After each round of Premier League matches this season, BBC football expert Troy Deeney will introduce you to his team and manager of the week.
Here are this week’s picks. Do you agree? Let us know what you think using the feedback form at the bottom of this page.
Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton): I thought he made a mistake leaving Arsenal to go to Southampton but I understand the logic behind it. I don’t think he’ll end up with many clean sheets and he had his chance a few times against Everton – but probably managed to end Southampton’s season on Michael Keane’s header, which would have changed the direction of the match. He played an important role in winning the match.
Adam Smith (Bournemouth): I was at Bournemouth against Man City and I was very impressed by the Cherries. I could have included the whole Bournemouth team but that would have been unfair. While right-back captain Smith showed his experience and guile, he was excellent. He made Matheus Nunes look average, he didn’t pass him once.
Radu Dragusin (Tottenham): I think he was superb in a new partnership with Cristian Romero because Micky van de Ven was injured – and then Romero left too. Dragusin equipped himself well against a very good Aston Villa team and made no mistakes.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton): He has struggled this season to get used to the Premier League, but he was really good against Everton. He was brave with the ball, played well and defended when necessary. Southampton players need to understand that sometimes you have to dig – and he embodied that.
Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest): I could have put Leif Davis from Ipswich and I wanted to, but Forest are steadily going about their business. Aina was fantastic in the win against West Ham – he’s been doing it for a few weeks and was unlucky to miss that opportunity. I like to recognize people who have shown they can achieve this over time.
Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea): His performance in Chelsea’s draw against Manchester United was arguably his best game for the club. I know people think it’s because of his goal – and it was a magnificent strike – but he was everywhere, putting his foot in, committing loads of fouls, missed tackles. He also won the ball more and was braver, playing it forward. I thought he was much better than he was.
Joao Gomes (Wolves): He covered every blade of grass as Wolves scored a point against Crystal Palace – and has done so for several weeks. Wolves will need him to keep it up to get them out of a relegation battle. If he continues to play like this, they will have a hard time guarding him. A very good footballer.
Lewis Cook (Bournemouth): He was excellent. The best thing I can say about him is that I haven’t had to mention his name too often. He did everything right, a good 8/10 or 9/10 performance. He got the ball, moved it well and spun it. He made mistakes when he had to, stopped the game and allowed the team to continue. Beating Manchester City is a huge result for Bournemouth.
Anthony Gordon (Newcastle): Newcastle are a better team when he is involved. He had an assist for Alexander Isak’s winning goal against Arsenal, but the way he drives with the ball and drives the team forward means he is still a threat. He can be on the right, left or in the middle – he’s just a wonderful football player for Newcastle and England. Getting injured and then missing a penalty against Everton could have shaken his confidence, but it didn’t. He’s straight back on the horse, straight on – I can respect that.
Dominique Solanke (Tottenham): I gave him a bit of stick because I’m not sure he’s the man who will score enough goals to get Tottenham where they want to be, but he was really good in the win against Villa. When I give people stick, I also seek to give them praise and credit. His goals were two real poacher’s finishes. He was much better and played on the last man, didn’t fail and got involved. He was always available for a cross and got his just reward. I hope he can go on and start sending Tottenham to where they want to be.
Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth): The player of the weekend by far. He dominated Kyle Walker. I’ll attribute it to this: Walker played a 6/10 and Semenyo had a 9.5/10. I don’t think Semenyo will have a better match – everything he touched landed at his feet. He set a goal for himself. He tackled Walker at one point and took him to the ground. We’ve all had these games – if you’re Kyle, you’re thinking “stay away from me.” I was critical of Semenyo and didn’t think he would go from Bristol City to the level he has reached now. It looks like he could stay in the Premier League for a very long time.
Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth): Tactically he was excellent. His team were so brave in the way they pressed Manchester City that they left one-on-one at the back with Erling Haaland – no one has done that this season. They could have led 4-0 in the first half.
Do you agree with Troy’s selections? Who would be on your team of the week? Have your say using the comments form below:
