EPL Team of the Week: Barnes, Gundogan star in routs

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FourFourTwo SA selects the Premier League Team of the Week as Ashley Barnes put Bournemouth to the sword, while Ilkay Gundogan shone in Manchester City’s demolition of Cardiff, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

Formation 4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Petr Cech (Arsenal)
The former Chelsea stopper has come under scrutiny for his performances this season. He, however, silenced many of his doubters with a top-class display in a 2-0 home win over Everton. Cech produced a number of quality saves in the first half to keep his team level before two goals in the second half saw Arsenal secure the three points.

READ: Aubameyang, Lacazette guide Arsenal past Everton

Right back: Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
The Englishman produced a standout performance as he starred in Manchester City’s 5-0 rout of Cardiff. Walker was at his marauding best as he tortured Cardiff down the right-hand flank while also snuffing out any Cardiff attack.

Centre back: Joel Matip (Liverpool)
Starting his first game of the season, Matip not only got his name on the scoresheet in his side’s 3-0 rout of Southampton but he also led his teammates in both interceptions (3) and recoveries (11).

Centre back: Issa Diop (West Ham)
The French defender was the rock at the centre of defence that managed to hold the impressive Chelsea to a 0-0 draw. Diop had the highest passing accuracy (95%) and made the most blocks of any West Ham player against on Sunday.

Left back: Ben Chilwell (Leicester City)

The young fullback shone for the Foxes as they got back to winning ways with a 3-1 win over Huddersfield Town. Chilwell produced an excellent all-round performance as he made five key passes, more than any other player in the game, while also proving to be resolute in his defensive duties.

Right midfield: Aaron Lennon (Burnley)

The former Tottenham Hotspur wing was one of the stars of the show as Burnley picked up their first win of the season with the 4-0 demolition of Bournemouth. Lennon was directly involved in two of Burnley’s four goals scoring one and assisting another.

Centre midfield: Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)

The German midfielder was at his imperious best as he scored a screamer while assisting another as Manchester City hammered Cardiff 5-0.

Centre midfield: Joao Moutinho (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

The Portuguese veteran produced a stellar display in the heart of the midfield to help guide his side to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Moutinho not only scored a wonder goal but also created more chances and made more tackles than any of his teammates.

Left midfield: James Maddison (Leicester City)
The young Englishman has cemented his spot in Claude Puel’s starting XI after arriving in the off-season with some fine performances so far this campaign. He continued to impress as he scored a sumptuous free kick in his side’s 3-1 win over Huddersfield.

ALSO READ: Chelsea held to derby draw at West Ham

Striker: Ashley Barnes (Burnley)
The striker may have only been subbed on to the park on the 69th-minute mark but made a significant impact. Barnes grabbed himself a late double to secure the much-needed three points for his team.

Striker: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
The English striker looks to be back firing on all cylinders after serving an early season suspension following his straight red card against Wolves. Vardy terrorised the Huddersfield defence with his pace, scoring a goal and providing an assist in the 3-1 victory.

ALSO READ: Mourinho slams United attitude after Wolves stalemate

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Dean Workman