Starboy Saka the star man in Premier League team of the week
This week’s team of the week is dominated by Aston Villa, who have four players in the XI after their convincing 3-0 win over Bournemouth. Arsenal, Leicester, Tottenham, Chelsea, Newcastle and Southampton are also represented.
Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) – 7.28
Aston Villa made it four games unbeaten in the league with a 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday. While in attack Villa were dominant, Emiliano Martinez was still needed to ensure the perfect result for Unai Emery’s side. With a 7.28 WhoScored rating, Martinez managed to secure his third clean sheet in his last four games making three saves and eight ball recoveries in the process.
Pedro Porro (Tottenham) – 8.02
Tottenham’s January signing Pedro Porro starts the defence with an 8.02 WhoScored rating. Three points were snatched from Spurs’ grasp late on against Southampton after James Ward-Prowse scored a stoppage time penalty, but nevertheless Porro put in a top display, scoring the first goal of the match, as well as registering three key passes, which only two other players could better, and two dribbles. His work at the back with two tackles and three clearances helped to ensure he earned the man of the match award.
Harry Souttar (Leicester) – 7.75
Leicester’s winless run in the league stretched to five games, though they were able to at least secure a point in their 1-1 draw with Bretford on Saturday. Harry Souttar has been a solid presence at the back for the Foxes since joining from Stoke. He earned a WhoScored rating of 7.75 as he won all six aerial duels, completed two dribbles, made 14 successful passes from his own half to the opposition half, and made a huge contribution at the back with one tackle, eight clearances and three interceptions.
Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa) – 8.18
Partnering Souttar is Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings, who earned a WhoScored rating of 8.18 for his efforts against the Cherries. No player won possession in the defensive third more times across the weekend in the Premier League than Mings (9), while he also won both of his aerial duels. Further forward, the England centre-back made an impact with two shots and two key passes, one of which resulted in an assist for the third Villa goal.
Chelsea were denied all three points late on in a 2-2 draw with Everton on Saturday evening. However, Ben Chilwell deservedly makes the XI with a 7.76 WhoScored rating. He registered the most key passes at Stamford Bridge (4), while only Reece James (3) completed more dribbles than the left wing-back. Furthermore, he won three of his four aerial duels and won possession in the attacking third (3) more times than any other player.
Starting the midfield four with a 9.20 WhoScored rating and this week’s player of the week is Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. With the perfect response after a European exit, Arsenal won 4-1 against managerless Crystal Palace to extend their winning run in the league to six matches. Saka was involved in three of the goals, scoring a brace while registering an assist from three key passes created, while he also registered 16 touches in the opposition box, which was at least six more than any other player managed in the Premier League across the weekend.
Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa) – 8.93
Earning the man of the match award in Aston Villa's win over Bournemouth with an 8.93 WhoScored rating was Douglas Luiz. As well as scoring the opening goal, Luiz also completed more dribbles (5) than any other player at Villa Park, and only Ollie Watkins (4) registered more shots than the Brazilian (3). His work off the ball was also of note, making two tackles and two interceptions, and winning possession in the midfield third four times, which only Phillip Billing (6) could better in the Midlands.
After scoring Arsenal’s only goal on Thursday against Sporting, Granit Xhaka was on the scoresheet again on Sunday, putting the game beyond doubt against Crystal Palace. Xhaka won both of his aerial duels and completed all four of his attempted tackles, while 47 of his 55 attempted passes found a teammate. This earned Xhaka a WhoScored rating of 8.15 as a result.
Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa) – 8.13
The final representative from Emery’s Villa and completing the midfield is Jacob Ramsey, who returned a WhoScored rating of 8.13. From one of three shots in total, Ramsey scored the second goal of the game, and also made two key passes, while also completing three dribbles. Ramsey also made one tackle and one interception to cap off a solid display.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle) – 8.48
Alexander Isak was the man of the match in Newcastle's 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest to kick off the weekend's action as he earned an 8.48 WhoScored rating for his fine display. The Sweden international registered at least three more shots (5) than any other player, two of which resulted in goals. What's more, Isak won three aerial duels and registered eight touches in the opposition box.
Theo Walcott (Southampton) – 7.89
Completing the XI is Southampton’s Theo Walcott. The 34-year-old was up against his old north London rivals Tottenham on Saturday, and he certainly put in a decent display to match the occasion. Walcott contributed to two of Saints three goals with a goal and an assist, and also completed one dribble. His presence in the attacking third was felt across the 90 minites with the former Arsenal man registering six touches in the opposition box, the most in the game, earning Walcott a WhoScored rating of 7.89.
