Team of the Week: Premier League Round-Up
After another thrilling weekend of Premier League action, it’s time to take a look at BBC football pundit Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week. In addition to his selections, Crooks also delves into the big talking points of the week in his segment, “Crooks of the Matter.” Let’s dive in and see who made the cut.
Goalkeeper:
Ederson (Manchester City): Despite a challenging season marred by injuries, Ederson displayed confidence and composure in Manchester City’s match against Fulham. The Brazilian goalkeeper’s clean sheet proved crucial in securing a valuable victory for his team. As City face tough fixtures against Spurs and West Ham, Ederson’s composure will be vital in their title pursuit.
Defenders:
Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City): Gvardiol continues to impress with his goal-scoring abilities. Since his stunning strike against Real Madrid, the young Croatian has been consistently finding the back of the net. His first goal against Fulham showcased Manchester City’s attacking prowess, proving that Pep Guardiola’s decision to replace Joao Cancelo was a wise one.
William Saliba (Arsenal): Arsenal’s victory over Manchester United relied heavily on their exceptional defensive performance. While Gabriel showed signs of edginess, Saliba remained composed throughout the game, displaying nerves of steel. As Arsenal hopes for a slip-up from Manchester City in their final two matches, Saliba’s solid defensive contributions will be crucial.
Micky van de Ven (Tottenham): Apart from a disappointing performance against Newcastle, van de Ven has had a flawless season for Tottenham. His pace, composure, and clinical finishing make him an irreplaceable asset. However, both van de Ven and Saliba face the challenge of not winning trophies at their respective clubs, which could potentially lead to their departure.
Midfielders:
Tomas Soucek (West Ham): West Ham started sluggishly in their recent match, but Soucek’s ability to score important goals turned the game around for them. Soucek’s knack for finding the back of the net in crucial moments has been a key factor in West Ham’s success this season. As manager David Moyes departs, the club awaits the impact of Julen Lopetegui.
Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace): Crystal Palace’s unbeaten run and attractive style of play have delighted fans. Eze’s elegance and chemistry with Michael Olise have been instrumental in their success. Comparisons have been drawn between Eze and Kevin de Bruyne, highlighting the young midfielder’s immense talent. If Crystal Palace can retain their current team, fans are in for a treat.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea): Palmer’s exceptional pass for Mykhailo Mudryk’s goal demonstrated his ability to split defenses. The match between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest held high stakes for both teams, with Chelsea needing a win to maintain their hopes of a top-seven finish. Palmer’s contributions are key to Chelsea’s success, and the club must prioritize retaining him.
Michael Olise (Crystal Palace): Olise’s performance against Wolves showcased his prodigious talent. His beautifully executed goal demonstrated supreme confidence in his abilities. As Palace looks to hold onto their rising star, they face a challenge in keeping him at the club amidst interest from other teams.
Jhon Duran (Aston Villa): Aston Villa had a disastrous start against Liverpool, but Duran’s impact off the bench quickly leveled the game. His instinctive and clinical goals were crucial in Villa’s comeback. Although substitutes are rarely selected, Duran’s performance demanded recognition.
Forward:
Phil Foden (Manchester City): Manchester City’s demolition of Fulham was a masterclass, with Foden showcasing his hunger for goals. The team’s professionalism and teamwork were evident as players queued up to score. Foden’s appetite for goals continues to grow, and his selflessness in passing up a penalty opportunity reflects the team’s unity.
Honorable Mentions:
Darren England’s outstanding refereeing, particularly in penalizing players who dived for an advantage, deserves recognition. Brighton’s Julio Enciso and Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron should feel ashamed of their actions.
Crooks of the Matter:
As the Premier League season comes to a close, it’s clear that the three newly promoted teams, Sheffield United, Burnley, and Luton, will be relegated. While Sheffield United’s tough and uncompromising style of play was not enough to secure victories, Burnley’s commitment to intricate football left them exposed. Luton showed immense courage throughout the season but faltered in crucial moments. Relegation is never easy, but these clubs have the potential to bounce back stronger than ever.