Matchday 8 of the Premier League wrapped up on Sunday, and with it went Manchester City’s 100% record. Enzo Maresca’s side lost 2-1 to Aston Villa, meaning they are now level on points with Arsenal at the top of the table.
Nottingham Forest, Coventry City and Crystal Palace currently occupy the relegation places, although only five points separates 10th place down to 20th.
Goalkeeper: Zion Suzuki
For the second successive week, Zion Suzuki earns his place in the Team of the Week (TOTW) for yet another impressive display.
He made six saves against Man City and while a clean sheet eluded him, his display arguably won Villa the tie. Suzuki was also confident on the ball, taking 55 touches throughout the tie.
Centre-Back: James Hill
Another player who makes it back-to-back appearances in the TOTW is James Hill. The Bournemouth defender was a rock at the back against Manchester United, registering 22 defensive contributions overall – the most of anyone on the pitch.
Of those, Hill made seven tackles and interceptions, while also clearing two balls off the line in the 3-0 win at Old Trafford. Elsewhere, Hill won 80% of his ground duels and committed just a single foul. He is more than deserving of his 8.8 rating this week.
Centre-Back: Gabriel
Surprisingly, this is the first time Gabriel has made the FotMob TOTW this season, but his display against Everton ensures his spot this week.
The Brazilian scored Arsenal’s second in the 2-0 victory while he also made six passes into the final third and recorded two shots.
Defensively, Gabriel made eight clearances and three tackles along with winning four of his five ground duels. To put it simply, Everton couldn’t find a past the 28-year-old.
Centre-Back: António Silva
Given Bournemouth’s stunning performance at Old Trafford, it is perhaps no surprise there are two of their defenders make our TOTW.
António Silva joins Hill as a standout at the back, especially in the air, winning 75% of his aerial duels against Michael Carrick’s men.
With seven clearances and six recoveries, Silva demonstrated his defensive abilities wonderfully in what was arguably his finest display for the Cherries.
Midfield: Ben White
Ben White operated at Right-Back against Everton, but he makes up part of the midfield in the TOTW 4-3-3 formation.
He was a menace going forwards, providing the assist for Gabriel’s second half goal, while creating three chances in total. The Englishman also made four passes into the final third and took five touches in the opposition penalty area.
White didn’t need to do much defensively against an uninspired Everton side, but his attacking display earns him an 8.1 rating this week.
Midfield: Julio Enciso
Ipswich continued their fine start back in the Premier League with a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Friday evening, and it was Julio Enciso who netted their only goal.
The midfielder finished the match with the most shots (4) and completed the most dribbles (6) out of anyone. Add in five passes into the final third and it was clear Enciso was on a mission to make things happen for his side.
Should he maintain this sort of form, Ipswich could do well this term.
Midfield: John McGinn
John McGinn was superb against Man City in what was perhaps his most influential performance in the Premier League this season.
He created the most chances (4) out of everyone on the pitch and provided the assist for Nicolas Jackson’s opener. McGinn also contributed when his side were on the back foot, registering seven defensive contributions in total.
That was the sort of display that has been missing for Villa in the opening few weeks. Have they, and indeed McGinn, turned a corner? Whatever happens, he deserves his spot in the TOTW.
Midfield: Neco Williams
Nottingham Forest battled their way to a point on Friday evening and it was Neco Williams who opened the scoring.
Playing as a Left-Wingback, Williams even created two chances during the game and succeeded with 100% of his dribbles.
He also made two tackles, four recoveries and won three of his four ground duels against Ipswich. Not a bad all-round display at all by the Welshman.
Left-Wing: Oscar Bobb
Fulham’s Premier League wins have been like London buses this season: you wait ages for one, then two come along one after the other.
Oscar Bobb was the man of the moment for the Cottagers, scoring the winner with just ten minutes left against Coventry.
The Norwegian winger delivered a fine display which featured four chances created and seven touches in the opposition penalty area, ranking first for both of these metrics.
This was his first appearance in the TOTW, but if he continues to play like that, it won’t be his last.
Right-Wing: Rayan
Before the United game, Rayan had netted twice in the Europa League for Bournemouth, but had failed to score in domestic football.
That changed on Sunday, with the Brazilian netting the first goal at Old Trafford – one of five shots he managed during the game.
Rayan also took eight touches in the opposition box, tormenting a shellshocked United defence, and he’ll be hoping his goal kickstarts a strong run of form in the Premier League.
Centre-Forward: Nicolas Jackson
Losing Ollie Watkins in the summer was a blow for Villa, but Jackson has settled in nicely since arriving.
Indeed, he has scored seven goals across 11 appearances in all competitions, with two of those coming against Man City at the weekend.
The forward succeeded with both of his dribble attempts and was fouled three times throughout the game. His display sealed his place in the TOTW and his 8.9 match rating is the highest this week.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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