Team of the Week: Premier League Round-Up
Each week, BBC football pundit Garth Crooks selects his Team of the Week from the Premier League matches. Here are his choices for this week, along with his thoughts on some of the game’s big talking points.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Garth Crooks highlights Jordan Pickford’s top-class save against Brentford, praising his contribution to Everton’s recent success. He notes that Pickford has been magnificent in recent games and ranks second in the league for clean sheets.
Defender: Dan Burn (Newcastle)
Crooks commends Dan Burn for his crucial tackles that kept Newcastle in the game against Sheffield United. He also speculates about Eddie Howe’s potential as a future England manager if Gareth Southgate were to leave his post.
Defender: William Saliba (Arsenal)
Crooks attributes Arsenal’s title challenge to the consistent performances of William Saliba, who has not missed a game all season. He questions the accuracy of VAR decisions and suggests that the offside rule should focus on preventing players from gaining a material advantage.
Defender: Josko Gvardiol (Man City)
Crooks praises Josko Gvardiol for his goal-scoring performance against Nottingham Forest, emphasizing his importance in important matches for Manchester City. He warns that City cannot afford to miss opportunities in their remaining fixtures if they want to stay at the top of the league.
Midfielder: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Crooks describes Bukayo Saka’s performance in the north London derby as a mismatch, likening it to a boxing contest where the referee has to stop the fight. He highlights Saka’s goal and the standing ovation he received from Arsenal fans.
Midfielder: Conor Gallagher (Chelsea)
Crooks comments on Chelsea’s contrasting performances against Arsenal and Aston Villa, suggesting that their inconsistency is a cause for concern. He praises Conor Gallagher’s goal and suggests that Mauricio Pochettino needs to remind his players of what it takes to be a top side.
Midfielder: Idrissa Gueye (Everton)
Crooks credits Idrissa Gueye’s goals in two vital games for Everton with helping secure their Premier League status. He acknowledges the challenges the club has faced this season and applauds Sean Dyche’s demand for professionalism after their defeat against Chelsea.
Midfielder: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)
Crooks highlights the impact of Jarrod Bowen’s goal on Liverpool’s title hopes, suggesting that Liverpool has let a golden opportunity slip away. He also mentions Mohamed Salah’s dispute with his manager, indicating that matters may be unraveling at the club.
Forward: Michail Antonio (West Ham)
Crooks praises Michail Antonio for his superb header and his commitment on the pitch. He warns Liverpool’s players not to let their disappointment affect their relationship with their manager and fans.
Forward: Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
Crooks acknowledges Alexander Isak’s contribution to Newcastle United’s recovery from a challenging season and their success in the Champions League. He expects Sheffield United to have a go against Nottingham Forest, who are fighting for survival.
Forward: Kai Havertz (Arsenal)
Crooks admits that he was not a fan of Kai Havertz during his time at Chelsea but acknowledges that he has looked like a different player for Arsenal. He credits Havertz for his technical competence and his impact on the team.
The Crooks of the Matter
Crooks shares his frustrations with VAR and technology in football, arguing that it is undermining the game and dismantling its traditions. He criticizes the lack of clarity on offside decisions and the confusion surrounding handballs and penalties. He suggests that those who pushed for technology in football have a lot to answer for.
In summary, Crooks’ Team of the Week showcases standout performances from the recent Premier League matches, while his analysis and insights provide a deeper understanding of the game’s key moments and controversies.