Four Brighton players make our Team of the Week.
Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Danny Ings seemed certain to equalise for Southampton after Pickford spilled Cedric Soares’ shot, only for the England goalkeeper to react with an astounding save to turn his effort onto the crossbar. He could do nothing to stop Ings’ goal after half time, but did deny him once again when he beat the Saints striker to the ball. Considering that Ings is on loan from Liverpool, it will be all the more sweet.
Kieran Trippier (Tottenham)
Trippier restored Spurs’ lead over Fulham with an unstoppable free kick from 30 yards as Mauricio Pochettino’s men made it two wins from two matches. Three of his four corners found their man, and it seems the England defender’s form has carried over from the World Cup.
Steve Cook (Bournemouth)
It looked as though West Ham would make light work of Bournemouth after spurning several chance, but the visitors fought their way back into the game and skipper Cook was at the heart of their comeback. First he put Callum Wilson through to score, before he won the game with his first goal since January 1st.
Shane Duffy (Brighton)
The Republic of Ireland centre back set the tone for his performance early on against United with a block to deny Anthony Martial before preventing Romelu Lukaku from opening the scoring. He then doubled the Seagulls’ lead with a smart finish for his first Premier League goal – a memorable way to open your account!
Ben Chilwell (Leicester)
Leicester’s win over Wolves could have been very different had Chilwell not been alert to block Matt Doherty’s shot on the line after just four minutes. The defender went on to complete four dribbles, make five tackles and play 38 accurate passes throughout the match. The 21-year-old has displaced both Christian Fuchs and Jeffrey Schlupp as Leicester’s first choice left back over the past two seasons, and on this display it’s easy to see why.
Theo Walcott (Everton)
In truth, Everton should have been out of sight by half time in their win over Southampton, but their lack of incision cannot be blamed on Walcott. The forward scored and assisted in the first half, while he sent another effort narrowly wide after the break. He and Richarlison already look a dangerous partnership.
Will Hughes (Watford)
Watford continued their fine start to the season with victory over Burnley at Turf Moor. Hughes provided the highlight of the match with a fierce drive from outside the box that beat Joe Hart to seal the win. The Hornets midfielder also contributed six tackles, while Jose Holebas was his only teammate to have more touches of the ball.
Pascal Gross (Brighton)
Only Dale Stephens and Anthony Knockaert managed more touches of the ball that Gross in Brighton’s win, but the German’s main input came when he won and then converted a penalty moments before half time. He scored seven league goals last season – can he better that in his second season?
Solly March (Brighton)
With Ashley Young in an unfamiliar role and Juan Mata disinclined to track back, the conditions were perfect for March to take advantage on the left flank. He set up Brighton’s first goal with a low cross for Glenn Murray, but it remains to be seen whether he can keep Jose Izquierdo out of the team.
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
The Argentinian netted his ninth Premier League hat-trick as City swept aside Huddersfield, meaning that only Alan Shearer has scored more trebles in the English top flight. Even though Gabriel Jesus started alongside him, Aguero was still the focal point and, on this evidence, won’t be making way any time soon.
Glenn Murray (Brighton)
Murray delivered a typically combative performance in the Seagulls’ win over Manchester United as he put pressure on Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof throughout the first half. However, his game did not lack guile, as shown by his run ahead of the latter to flick the ball past David De Gea for the opener. Can Chris Hughton’s men take points from their direct rivals though?