Saka, Foden and Haaland make Premier League team of the week
Manchester City dominate the Premier League team of the week, again, after a convincing 4-0 win over Southampton on Saturday with Erling Haaland and Phil Foden once again featuring, as does teammate Joao Cancelo. There is also room for players from five other teams, including Tottenham, Newcastle, Leicester, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Hugo Lloris (Tottenham) – 7.63
In a tense 1-0 win for Spurs, in a game of fine margins, where Brighton had more of the ball, Hugo Lloris played his part in keeping a clean sheet for his side, including making a total of four saves in the game, earning him a WhoScored rating of 7.63.
Kieran Trippier (Newcastle) – 7.61
At right back once again this week, sees the ever-consistent Kieran Tripper. Newcastle made it two wins from two and nine goals scored across those two games with a 5-1 win over Brentford. Not only did Trippier contribute defensively with two interceptions, but also offensively, claiming the assist for the opening goal and having a pass completion rate of 80.8%, giving him a WhoScored rating of 7.61.
Wout Faes (Leicester City) – 7.55
Despite his side's 2-1 loss, which saw Leicester throw away a 1-0 lead, only to then be losing in the space of three minutes midway through the second half, Wout Faes still managed to make a solid contribution at the back with seven tackles and two interceptions to his name, giving him a WhoScored rating of 7.55.
Kalidou Koulibaly (Chelsea) – 7.87
Saturday marked the just the second time Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in the Premier League, and their first since the first game of the season, as they brushed past managerless Wolves 3-0. Kalidou Koulibaly was vital to the Blues' defensive stability, making five tackles, one interception and one headed clearance to boost his WhoScored rating to 7.87 for the week.
Joao Cancelo (Manchester City) – 9.22
Many were confused when Joao Cancelo took the option to wear the number 7 shirt once Raheem Sterling left the club, but after his display in Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Southampton, it makes a lot of sense. As well as playing his part in helping City to keep a clean sheet, Cancelo also contributed to two of the goals, with an assist and a goal, and had a pass completion rate of 90%, making him this week’s player of the week with a 9.22 WhoScored rating.
Continuing his bright start to the campaign, Bukayo Saka inspired Arsenal to a massive 3-2 win over Liverpool. He scored the Gunners' second goal to make it 2-1 just before half time and then later in the second half scored what turned out to be the winner via the penalty spot. Since his penalty miss in the Euro 2020 final, Saka has scored penalties against three of the Big Six. The two goals as well as his overall performance means he gained a WhoScored rating of 8.00.
Chelsea made it three wins from three as they eased past Wolves on Saturday afternoon. The main outlet for the Blues in the victory was Mason Mount, who registered a brace of assists. Furthermore, he showcased his control in the centre of the park with an 84.6% pass completion and two succesful dribbles, giving him a WhoScored rating of 8.51.
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle) – 8.87
It was another positive week for Newcastle with their big win over Brentford and one of the players to thank for this was their big January signing, Bruno Guimaraes. After opening the scoring after 21 minutes, the Brazil international added a second at a vital moment to make it 3-1 shortly after Brentford had pulled one back. He was the second highest player of the week with a WhoScored rating of 8.87.
Phil Foden (Manchester City) – 8.30
Phil Foden continued his brilliant start to the campaign assisting the first and scoring the second of City’s four goals against Saints. This now means he has contributed to nine goals in City’s nine games so far this season, cementing his position as one of their most vital players. His performance on Saturday earned him a WhoScored rating of 8.30.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 8.03
Just when everyone thought he might finally go a week without scoring, the inevitable did eventually happen as Erling Haaland scored in the 65th minute, to bring his total to 15 goals already for the season. This goal along with his overall threat in and around the area, made sure he earned a WhoScored rating of 8.03 for the week.
Son Heung-Min (Tottenham) – 8.00
It hasn’t been the best of starts to the season for Son Heung-Min, but on Saturday evening he was close to his best. Despite not scoring in what was a tense 1-0 win over Brighton for Spurs, Son was still very much a menace to the Seagulls backline. As well as contributing to Spurs’ only goal with an assist, he also managed two shots of his own in the game and completed four dribbles in his 80 minutes of playing time. This positive performance was highlighted in his WhoScored rating of 8.00.
