I think it’s true what they say about goalkeepers facing their former clubs and putting on the performance of their lives! Dean Henderson pulled off some incredible reaction saves to deny Martinez and De Ligt, it takes some skill to readjust your feet like that! Man United were firing on all cylinders in the 1st half and the keeper kept Palace alive and clinched them a vital point.
Trent Alexander-Arnold gets involved in so many goals, his quality is outstanding, but what I also liked was how he defended against Bournemouth. There’s not many that can combine those two things with such stunning results. Trent makes great runs with the ball, he never stops, such an intelligent player.
You can’t beat a West Midlands derby there’s even arguments about what teams should be included in that rivalry! Once Villa had finally woken up late on in the game nobody expected Ezri Konsa to come in with that sliding finish. Villa Park went ecstatic. I love a defender who’s hungry to score like that.
There’s a reason why the manager keeps picking Destiny Udogie and then keeps him on for the 90. Big Ange has been criticised for playing this lad out of his natural position but against Brentford he played him out wide, creating space for Son to be a threat. It worked perfectly! Let’s see what position he’s in next week.
He was in my team last week and he’s back again this week. That goal was almost a carbon copy of his winner at Tottenham last week and for a long time everyone thought it was the winner. The Gunners were simply magnificent in defence of a 2-1 lead with just 10 men. Gabriel just never gives up I think I was more exhausted at the end than he was!
Luis Díaz has scored five goals for Liverpool in their opening five games this season, only Michael Owen and Mo Salah have scored more. After that frustrating defeat by Forest last weekend the team had to get a result. Who better than the big Columbian to fire a couple in within 120 seconds of each other!
I’m picking him again this week, it’s impossible not to! Emile Smith Rowe continued his fine start to the season with a lovely low shot (with a bit of help from the keeper to be fair). He was one of the key factors behind Fulham’s impressive display and he rightly got a standing ovation from the fans as he left the pitch. He’s full of confidence and a delight to watch.
James Maddison was so impressive for Spurs. They got off to a shaky start and it could have all gone Pete Tong. Instead, the fans witnessed a superb response. You can never feel safe at 2-1 and Maddison’s late clincher sealed the deal. He’s a confident, outstanding playmaker and I think this lad can be the difference for Spurs this season.
I’ll say this quietly, but Cole Palmer is putting up numbers that could rival Erling Haaland’s. He’s on the scoresheet again this week with that expertly taken third goal. He creates chances and goals constantly, making him the complete attacker. To go away in a London derby and keep a clean sheet like that will give the Blues a right boost!
Alongside him there’s non other than Nicolas Jackson. What a performance. In a 3-goal game he goes and gets 2 goals and an assist. His manager will be as pleased as punch. He was outfoxing the Hammers no end, they didn’t know what to do with him! There are signs this could be a prolific season for the 23-year-old, provided he stays fit. He’s my star man this week.
Aston Villa aren’t making it easy for me to pick a team, what with Durán firing on all cylinders and Watkins continually coming up trumps, I’m spoilt for choice! When you’re a goal down in a frantic derby and there’s 73 minutes on the clock you need someone to come along and take the match by the scruff of the neck. Ollie Watkins did just that. Then the floodgates opened, say no more!
Manager of the Week – Unai Emery
Aston Villa seemed to be asleep at the wheel in the West Midlands derby, and it’s hardly surprising. They came back from being 2 goals down last weekend to beat Everton 3-2. Then they marked their return to European football’s top flight with a 3-0 away win in Switzerland. Who can blame them for having a slight hangover? Villa have become one of those teams who find a way to win even when they play badly. All credit to the manager Unai Emery for instilling that belief in his players.
