Premier League Team of the Week – Thiaw, James, Foden | OneFootball

Our Premier League Team of the Week honours the finest performers from the weekend action, featuring names from Chelsea, Liverpool and Sunderland.

Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez – Chelsea

Answered some of his critics with a top display as 10-man Chelsea held Arsenal. A fantastic stop from Bukayo Saka kept Arsenal out early on, and he got down well to keep out Gabriel Martinelli. The Spaniard’s brave block denied Viktor Gyokeres late on to ensure Chelsea claimed a precious point.

Right-back: Joe Gomez – Liverpool

Proved a point to Arne Slot after being largely overlooked this season. Sound defensively and showed a forward threat not often seen.

One brilliant ball in behind released Florian Wirtz, while his long throws caused problems for West Ham throughout. Gomez picked up a late assist after crossing for Cody Gakpo to round off a pleasing afternoon’s work.

Centre-back: Joachim Andersen – Fulham

Led Fulham to an important win against a sub-standard Spurs side. Andersen’s usual raking distribution was on show with eight completed long passes, though it was defensively that the Dane stood out. He won 6/7 defensive duels and racked up a mammoth 13 clearances, as Fulham cleared a catalogue of Tottenham crosses.

Centre-back: Malick Thiaw – Newcastle United

Has earned plenty of plaudits for his early performances in a Newcastle shirt, but none have been more eye-catching than this.

The German defender was at ease defensively against Everton and showed his attacking instincts with two goals at Hill Dickinson Stadium. A night to remember for the summer signing.

Left-back: Lewis Hall – Newcastle United

If Lewis Hall can stay fit this season, there’s a strong chance the 21-year-old is England’s starting left-back at the World Cup.

Hall was instrumental as Newcastle beat Everton, with a delicious delivery setting up Malick Thiaw’s second goal. Press-resistant, creative and full of endeavour, Hall has the makings of England’s long-term left-back.

Midfield: Lewis Miley – Newcastle United

Newcastle have one of the Premier League’s best midfield trios, but Lewis Miley has given Eddie Howe a selection headache this weekend.

The academy graduate was excellent in the club’s comfortable win at Evertom, scoring one and creating another on Merseyside. He’s determined to move more experienced personnel out of his way.

Midfield: Enzo Le Fee – Sunderland

His best performance in the Premier League to date. Helped inspire an incredible turnaround for Sunderland against Bournemouth, as the Black Cats recovered from two goals down to win 3-2 at the Stadium of Light.

The Frenchman converted his penalty confidently and set up Brian Brobbey for the crucial winner.

Midfield: Reece James – Chelsea

A real captain’s performance from James, who ensured 10-man Chelsea battled to a draw with leaders Arsenal.

James is beginning to look at home in central midfield and was key with his duel-winning following Moises Caicedo’s red mist. Kept things ticking and offered calm when others around him struggled for composure. Superb delivery created the opening goal for Trevoh Chalobah.

Right-wing: Phil Foden – Manchester City

Bailed Manchester City out late on against Leeds. Foden’s fantastic guided finish had opened the scoring inside the opening minute for City, who doubled their lead through Josko Gvardiol not long after.

A spirited Leeds fightback threatened to see the visitors escape with a point, only for Foden to snatch the win with some fine footwork and a crisp strike. It’s brilliant to see the midfielder back near his best.

Left-wing: Maxim De Cuyper – Brighton

The full-back featured further forward for Brighton and revelled in the greater freedom against Nottingham Forest. Alongside a string of dangerous deliveries, the Belgian arrived in the box to cap a fine team move and open the scoring.

Forward: Igor Thiago – Brentford

What a season this is turning out to be for Igor Thiago. A second-half double from the Brazilian helped Brentford sink Burnley, taking Thiago to 11 league goals before Christmas. A coolly converted penalty and predatory effort did the damage, with the 24-year-old bouncing back from last season’s injury nightmare to flourish.

Read – 📈 Power Rankings: Chelsea crash in, Arsenal oust Bayern

See more – The biggest Premier League leads after 12 rounds of matches 

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