SA Soccer Mag’s Premier League team of the weekend

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Matchday 23 saw a weekend filled with upsets, comebacks and dominant performances.  Take a look at SA Soccer Mag’s best 11 performers from the weekend.

We used buildlineup.com to put our team onto paper, but our selections are explained below.

Goalkeeper – David Raya (Brentford)

David Raya helped continue Brentford’s exceptional Premier League form this weekend as the Bees held league leaders Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates.  Raya had a quieter game than expected but stepped up when it mattered, making saves off of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.  Raya’s confidence in possession once again gave Brentford a platform to attack, his ability to distribute has been pivotal to their success so far this season.

Defenders

Emerson Palmieri (West Ham United)

Emerson had arguably his most influential performance for West Ham this weekend, taking on his previous employers Chelsea at the London Stadium.  Chelsea took the lead early on but did not do enough to stop the Hammers.  Emerson found the equalizer, tapping in a cross to the back post beating Kepa Arrizabalaga.  West Ham held on and managed to secure a much needed point in this London derby.

Tim Ream (Fulham) 

Fulham continued their great run of form as they managed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forrest.  35-year-old center back Tim Ream was a standout performer.  The American is in the best form of his career, leading the Cottagers in a remarkable campaign, the veteran’s composure in possession combined with his experience has made him invaluable to Marco Silva’s side.

Luke Shaw (Manchester United) 

Erik Ten Hag’s Luke Shaw experiment continues to prove successful as the English fullback provided another match winning performance from center back against bitter Northern rivals Leeds United.  Shaw has dominated centrally, helping the Red Devils keep another clean sheet despite the absence of Raphael Varane.  Shaw assisted Marcus Rashford’s breakthrough goal, securing another victory in their chase for top four.

Midfielders

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Kevin De Bruyne came back into Manchester City’s starting eleven as they cruised to a 3-1 victory over Unai Emery’s Aston Villa. De Bruyne was sending a message to Pep and the league after missing out on their disappointing defeat to Tottenham last week.  The Belgian maestro immediately changed the dynamic, bossing the midfield and setting City’s relentless tempo.  City face a title decider against Arsenal in midweek, with victory over Gunners a must for KDB and City.

James Maddison (Leicester City)

James Maddison has once again shown his importance to Leicester City, putting their terrible start to the new year behind them.  Maddison scored in Leicester’s astonishing destruction of top four chasers Tottenham Hotspur, with the Foxes cruising to a 4-1 victory.  Tottenham were never allowed into the game, with Leicester unlucky not to score more on the day.

Solly March (Brighton) 

Solly March has been a standout performer for Brighton and Hove Albion so far this season.  The midfielder showed composure with his finish against Crystal Palace to take the Seagulls 1-0 ahead.  Brighton failed to secure all three points but will still be pleased with their position in the table.  March will look to continue his new found goalscoring form when Brighton take on Fulham next gameweek.

 

Forwards 

Joao Felix (Chelsea) 

Joao Felix was a joy to watch this weekend, linking superbly with new signing Enzo Fernandes to score his first goal in a Chelsea shirt.  Despite not coming away with all three points if Felix consistently performs like he did against the Hammers, Chelsea will be looking to make his loan move permanent as soon as possible.

Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City) 

Riyad Mahrez was running the show in Manchester City’s win over Aston Villa with the Algerian winger assisting Rodri’s opening goal and calmly converting a penalty before halftime.  Mahrez has struggled to consistently find a place in City’s starting eleven since joining from Leicester City, but with recent performances he has become one of the first names on the team sheet.  Pep will need his ability when they face the Gunners later this week.

Ivan Toney (Brentford)

Ivan Toney continues to perform for Brentford in the Premier League, scoring an equalizer against league leaders Arsenal.  Despite the controversy around the legitimacy of the goal, Toney was creating problems for the Gunners defense during the 90 minutes and deserved to get on the scoresheet by the end of the game.

Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) 

Marcus Rashford has elevated himself to another level since returning from the World Cup.  The Red Devils were under pressure against Leeds United, looking vulnerable and at risk of conceding for most of the game.  Rashford once again stepped up, making the breakthrough and sealing all three points for the visitors.  Rashford has now provided 29 goal contributions in all competitions.

What do you think of our choices for the Premier League team of the week? Let us know who we left out.

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Dylan Johnson