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Each week, BBC football analyst Troy Deeney will present his Premier League team and manager of the week.
Here are Deeney’s selections for this week. Do you concur? Share your opinions in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
Robin Roefs (Sunderland): Sunderland’s victory over Nottingham Forest was largely due to Roefs’ outstanding performance. He made approximately seven crucial saves, demonstrating exceptional skill. His arrival raised questions about benching Anthony Patterson, who had been with the team through various leagues. However, Roefs has proven to be a reliable presence since entering the Premier League.
Santiago Bueno (Wolves): Bueno scored in the draw against Spurs and delivered an excellent performance. Wolves, as a whole, deserved a win based on their play. Joao Palhinha’s finish was exceptional, showcasing his quality. Wolves might feel unlucky currently, but maintaining this level of performance will undoubtedly lead to positive results.
Joe Rodon (Leeds): Rodon is central to Leeds’ strengths. He displays physicality, possesses good ball control, and demonstrates astute decision-making in both attacking and defensive situations. His all-around game in the draw with Bournemouth was commendable, and his header was fantastic. He was unlucky not to score twice.
Omar Alderete (Sunderland): The Sunderland defensive unit played exceptionally well, demonstrating resilience and securing a crucial win. This highlights the importance of securing victories, regardless of the manner, especially for newly promoted teams. Alderete’s performance was particularly noteworthy.
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace): Mitchell’s performance in the win against Liverpool was outstanding. While Liverpool’s performance may have been subpar, Mitchell’s defensive contribution was crucial. He effectively contained Mo Salah, showcasing his consistency and reliability as a player.
Eberechi Eze (Arsenal): Eze, playing in the number 10 role, was the standout player in the win at Newcastle. Had it not been for Nick Pope’s performance, Eze could have scored a hat-trick. He creates numerous opportunities for Viktor Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard. His ability to find advantageous positions and shoot from distance forces the opposition to close him down, creating space for his teammates. His impact was significant.
Granit Xhaka (Sunderland): Xhaka delivered a true captain’s performance after joining from Bayer Leverkusen. He is learning and leading the team, holding them accountable and driving them forward. His dogged performance was central to Sunderland’s significant win away against Forest, showcasing their resilience.
John McGinn (Aston Villa): McGinn scored in consecutive games, including in Europe [against Bologna]. Despite a slight injury concern, he was a driving force behind Villa’s win against Fulham, particularly after they conceded the first goal. He dictated the tempo and initiated the press. His presence in midfield significantly enhances the team.
Yankuba Minteh (Brighton): Minteh dominated the game after Chelsea were reduced to 10 men. Even before that, he was the only Brighton player consistently advancing the team up the pitch. He displayed a clear intent in their win, seemingly eager to prove his worth to Chelsea as a potential future signing. His assist for Danny Welbeck’s first goal was exceptional, delivering a perfect ball for Welbeck to head home.
Igor Thiago (Brentford): Thiago was a dominant force in the win against Manchester United, causing significant problems for Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire. He is a strong, physical forward capable of linking play and making runs in behind. His first goal, a half-volley, was unstoppable. He controlled the ball expertly and deserved his two goals. He has been excellent in leading the line for Brentford throughout the season.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Haaland scored two goals and provided an assist as City defeated Burnley. While his performance might be slightly underrated due to the opposition, it is clear that he is back to his best, reclaiming his status as a top player.
Unai Emery (Aston Villa): This was a crucial week for Emery. After being in the bottom three earlier in the week, a significant win in Europe boosted their confidence, followed by a comeback victory this week. The team is showing progress, with Ollie Watkins scoring and Morgan Rogers providing an assist. With the transfer window closed, the team appears settled, and Villa are expected to perform to their potential.
Sean Longstaff (Leeds)
While a late equaliser from Bournemouth might have been painful for the Leeds fans, Sean Longstaff’s performance gives Daniel Farke and company much hope for the rest of the season.
In a standout display, the former Newcastle United man both scored and assisted in an English league game for just the second time in his career, after also doing so for Blackpool v Doncaster Rovers in August 2017 in League One, to give the hosts a share of the spoils.
On top of that, Longstaff also created seven goalscoring chances for team-mates, the most by any player in a top-flight game this season and the joint-most by a Leeds player on record (since 2003-04).
Igor Thiago (Brentford)
The post-Thomas Frank era at Brentford was never going to be easy, but under the tutelage of former set-piece coach Keith Andrews the Bees are finding their feet, with Saturday’s 3-1 win over Manchester United the highlight so far.
Igor Thiago was the star of the show at Gtech Community Stadium, becoming just the second player to score twice in the opening 20 minutes of a top-flight game against United, after Alexis Sanchez for Arsenal in October 2015.
The Brazilian, who has big Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo-shaped boots to fill, secured his double from three shots in the game, with the London side’s hitman netting four of Brentford’s nine goals in the Premier League this season.
Robin Roefs (Sunderland)
Sunderland’s superb start to their first Premier League campaign since 2016-17 continued at the weekend, courtesy of a hard-fought 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest.
The visitors had goalkeeper Robin Roefs to thank with the Dutchman making six saves, a joint-high at the weekend, while he also created two goalscoring chances, with only one goalkeeper on record (Wayne Hennessey with three for Burnley v Manchester United in 2021) registering more in a Premier League game since 2003-04.
Overall, Roefs has now kept three clean sheets in six Premier League appearances this season, a haul only Newcastle United’s Nick Pope can better, with four, while his tally of 20 saves gives him a top-three ranking in the division.
Do you agree with Troy’s selections? Who would be in your team of the week? Share your thoughts in the comments section below:
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