Here is Sporting Tribune’s Premier League Team of The Week for Matchday 18. What are your thoughts?
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier (Newcastle United 0-0 Leeds United)
Meslier was very instrumental for Leeds United in securing a draw against a rampant Newcastle side who were on a prior 6-match winning streak in the Premier League. The 22-year-old made 5 saves in the course of the match to deny Newcastle a 7th straight victory.
Defenders
Tyrell Malacia (Wolves 0-1 Man United)
The 23-year-old Dutch defender provided a reliable attacking outlet for Man United while remaining responsible defensively.
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Wily Boly (Nottingham Forest 1-1 Chelsea)
The 31-year-old Ivorian defender provided an assist for Serge Aurier to score the equaliser against Chelsea over the weekend. He also recorded an 86% pass completion, and won 75% of his ground duels, while he was also rock solid in the air. Winning 100% of his aerial duels.
Ethan Pinnock (West Ham 0-2 Brentford)
Pinnock was impervious as Brentford recorded a surprise 2-0 away win at West Ham. The 29-year-old Jamaican notched an 85% pass completion rate, and made 14 clearances winning 100% of his ground duels.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool 2-1 Leicester)
The heavily scrutinised defender was in form as Liverpool fought from a goal down to win 2-1. His cross was sliced in by Leicester’s Wout Faes for the first of his unfortunate own goals of the night.
Midfielders
Martin Odegaard (Brighton 2-4 Arsenal)
The creative genius was in fine form as Arsenal continued their impressive title charge. Odegaard was on hand to double Arsenal’s lead in the 39th minute, while also assisting Martinelli in the 71st minute to put the Gunners 4-1 up. The Gunners skipper has notched 5 goals and 7 assists in 15 PL matches so far.
Joao Palhinha (Fulham 2-1 Southampton)
The Central Defensive Midfielder (CDM) is one of Fulham’s shining lights in what has so far become an impressive season for the Cottagers. He headed in Fulham’s 88th-minute header to send them 7th in the PL table. He also won 50% of his tackle and ground duels while also winning 75% of his aerial duels.
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Micheal Olise (Bournemouth 1-2 CrystalPalace)
Olise had his creative juices flowing as Palace recorded a need win over Bournemouth. Olise assisted both goals for Jordan Ayew and Eberechi Eze.
Forwards
Emile Buendia (Tottenham 0-2 Aston Villa)
Buendia opened the scoring for Aston Villa 5 minutes after the second half kicked off, as they recorded a surprise 2-0 away win at Spurs. He also created 2 chances for his teammates
Ivan Toney (West Ham 0-2 Brentford)
The Brentford danger man has continued to impress this season. Putting the Hammers to the sword with a goal and assist. Toney opened the scoring in the 18th minute then assisted Joshua Dasilva in the 43rd minute to put the Bees 2-0 up. Toney might not grab the headline like Haaland but his red-hot form has seen him score 12 goals while assisting 3 in 16 PL matches.
Bukayo Saka (Brighton 2-4 Arsenal)
The reliable Saka got the Gunners underway with an early 2nd-minute goal against Brighton taking his tally this season to 6 goals and 6 assists in 16 PL matches.