Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel – Leicester
After the traumatic events of the past week in which Leicester chairman Vichai Svrivaddhanaprabha tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash alongside four others, Leicester needed their experienced players to get through an difficult afternoon at Cardiff.
Schmeichel, one of the hero’s of the 2016 title winning squad, was dependable when called upon and his clean sheet provided the platform for Demari Gary to score the winner, sparking emotional scenes in the ensuing celebrations.
Defender: Seamus Coleman – Everton
Coleman was back to his best against Brighton in an Everton side which leads the Premier League for number of crosses into the box. The Irishman put in 10 crosses from his position on the right and capped a fine performance with a sweetly struck goal, his first in the top flight since January 2017.
Defender: Wes Morgan – Leicester
Another big character who’s leadership was needed in an emotionally charged atmosphere, the Leicester captain marshalled his troops superbly in The Foxes win at Cardiff. The defender made 11 clearances to preserve his side’s clean sheet in a performance that their chairman would have been proud of.
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Defender: Virgil Van Dijk – Liverpool
The world’s most expensive defender seems to be justifying his price tag more and more with every performance. Dominant in the air and composed on the ground, the Dutchman was imperious against Arsenal in a commanding defensive display. A threat in both boxes, with a little more fortune he may well have had a hat-trick.
Midfielder: Felipe Anderson – West Ham
An expensive summer acquisition from Lazio, Anderson has impressed in spells since his arrival in English football. The Brazilian shone as West Ham impressed in their 4-2 win over Burnley, scoring twice and providing a constant outlet.
He showed real quality when almost netting his hat-trick with a goal of the season contender, an audacious outside of the foot volley from a Snodgrass free-kick which was well saved.
Midfielder: Morgan Gibbs-White – Wolves
It’s a rarity that a substitute makes our Team of The Week, and even rarer when it’s in a losing side, but Wolves youngster Gibbs-White shone in their defeat to Tottenham. The teenager, part of the England team which won last year’s U-17 World Cup, provided a performance of real positivity and quality. His range of passing opened up Spurs in the second half, and he should have had an assist with a stunning through ball that was wasted by Helder Costa. One for the future.
Midfielder: David Brooks – Bournemouth
Another young player making a big impression, David Brooks has made a seamless transition to top-flight football having been signed from Sheffield United in the summer. The Welsh international was the hosts spark as Bournemouth narrowly lost to Manchester United, providing a threat with his direct running and creativity.
He showed good game intelligence when tracking back and clearing a a goal bound effort from off the line. Signed in an inflated market for just £11.5m, the 21-year-old could prove to be one of the signings of the season.
Midfielder: Raheem Sterling – Manchester City
Fresh from verbally agreeing a new long-term contract at the club, Raheem Sterling provided a reminder of his qualities with two well taken goals as Manchester City thrashed Southampton at The Etihad. He had a hand in four of City’s six goals, providing two assists to go with his brace as the champions returned to the summit.
Forward: Richarlison – Everton
Eyebrows were raised when Everton decided to spend £40m on the Brazilian youngster who flattered to deceive in the second half of his debut season at Watford, but Richarlison has hit the ground running at Goodison Park. Now operating in a central striking role, the 21-year-old took his two goals superbly to take his total to six for the season.
Forward: Alvaro Morata – Chelsea
Having been much derided in recent times, the Spaniard was back amongst the goals with two in Chelsea’s win over Crystal Palace. His first was finished instinctively when found by Pedro, whilst his second showed composure having found himself unmarked from Eden Hazard’s free-kick. After a difficult spell, the forward now has four goals in his past four appearances.
Forward: Sergio Aguero – Manchester City
A goal and two assists in a dominant display from Pep Guardiola’s side, the Argentine’s strike was his 150th in the Premier League since arriving in English football in 2011. It was Aguero’s 7th of the season, taking him level with Eden Hazard and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the race for the golden boot. With a creative cast behind him including the likes of David Silva and Leroy Sane, few would bet against him finishing as the division’s top scorer for the second time.
