Three West Ham players make our Team of the Week. Click here to bet on the Premier League matches this weekend.
Lukasz Fabianski (West Ham)
With the game between West Ham and Cardiff goalless, it seemed that the Bluebirds were set to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty after 34 minutes. However, Fabianski saved Joe Ralls’ effort to keep the scores level and, although a late fumble cost him a clean sheet, it didn’t affect the bigger picture.
Kieran Trippier (Tottenham)
Trippier marked his return to action by setting up two goals against Southampton. First his short corner to Christian Eriksen led to Harry Kane’s opener, before he charged down Matt Targett’s clearance to leave Kane and Son Heung-Min through on goal for Spurs’ third. His availability is a timely boost ahead of the hectic schedule.
Leon Balogun (Brighton)
What an entrance! Balogun was introduced to shore up Brighton’s defence after they were reduced to ten men against Crystal Palace, but within 30 seconds he had gone one better. The Super Eagles defender struck from the edge of the box with his first touch to put the hosts in control and set up a famous win.
Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)
Van Dijk won 12 aerial duels in Liverpool’s win at Burnley, more than any other player managed. That wasn’t the only way in which he used his height to good effect, though, as he stretched to cross the ball for Roberto Firmino to put the Reds ahead with 20 minutes remaining. That was his first direct contribution to a league goal since December 2016!
Arthur Masuaku (West Ham)
A first assist of the Premier League season is enough for the Leopards’ left back to make our Team. Nobody made more dribbles (two) or tackles (four) than Masuaku, who is starting to look at home in Manuel Pellegrini’s system.
Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)
Mahrez was in fine form as Manchester City made it seven straight wins after a convincing display at Watford. The Algeria winger had already been denied by Ben Foster when he crossed for Leroy Sane to open the scoring. He then doubled City’s lead after the break when he converted Gabriel Jesus’ cross at the far post to keep his side top.
Ander Herrera (Manchester United)
Manchester United’s clash with Arsenal will not go down as a classic, but Herrera can be proud of a strong performance in the middle of the park. He made five tackles and six interceptions, both match highs, and even managed to avoid a booking!
Naby Keita (Liverpool)
Keita was reinstated to the first team in a much-changed Liverpool side at Burnley and made a strong case for regular inclusion with an encouraging display. The Guinean completed 93% of his attempted passes, a match high, and was unlucky not to score when his audacious backheel was blocked on the line. His wait for a first goal in a red shirt goes on.
Lucas Perez (West Ham)
Perez was not one of the Irons’ most high-profile summer signings, but he might feature more often in future after a superb performance as a substitute against Cardiff. The former Arsenal striker replaced the injured Marko Arnautovic at half time and hit a brace within ten minutes of entering the fray. Will it earn him a start on Saturday?
Harry Kane (Tottenham)
Kane continued his fine record against Southampton with a goal after just eight minutes, and added an assist in the second half when he squared for Son to apply a simple finish. He now has six goals in his last five games against the Saints.
Callum Wilson (Bournemouth)
Bournemouth returned to winning ways with a narrow victory over Huddersfield on Tuesday night. Wilson added to his personal record for the season with another goal and assist, meaning he has directly contributed to 13 goals this season. Only Raheem Sterling has been involved in more.