between the whole team. With smarter runs from his teammates, the summer signing’s input could bear even more fruit.
Andre Schurrle (Fulham)
Schurrle’s sharp shooting threatened to put Fulham out of sight on several occasions against Burnley, hitting the crossbar with a powerful drive and drawing a smart save from Joe Hart, but he sealed the points eventually with a clever finish at the near post. He’ll spend the next two seasons at Craven Cottage, and fans have plenty to look forward to based on early impressions.
Harry Kane (Tottenham)
No goals in August? No goals at Old Trafford? Kane has laughed off his supposed weaknesses of late and set Spurs on their way to a famous win against Manchester United when he guided Trippier’s corner past David De Gea. He also claimed an assist for the third goal. Will he reclaim the Golden Boot this year?
Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)
Two goals in two minutes from Mitrovic gave Fulham their first points since their return to the Premier League. The London outfit spent £22m to retain the Serbian’s services after a successful loan spell last season, and he already looks vital to their hopes of extending their stay in the top flight.