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By Sam McGuire
It is quite a varied XI with four teams having multiple players involved. Who made the cut, though and why?
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Everton kept their first clean sheet of the season on Saturday as they held Newcastle United to a draw at Goodison Park. Pickford was the hero for the Blues having saved an Anthony Gordon penalty, much to the delight of the home crowd. It was one of three saves the England international made on the night and was a key reason behind his 8.6 FotMob rating.
Right-Back: James Garner
The versatile 23-year-old was deployed at right-back for Everton in their 0-0 draw with the Magpies. Garner impressed for Sean Dyche’s side, completing 72% of his passes and winning four of his five tackles. No player won more tackles at Goodison Park. He also completed 100% of his dribbles, recovered the ball on 11 occasions and won 70% of his ground duels.
Centre-Back: Nathan Collins
Collins haunted his former club this weekend. The Brentford centre-back claimed an 8.2 FotMob rating having scored a goal as well as winning a penalty against Wolves. He completed 76% of his passes, made eight headed clearances and won 100% of his duels in what was a dominant showing.
Centre-Back: Virgil Van Dijk
Another Van Dijk masterclass, this time away to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Liverpool skipper completed the most passes (101) and won the most duels (nine) on his way to an 8.1 FotMob rating. He also created one chance, completed 100% of his dribbles, made three interceptions and won eight of his nine aerial duels. He didn’t put a foot wrong as the Reds kept another clean sheet while guaranteeing top spot for the next fortnight.
Left-Back: Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori has settled into life in the Premier League. He’s now the starting left-back for Arsenal and it’s hard to see him giving that role up anytime soon after his showing against Southampton on Saturday.
The Italy international completed 82% of his passes and 100% of his dribbles. He won two of his three tackles and nine of his 12 duels, the most of any player involved at the Emirates.
Midfield: Mateo Kovačić
The loss of Rodri was supposed to damage Manchester City’s hopes of retaining the title. However, his replacement was the difference maker for the champions against Fulham. Kovačić scored two goals in the 3-2 win at the Etihad. The ex-Chelsea midfielder completed 90% of his passes and won 100% of his tackles on his way to an 8.7 rating on Saturday.
Midfield: Bukayo Saka
Saka put in another impressive showing for Arsenal. Saka registered two assists to take his haul for the season to seven, and he scored a goal in the 3-1 win over Southampton. His showing earned him a 9.3 FotMob rating. The England international also created seven chances and carved out three big chances.
Midfield: Mikkel Damsgaard
The 24-year-old has found his feet this season. Damsgaard claimed the Player of the Match award with a FotMob rating of 8.9 having registered two assists. He also created six chances, two of which were classed as big chances. The Denmark international found a teammate with five of his eight crosses and won four of his six ground duels.
Midfield: Kai Havertz
Havertz was at his impactful best for Arsenal in their win over Southampton. The former Chelsea man had a total of seven shots and created a single chance for the Gunners. He scored a goal, his fourth of the Premier League campaign, while attempting four dribbles, winning 100% of his tackles and winning seven of his 13 duels.
Midfield: Cody Gakpo
Another start for Gakpo, another goal involvement. The Liverpool attacker is currently behind Luis Díaz in the pecking order but whenever Arne Slot gives him an opportunity in the starting XI, his compatriot seems to deliver. Against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, the 25-year-old assisted the winner and was a general menace. He finished the game having created five chances and one big chance while completing 100% of his dribbles.
Attack: Michail Antonio
Antonio bossed Ipswich Town on Saturday. In truth, the 34-year-old was barely involved, attempting just 10 passes, but he made it count. He scored a goal from his four efforts, carved out two big chances, missed two big chances and hit the woodwork. It was a whirlwind showing and he was instrumental in the Hammers winning their first game since August.
(Images from IMAGO)
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