Our Premier League Team of the Week from the midweek action features Brentford’s record-breaking Brazilian and a Fulham duo.
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker – Liverpool
Handled everything Arsenal threw at him in difficult conditions at a rain-soaked Emirates. Glue-like gloves when Arsenal tried their luck from range and relieved pressure well when required.
Centre-back: Marcos Senesi – Bournemouth
Another strong performance from Senesi, who could be the next Bournemouth star to seek pastures new. Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly keen on the Argentine, whose deal expires in the summer. It’s with good reason. Senesi was solid again against Spurs, registering an assist and making 10 clearances.
Centre-back: Maxime Esteve – Burnley
Burnley battled to a point against Manchester United, with Esteve leading some determined defending. The Frenchman won 100% of his ground duels (3/3), made five clearances, and scrambled a goal-bound effort from the goal-line. Burnley will need more spirited showings like this if they’re to escape trouble.
Centre-back: Jan Paul van Hecke – Burnley
The Dutchman did what few defenders do in the Premier League – relished a duel with Erling Haaland.
Van Hecke was up for the fight against the Norwegian in a real battle between the pair. One big block denied the Manchester City striker a winner late on at the Etihad, to earn Brighton a point.
Erling Haaland vs. Jan Paul van Hecke is really something 😅 pic.twitter.com/MzLHD2CXc1
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) January 8, 2026
Midfield: Sander Berge – Fulham
Stamped his mark on the West London derby as Fulham secured bragging rights against Chelsea. Berge set up the opener for Raul Jimenez, made a goal-line clearance, and won 12/14 duels contested in an all-action showing.
Midfield: Joelinton – Newcastle
Has there ever been a more Joelinton performance than this?
The big Brazilian crashed around St. James’ Park against Leeds, seemingly thriving in the chaos of the seven-goal thriller. He picked up a customary booking, scored a cracking goal, and was front and centre when things got heated between the teams.
Midfield: Harry Wilson – Fulham
Harry Wilson’s rich vein of form continued with the winner as Fulham beat Chelsea. Wilson’s winner was a moment of real quality from the Welshman, with the composure to take a touch onto his weaker side and finish through traffic. It’s seven goals and four assists now in the Premier League for the winger.
Right-wing: Harvey Barnes – Newcastle
Two goals, including a record-breaking winner for Newcastle. Barnes was the difference to tip a seven-goal seesaw in the Magpies’ favour, with two excellent finishes at St James’ Park against Leeds.
Barnes was the best of Newcastle’s frontline and got his reward. His last-gasp goal was the latest winner ever scored in the Premier League.
It doesn’t get any better than this! 😁🏹 pic.twitter.com/9mMtzczbIF
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 8, 2026
Left-wing: Brenden Aaronson – Leeds
Brenden Aaronson is on a redemption arc at Leeds. Following a difficult debut season, during which Leeds were relegated in 2022/23, he spent the following campaign at Union Berlin with little impact.
He contributed to Leeds’ promotion last season, but doubts remained over his top-tier credentials. He’s answered those questions in recent weeks and was unfortunate to be on the losing side at Newcastle. Aaronson’s two goals made it three in his last two games. The American is growing in confidence.
Forward: Benjamin Sesko – Manchester United
Another player in need of a lift, Benjamin Sesko’s brace at Burnley will do the forward a world of good. Sesko’s sharpness was evident in Turf Moor as he produced two finishes that served as a reminder of why the Red Devils spent big on his services.
No U23 player in Europe has scored more goals than Benjamin Šeško since the start of 23/24 ⚽🔥
Man Utd’s striker leads some impressive names 👀 pic.twitter.com/GDyJL8E2as
— LiveScore (@livescore) January 9, 2026
Forward: Igor Thiago – Brentford
No Brazilian player has ever scored more Premier League goals in a single season than Igor Thiago has this season. Not Roberto Firmino or Gabriel Jesus, nor Willian, Philippe Coutinho, Gabriel Martinelli, Richarlison or Matheus Cunha.
Thiago took his tally to 16 for the campaign and counting against Sunderland, with 17 games to go to extend his record.
Every Igor Thiago @premierleague goal from his record-breaking season so far 🇧🇷🐐 pic.twitter.com/AydbGN4WZ5
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 9, 2026
Read – Premier League Awards: Record-breaker Barnes, Semenyo signs off
See more – 📈 Power Rankings: Juventus join the ranks, Arsenal up
