Premier League TOTW Gameweek 13: Man United dominate after perfect home debut for Amorim | OneFootball

Casemiro looks a man revived for Manchester United this season.

At the end of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign, Jamie Carragher made his now much-copied quote of “leave the football before the football leaves you” about Casemiro. The Brazilian looked certain to leave in the summer, linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

But he’s become a crucial member of the Man United squad. Casemiro has made 35 tackles in the Premier League this season, the second-most of any Man United player. He leads for headed clearances and is third for possessions won in the defensive third (26)

Casemiro is one of three Man United players in our Team of the Week for Gameweek 13 of the Premier League, the most of any side. In fact, they’re the only club with more than one player in the XI, in what was a good weekend for the division.

We’ve used our Squawka Score to determine the 11 picks, based on the statistical leaders for metrics relevant to their positions. And as ever, we’ve thrown an honourable mention XI for good measure.

GK: Arijanet Muric (Ipswich)

Ipswich Town suffered a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, but it could have been worse if not for Arijanet Muric. He was only beaten from the penalty spot by Chris Wood. In total, Muric made four saves, three of which were from shots inside the box and caught two crosses. The Kosovan shot-stopper prevented 0.53 goals in total, and was unfortunately to end up on the losing side.

Honourable mention: Fraser Forster (69%)

RB: Kenny Tete (Fulham)

Fulham fought from a goal down to secure a point against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, and they restricted their hosts to just eight shots, three of which hit the target. Kenny Tete was a big part of that strong defence, with five interceptions — the joint-most of any player in the Premier League this weekend. He also won two tackles and got involved further up the pitch, creating one big chance and eight final third entries. He did well to limit Timo Werner.

Honourable mention: Noussair Mazraoui (67%)

CB: Lisandro Martinez (Man United)

The first of our aforementioned three Man United players in this week’s TOTW, Lisandro Martinez was a rock at the heart of Ruben Amorim’s back three. Martinez made two interceptions, one of which was in the opposition box and was successful in two offside traps. He also made five clearances and was extremely reliable on the ball, with a retention rate of 96.16%. And, of course, Man United kept a clean sheet. Unfortunately he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season and will miss the game against Arsenal in midweek.

Honourable mention: Trevoh Chalobah (69%)

CB: Joe Gomez (Liverpool)

It’s easy to focus on Manchester City‘s shortcomings in their defeat to Liverpool, but they were certainly made worse by a solid Reds defence. Joe Gomez came into the back line to partner Virgil van Dijk with Ibrahima Konate out injured. And he was rock solid. The Englishman won both of his duels, one on the ground and one aerial. The fact that he only had to contest two duels is testament to the defensive work put in. Gomez also blocked one shot, made seven ball recoveries and won six possessions in the defensive third, the most among centre-backs.

Honourable mention: Nathan Collins (72%)

LB: Diogo Dalot (Man United

Diogo Dalot continues to thrive on the left of Man United’s defence this season, even after the slight conversion to wing-back under Amorim. The Portuguese defender made two interceptions and won two tackles, with Everton only having two shots on target at Old Trafford. That will have been aided by Dalot’s ball winning, with seven possessions won in the defensive third, the most of any other player at the weekend.

Honourable mention: Marc Cucurella (67%)

CM: Casemiro (Man United)

Casemiro was picked to partner Kobbie Mainoo at the base of Man United’s midfield, ahead of Manuel Ugarte. And it was a decision that paid off, as Man United were in firm control by the time Casemiro was rested in the 65th minute. The Brazilian made two interceptions, won two tackles and five ball recoveries, as well as five possessions won in the defensive third. He also won eight total duels, two of which were aerial. Casemiro was extremely tough to get past.

Honourable mention: Ryan Yates (72%)

CM: Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace left it extremely late to secure a point against Newcastle United, but it was a point thoroughly deserved. The Eagles limited Newcastle to just one shot at Selhurst Park, which didn’t even hit the target. Marc Guehi scored an own goal to put the Magpies ahead. Their struggles in front of goal came thanks in part to Jefferson Lerma’s presence in the midfield. The Colombian made four interceptions, with only two players making more across the weekend, alongside seven ball recoveries and five possessions won in the middle third. Lerma won nine duels, five of which were aerial, and also made nine final third entries.

Honourable mention: Elliot Anderson (71%)

RW: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Bukayo Saka was on top form as Arsenal pulled West Ham United apart on Saturday. The Englishman was directly involved in three of Arsenal’s five goals, scoring one alongside two intentional assists. He created four chances in total, two of which were big chances, and won one penalty. Saka also had nine penalty area entries, nine touches in the opposition box and 16 final third passes completed. There was absolutely no stopping him at the London Stadium.

Honourable mention: Amad Diallo (71%)

No.10: Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Aston Villa were one of the three teams Cole Palmer hadn’t scored or assisted against in the Premier League since joining Chelsea last season. He ended Sunday’s game with one of each. In total, Palmer had three shots on target, scoring his goal with a curling effort from outside the box. He created two chances and completed 13 final third passes. Palmer also contributed in two high turnovers, helping Chelsea put the pressure on Aston Villa.

Honourable mention: Facundo Buonanotte (73%)

LW: Kevin Schade (Brentford)

Brentford beat Leicester City 4-1 this weekend, and Kevin Schade was directly involved in all four goals. He first set up Yoane Wissa’s equaliser with an intentional assist, before netting his first Premier League hat-trick. The German also had nine touches in the opposition box, five ball recoveries and three high turnovers, the most of any player this weekend. But the most remarkable stat is that his non-penalty xG on target of 2.05 was more than 16 of the 19 Premier League teams (not including Brentford) managed this weekend.

Honourable mention: Leandro Trossard (77%)

ST: Jorgen Strand Larsen (Wolves)

Wolves‘ defence was their downfall against Bournemouth, conceding three penalties. At the other end of the pitch, Jorgen Strand Larsen did his best to try to keep his side in it. The Norwegian striker scored with both of his shots on target against Bournemouth, with 1.62 xG from open play. He also won four aerial duels, had eight touches in the opposition box and completed three lay-off passes.