Jesus marks return to Arsenal XI with Premier League team of the week spot

This week’s team of the week is dominated by Aston Villa, who have four players in the XI after their 2-0 win at Chelsea. Arsenal, Brentford, Everton, Manchester City, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest are also represented. 

Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) – 8.91 

Aston Villa continued their positive form in 2023 with a 2-0 win at Chelsea. With an 8.91 WhoScored rating Emiliano Martinez is the man in between the sticks in this XI after his man of the match display. In total, the World Cup winner faced 27 shots, making seven saves in total, maintaining a clean sheet and make two claims as well. 

Kieran Trippier (Newcastle) – 8.27 

In a huge game in the hunt for Champions League football, it was Newcastle who came out on top on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Manchester United. The ever-reliable Kieran Trippier was the man of the match, registering the second most key passes (4), one of which provided the assist for Callum Wilson’s goal to make it 2-0. Trippier won possession nine times in total, and made five clearances and two interceptions as well, earning himself a WhoScored rating of 8.27. 

Michael Keane (Everton) – 7.73 

In a pivotal game at both ends of the table, Everton and Tottenham had to settle for a share of the spoils on Monday night. Making up for his challenge that led to Spurs taking the lead from the spot, Michael Keane scored the Toffees' equaliser with a long-range effort, which along with a clearance off the line, a 91.7 % pass success rate and the fact he won the second most aerial duels (4), was enough to earn him a 7.73 WhoScored rating and a place in this XI. 

Ethan Pinnock (Brentford) – 7.58 

Partnering Keane is Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock, who put in another top display in the Bees’ 3-3 draw with Brighton on Saturday. Pinnock was among the goals, scoring his side’s third to make it 3-2. He also made a total of 11 clearances, at least three more than any other player in the match, and made a tackle and interception too. Pinnock’s WhoScored rating for his solid display was 7.58. 

Alex Moreno (Aston Villa) – 7.30 

On the left side of defence is Aston Villa’s January signing Alex Moreno, with a 7.30 WhoScored rating. The former La Liga defender won all three of his attempted tackles against Chelsea, and made seven clearances and one interception. His solidity against a team that dominated the ball was emphaised by the fact no player was able to complete a dribble past him, while he also found a teammate with 27 of his 31 attempted passes. 

John McGinn (Aston Villa) – 8.64 

John McGinn starts the midfield with an 8.64 WhoScored rating. The Scotland international scored Aston Villa's second at Chelsea on Saturday having come close to scoring earlier in the game after hitting the post. McGinn completed four dribbles, which only Joao Felix (7) could better in west London, and made four tackles, reinforcing his all-round influence in securing his side a vital win in their hopes of European football next season. 

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) – 9.21 

In the first match after the international break, Kevin De Bruyne put on a show as his influence helped Manchester City to a 4-1 win over Liverpool. With a 9.21 WhoScored rating, De Bruyne is the player of the week having contributed to half of his side's goals on Saturday, finding the net himself and providing an assist from a total of five key passes, while maintaining a pass success rate of 88.7%.  

Martin Odegaard (Arsenal) – 7.98 

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard features alongside De Bruyne in the middle of the park, as his side also won 4-1 on Saturday. The Norway international made two key passes, one of which resulted in the assist for Granit Xhaka’s goal, while he also completed both of his attempted dribbles, won all three of his attempted tackles and won his only aerial duel during the win. Odegaard earned a WhoScored rating of 7.98 as a result. 

Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa) – 8.77 

The final Villa player in the XI is Jacob Ramsey. The England U21 star registered one key pass, which resulted in the assist for McGinn’s goal, and completed two dribbles. That said, it was his defensive work that was ultimately key for Unai Emery’s side as Ramsey made five tackles, two interceptions and two clearances, one of which was off the line at a time that would have given Graham Potter’s side a vital equaliser. For his performance, Ramsey earned a WhoScored rating of 8.77. 

Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal) – 8.90 

Returning to the Gunners’ Premier League starting lineup was Gabriel Jesus, and in doing so got back on the scoresheet with a brace from a total of four shots. The Brazilian registered a key pass of his own and completed the second most dribbles (4) at the Emirates. For his bright return to the XI, Jesus earned himself the man of the match award with a WhoScored rating of 8.90. 

Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest) – 8.15 

Despite not finding the scoresheet himself in Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 draw with Wolves, Morgan Gibbs-White played his part to help secure an 8.15 WhoScored rating. Playing against his former employers, Gibbs-White was a constant threat, with two of his three shots hitting the target, registering at least four more key passes (6) than any other player, and was successful with his two attempted dribbles. Only Felipe (7) won more aerial duels than Gibbs-White (5), and his three tackles was the third highest recorded at the City Ground.