Premier League Team of the Week – Matchday 29:
Just the four fixtures to choose from in a reduced schedule this weekend, as we delve through the latest top-flight action and compile our Premier League Team of the Week.
Goalkeeper: Arijanet Murić – Burnley
Arijanet Murić was handed his Premier League debut for Burnley’s crunch clash with Brentford and delivered an encouraging performance as the Clarets claimed a crucial three points.
The Kosovo international was brought in for James Trafford, with the latter having endured a challenging campaign at Turf Moor.
Murić showed some weakness on crosses late on as Brentford put the goalkeeper under pressure, but was largely confident otherwise and offered some excellent distribution. He made a scrambling goal-line save to keep out Dara O’Shea’s wayward back pass with the game goalless.
Right-back: Neco Williams – Nottingham Forest
Neco Williams’ fine form continued with another eye-catching outing in Nottingham Forest’s draw at Luton. The right-back has become an integral part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and provided a clever flick in the build-up to Chris Woods’ goal, in addition to a first-half clearance from his own goal-line.
The Welshman is emerging as a candidate for the club’s Player of the Season accolade.
Centre-back: Reece Burke – Luton Town
A crucial contribution at both ends from Reece Burke, who is putting out fires at present with Luton lacking options in central defence. An extraordinary goal-line clearance prevented Divock Origi from opening the scoring for Nottingham Forest at Kenilworth Road before Burke got above his man to nod down and assist Luke Berry’s late leveller for Luton.
Defending together ???? pic.twitter.com/8UkFvjNble
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) March 17, 2024
Burke was assured in his distribution (90.2%) and delivered two decisive moments that keep Luton alive in the fight to survive this season.
Centre-back: Calvin Bassey – Fulham
Another impressive outing from the Fulham centre-back, who carried the ball confidently from deep and added physical presence in both boxes. The Nigeria international was involved in the set piece that led to Rodrigo Muniz scoring the third in the 3-0 win over Tottenham, in a season-best performance from Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Bassey and Fulham became the first team to stop Spurs scoring since Ange Postecoglou’s appointment as manager last summer.
Left-back: Antonee Robinson – Fulham
Antonee Robinson is quietly compiling an outstanding season at Fulham with the US international going under the radar as one of the division’s most underrated full-backs this season. His engine is enormous as Robinson flies forward from left-back, with his pace and energy problematic for Spurs all evening.
Big Big Win! ???? Probably our best team performance this season, what a night! See you after Internationals Fulham ???????? pic.twitter.com/QYgJgtPbDN
— Antonee Robinson (@Antonee_Jedi) March 16, 2024
He burst forward to set up Rodrigo Muniz early on, who should have done better with the chance, before providing an assist for the same player with another charge forward. Expect top clubs to make approaches for the 26-year-old this summer.
Midfield: Sasa Lukic – Fulham
Getting better and better in a Fulham shirt. Sasa Lukic has found his feet in west London to form a brilliant midfield axis with Joao Palhinha, a pivot that protects Marco Silva’s side defensively and offers occasional rampages forward.
Lukic scored his first Fulham goal in the 3-0 win over Tottenham as he diverted Timothy Castange’s cross in off his thigh. It was the highlight of another strong showing from the Serb, who offered real quality on the ball at the base of the midfield.
Midfield: Edson Alvarez – West Ham
Exceptional. Did the dirty work at the base of the midfield for West Ham, providing security for the club’s forward options ahead of him.
El Machin did not misplace a single pass or lose a duel in the opening 45 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa and ended the contest with a game-leading nine ball recoveries, five clearances and five duels won.
A tenth booking of the season rules the Mexican out of West Ham’s next two fixtures, however, a big blow to David Moyes with the midfield anchor a rock in recent weeks.
Midfield: Jacob Bruun Larsen – Burnley
A real threat for Burnley and handled the pressure of his early penalty superbly, drilled into the bottom corner despite Mark Flekken guessing the right way. The Dane was then involved throughout as Vincent Kompany’s side made the most of their man advantage against Brentford, coming close with two further efforts.
Forward: Michail Antonio – West Ham
Antonio earned West Ham a point against Aston Villa after scoring his first Premier League goal since August in brave fashion. The forward stooped ahead of Ezri Konsa to convert a diving header, a welcome return to the scoresheet after a tough campaign for the 33-year-old.
An encouraging performance against Freiburg in midweek was followed with another solid showing here, demonstrating the benefits of operating with an out-and-out focal point.
How low can you go, @Michailantonio ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/WzFyY50nwf
— West Ham United (@WestHam) March 17, 2024
Forward: David Datro Fofana – Burnley
Showed the power of persistence, bouncing back from one of the worst misses of the Premier League campaign to help Burnley to a big win over Brentford. Fofana somehow turned wide with a gaping goal but atoned for that error with a lovely finish to score Burnley’s winner.
He’s been a real handful since arriving on loan from Chelsea in January, offering a wonderful work rate and goal threat. Fofana has now scored four times in six league starts for the Clarets.
Rise and shine ???? pic.twitter.com/Xo4hmU6Sdp
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) March 17, 2024
Forward: Rodrigo Muniz – Fulham
Rodrigo Muniz just can’t stop scoring at the moment and took his total to seven goals in his last seven Premier League appearances with a brace against Tottenham. After squandering a good chance from an Antonee Robinson cross, he made amends with a neat touch and finish from another accurate delivery from the full-back.
Robinson ???? Rodrigo
What a way to kick things off. ???????? pic.twitter.com/is7iDkSgqY
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) March 16, 2024
The Brazilian showed real desire to score his second after reacting first to a loose ball and is fast becoming a cult hero at Craven Cottage. From the fringes to fan favourite status in a matter of weeks.
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