Two Liverpool players and three hat-trick heroes make our Team of the Week. Bet on the Premier League here.
Paulo Gazzaniga (Tottenham)
In the end Tottenham left Anfield empty-handed following a second-half fightback from Liverpool, but Gazzaniga cannot be held accountable. He made 12 saves during the game, including a fine double-effort to deny Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino. Hugo Lloris’ injury offers a huge opportunity to the 27-year-old, who could keep his place with more performances like this.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United)
The Red Devils have their first away league win since February following a 3-1 victory at Norwich. Summer signing Wan-Bissaka successfully completed 11 tackles and made three interceptions. While problems persist at the club, his acquisition has certainly improved United’s defence.
Chris Basham (Sheffield United)
Basham makes our Team for the second week in a row following the Blades’ 1-1 draw at West Ham. The visitors were made to work hard for their point, with Basham making a match-high four interceptions, as well as three tackles and five clearances.
Jamaal Lascelles (Newcastle)
Newcastle had to settle for a point in the end after losing a one-goal lead against Wolves. They had been given the advantage by none other than their captain, who powerfully headed past Rui Patricio for his first league goal since January 2018. The Toon are out of the relegation zone though.
Ben Chilwell (Leicester)
It’s strange to think, but there was a brief moment in Leicester’s 9-0 win over Southampton where it seemed as though Chilwell’s opening goal might actually be important. He created and converted the goal with a typical charge into the penalty area and later added two assists as the Foxes equalled a Premier League record.
Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
Henderson’s first goal of the season levelled the scores at Anfield and provided the platform for an important comeback. The Liverpool skipper’s attributes are often criticised, but there is no denying that he plays an important role in a side that won’t stop winning.
Fabinho (Liverpool)
No player won back the ball at Anfield as many times as Fabinho (four tackles and three interceptions). Not only does he have a gift for regaining possession, but he also set up his side’s equaliser. He has a genuine claim to be Brazil’s first-choice defensive midfielder; considering he counts Casemiro and Fernandinho among his compatriots, that’s an almighty achievement.
Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)
Manchester City were made to wait until the second half as they eventually ran out comfortable winners over Aston Villa. Gundogan rounded off the scoring at the Etihad with an improvised volley. Pep Guardiola’s defensive reshuffle saw the German play in the holding midfield role, where he completed more passes than any other player (95).
Ayoze Perez (Leicester)
Perez hadn’t scored for Leicester before his side’s visit to Southampton but left with the match ball after he put three past a sorry Saints side. Incidentally, this was his second hat trick against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side in 2019, having done the same for Newcastle in April.
Jamie Vardy (Leicester)
Will Vardy have to find another one of the balls used in the game at St. Mary’s? Leicester’s centre forward completed his own hat trick with the final kick of the game, having won a penalty with the Foxes’ final attack. He now has nine league goals for the season.
Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)
After a somewhat slow start to his career at Stamford Bridge, Pulisic announced himself to the Premier League with a “perfect” hat trick at Burnley. Two strikes, one with either foot, put the visitors in control at half time. He then added a third shortly after the break when he headed the ball past Nick Pope. This is the second season in succession that Chelsea have scored four times at Turf Moor.
*Stats via WhoScored