SoccerMag’s Premier League team of the week

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Matchday 27 saw Arsenal comfortably beat Fulham and a shock Bournemouth victory over Liverpool. Take a look at SoccerMag’s best 11 performers from the weekend.

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

Goalkeeper –  Gavin Bazunu (Southampton)

Gavin Bazunu was the difference in goal, as bottom of the table Southampton won a valuable point against a formidable Manchester United.  21-year-old Bazunu made four crucial saves and lead the Saints to a deserved clean sheet.

Defenders

Ben Chilwell (Chelsea)

Ben Chilwell returned to his former club Leicester City this weekend as Chelsea continued their improved run of form.  Chilwell was not rattled by his former supporters thundering in a volley while also creating multiple chances for his team mates on attack.  Its great to see the fullback fit and firing once again after long-term struggles with injury.

Marco Senesi (Bournemouth)

Marco Senesi was immense at the back for Bournemouth as they managed to defeat Liverpool 1-0 at home.  The Reds forward line that scored 7 against Manchester United last week looked lost as they struggled to create.  Senesi’s completed four out of five ground duels, made two successful tackles and made seven clearances. A great display overall from the Argentinian.

Gabriel (Arsenal) 

Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory over Marco Silva’s Fulham this weekend with the Gunners excelling all over the park.  Gabriel scored his third goal of the season heading in a Leandro Trossard corner to open the scoring.  Arsenal’s robust defensive display takes them to 12 clean sheets so far in the Premier League this season, tied first with Newcastle United.

Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United) 

Set-piece specialist Kieran Trippier put the ball on a platter for Alexander Isak to open the scoring for Newcastle United against Wolves.  Trippier now sits on five assists this season, one behind Liverpool’s Andy Robertson the second highest tally for a defender.  Newcastle put the pressure back on Liverpool and Spurs climbing up to fifth in the table with two games in hand on the Londoners.

Midfielders 

Philip Billing (Bournemouth) 

Philip Billing opened the scoring for the second game in a row as Bournemouth defeated Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.  Billing was dominant in midfield winning all five of his ground duels as well as making two tackles, two interceptions and three successful clearances.  A huge three points for the Cherries as they fight for Premier League survival.

Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton) 

Alexis Mac Allister continues his great run of form post the FIFA World Cup with another Premier League goal.  Mac Allister opened the scoring against Leeds United, converting a Kaoru Mitoma cross in the 33rd minute.  Brighton were unable to hold on for three points but will look to their midweek game against Patrick Viera’s Crystal Palace as another opportunity to keep fighting for a European place.

Martin Odegaard (Arsenal) 

Martin Odegaard was insturmental in Arsenal’s victory against Fulham, dictacting the tempo and scoring the Gunners third goal at the end of the first half.  Odegaard’s consistency and quality so far this season have him among the best midfielders in Europe with the Arsenal captain arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League.  The Norwegian looks unstoppable as Mikel Arteta’s side enter the last 11 games of their title push.

Forwards

Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) 

Leandro Trossard looks to be the signing of the season with the Belgian giving the Gunners a much needed injection of quality and squad depth.  Three first half assists put Fulham to bed, sending a signal to Manchester City that the North Londoners will not lie down and lose this title race.

Kai Havertz (Chelsea) 

Kai Havertz has been a controversial figure for Chelsea since his big money move from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.  Havertz numbers have been underwhelming but then again so have Chelsea this season.  The German is building a good run of form, showing composure to convert an Enzo Fernandez through ball with a dink over Leicester keeper Danny Ward.

Harry Kane (Tottenham) 

Harry Kane’s brace took his goal tally to 20 so far this season.  The Spurs talisman has now scored 20 goals in his last six Premier League seasons placing himself amongst Alan Shearer and Sergio Aguero as the most consistent and prolific strikers of the Premier League era.  Spurs 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forrest gave Antonio Conte’s side some breathing room in fourth place.

 

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Dylan Johnson