
Premier League Team and Manager of the Week
After each round of Premier League matches this season, BBC football pundit Troy Deeney shares his selections for the Team and Manager of the Week.
Here are his choices for this week. Do you agree? Share your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of this page.
Emi Martinez (Aston Villa): While the spotlight will be on his penalty save in the victory against Bournemouth, the most impressive moment for me was his save from a deflected shot by Alex Scott, which looked destined for the net. This save surpasses the one made by David Raya at Villa Park last year. Despite being stripped of his leadership role at Aston Villa, Martinez handled himself admirably.
Malo Gusto (Chelsea): I wanted to include a Chelsea player due to their significant win, albeit against Wolves. Gusto scored his first goal for Chelsea, and it’s important to recognize his contribution. They were expected to secure this win against Wolves.
Michael Keane (Everton): Having been let go at the end of last season, Keane has emerged as one of Everton's standout performers this year. He scored again and helped maintain a clean sheet at home against Fulham, showcasing his ability to express himself in ways that were previously unexpected.
Dan Ballard (Sunderland): He was the best player on the pitch during the draw with Arsenal. While Gunners fans may disagree, Ballard's physicality, tactical awareness, and remarkable finish were impressive. I initially thought he might struggle transitioning from the Championship, but he has proven to be exceptional.
Jaydee Canvot (Crystal Palace): Making his first start in place of captain Marc Guehi, Canvot has garnered attention for his solid performances. He played like a seasoned professional, demonstrating excellent ball control and defensive skills in the draw against Brighton.
Nico Gonzalez (Manchester City): In the victory over Liverpool, Gonzalez delivered his best performance in a Manchester City jersey. Despite the pressure of replacing a Ballon d'Or winner like Rodri, he dominated the midfield, found himself in great positions, and maintained good ball movement.
Amadou Onana (Aston Villa): In Aston Villa's impressive 4-0 victory over Bournemouth, Onana was instrumental. He disrupted the opposition's play and glided through the midfield with power, even contributing to the scoreline.
Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest): Anderson is currently a strong contender for Player of the Season. While players like Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo are receiving attention, Anderson has been outstanding over the past few weeks. Perhaps the England call-up has fueled his performances, but he has been exceptional.
Igor Thiago (Brentford): Thiago has been performing admirably for Brentford, continuing his strong form in the win over Newcastle. He scores frequently and works tirelessly for the team, embodying the qualities of a true center-forward. After overcoming injuries, he has stepped up in the absence of Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo.
Emi Buendia (Aston Villa): After a long-term injury, Buendia is regaining his form. Initially thought to be leaving the club, he is now becoming a vital player for Villa, contributing with goals and a stunning free-kick.
Jeremy Doku (Manchester City): Doku was the standout player of the weekend. While much was made of Connor Bradley's performance against Vinicius Junior midweek, Doku made Bradley look inexperienced. His exceptional play and fantastic finish were crucial, and he won a penalty that was ultimately missed by Erling Haaland.
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City): In his 1,000th match, Guardiola faced the reigning champions Liverpool and delivered a masterclass. As a result, Manchester City is now being touted as favorites to win the league, marking a fitting celebration for his milestone game.
Do you agree with Troy's selections? Who would be in your Team of the Week? Share your opinions in the comments below: