Premier League Team of the Week - Matchweek 28

James Budgen
Mar 11
3 min read

David Raya

If it wasn't for Raya in Arsenal's net, The Gunners would've undoubtedly come away from Old Trafford without a point, as the Spaniard made up for his side's unusual disorganised defence.

Raya didn't just make multiple saves, but they kept getting more impressive and more vital, saving Noussair Mazaroui's close range volley, Joshua Zirkzee's point black flick and Bruno Fernandes' last second close range shot before getting up to deny Toby Collyer an easy tap-in.

Chris Richards

After Trevoh Chalobah was recalled by Chelsea, Richards saw it as an opportunity to cement his place in Oliver Glasner's side and he has not disappointed with his performance against Ipswich Town a standout.

The American made 7 tackles, 5 clearances, blocked 2 shots, won 10/15 duels whilst also completing 40/45 passes and 3/4 long balls.

Jan Paul van Hecke

Van Hecke was instrumental in Brighton claiming their 6th straight win in all competitions, both shutting out Fulham for a lot of the game, but also popping up with an equaliser just a few minutes after falling behind.

Along with netting his first goal for the club, Van Hecke also made 2 tackles, 6 clearances, 1 interception, blocked 2 shots, won 5/8 duels and completed 81/87 passes including 9/11 long balls.

Murillo

Whilst it was certainly a team effort for Nottingham Forest against Manchester City, Murillo was Forest's standout defender against the champions, winning 100% of his duels and making 10 clearances.

Murillo led a Forest defence that allowed City only 3 shots on target, their 2nd fewest this season, 5 passes into the penalty area, their 4th fewest this season and 24 touches in the penalty area, their 5th fewest this season.

Milos Kerkez

21 year old Hungarian Kerkez has certainly stood out on Bournemouth's left hand side this season and against Spurs, he showcased his outstanding qualities.

His run and cross for Bournemouth's opener was breath-taking, carrying the ball at speed up the entire pitch and without breaking stride, delivered an inch-perfect whipped cross for Marcus Tavernier to volley into the back of the net.

Adam Wharton

After a long injury lay-off this season, Wharton has comeback and has looked just as good as last season and has put himself as a strong contender to make Thomas Tuchel's first England squad.

Against Ipswich, Wharton was incredible, creating 6 chances, including 2 big chances, completing 4/6 crosses, 4/6 long balls whilst also winning 4/6 ground duels and making 4 clearances and 2 tackles.

Declan Rice

Whilst Rice wasn't apart of a winning Arsenal side at Old Trafford, like Raya, he was instrumental to his side coming out with at least a point.

Rice not only scored the equalising goal, placing it perfectly first-time across the keeper and in off the post, but he made the game-saving tackle of Rasmus Hojlund, perfectly tackling the Danish striker when he was 1-on-1 with the keeper.

Andre

When Andre made the move to Wolves, it was confusing considering it was reported there were top clubs circling, and his performance against The Toffees showed what he is capable of.

Against an energetic, defensive Everton midfield, Andre completed 73/75 passes, with 12 passes into the final 1/3, 11 progressive passes and 8 long balls - the most of any player on the pitch, whilst also winning 9/11 duels, making 5 tackles, 1 clearance and 1 interception.

Ismaila Sarr

Without Jean-Phillipe Mateta, Crystal Palace were looking to their other attacking options to step-up and Sarr certainly did, scoring the winning goal in the 81st minute, with quick acceleration to escape the Ipswich defence and perfectly chipped the ball over Alex Palmer and into the net.

As well as his key goal, Sarr also saved his side from going behind with a goal-line clearance from a close range shot from Jaden Philogene.

Callum Hudson-Odoi

There was not much to separate Man City and Nottingham Forest and as the game went on, a moment of brilliance was needed, and Hudson-Odoi provided that for his side, beating Ederson at his near post with a well placed finish in the 83rd minute.

Hudson-Odoi also created 2 chances, completed 2/4 crosses, won 2/2 of his duels and almost gave his side an earlier lead in the game if it wasn't for an amazing Ederson save.

Marcus Tavernier

Tavernier may not be the most high-profile player in the PL, but he certainly is threatening every-time he steps on the pitch, always looking forward with the ball and works his socks off defensively.

He showed all of this against Spurs, scoring a weak-footed volley, doing very well to track the long cross from Kerkez, whilst also winning 8/13 duels, creating 3 chances, completing 2 crosses and 2 long balls along with 4 tackles.