Emi Martinez has had quite an up and down last six months or so, he was right back to his best against Bournemouth. He made a couple of great saves and then stepped up and did what he does best, save a penalty!
I like Gusto at Chelsea, he’s a good right-back. I know some will say it was a routine win against Wolves, but he got a goal and had an impressive game.
De Ligt is becoming a key player for Amorim. You forget how young this lad still is, he seems to have been around forever, and he’s obviously played for some huge clubs. He’s beginning to really show his quality and chipped in with that vital late header at Spurs.
Dan Ballard has to be in the team, a must! This lad was absolutely everywhere against the side he came through the ranks at. He’s such a threat in the box, he seems to get his head on absolutely everything. He’s having a great season.
Nico O’Reilly’s back in the team again, what a very good footballer he is. I know people will say Salah is out of form, but he barely had a kick against City, I forgot he was on the pitch at times. This boy’s made that left-back position his own and gives Pep real quality on the ball.
Speaking of City, one of the easiest decisions I’ve made, Doku has to be the star man! My word, this lad was unbelievable. We all know how good he is 1 v 1 but he was on a different level here and gave Bradley, a good defender by the way, such a tough game. His goal was the icing on the cake, what a performance.
Buendia’s come out of nowhere in the last few weeks and can’t stop scoring for Villa! He was always a talented player, but it seemed like his Villa career was fizzling out. Every credit to him, he’s taken his opportunity and made himself a vital player in the side with some lovely goals.
Nico Gonzalez is in the team this week. I know there was a bit of fortune about his goal but he won’t care one bit! The best compliment I can give this lad is that they didn’t really miss Rodri, we’ve not been able to say that very often about City!
Matheus Fernandes had a fine game for West Ham against Burnley. He came in this summer for quite a bit of money from Southampton and he’s beginning to show his worth. He was all over the park here, his energy and quality in midfield was vital for West Ham and something to build on moving forward.
Garnacho’s had his best week in a Chelsea shirt, no question about it. This lad’s always had great energy and desire to make things happen and he caught the eye against Wolves. That left-wing position is up for grabs, and he’s got the chance to nail down a spot.
Igor Thiago’s having a great season for a Brentford side that keeps surprising people! That’s him up to eight goals now in the league, only Haaland has more. He’s a bit of a throwback striker; he really puts himself about and is such a handful. Make no mistake though, he’s a good finisher and I like watching him.
Manager of the week – It has to be Pep on his 1000th game, talk about celebrating it in style! I thought City were brilliant in that first half and looked a lot more like themselves. This should give them a real confidence boost and with a couple of lads still to come back in the side, City could go on a really strong run of form.
