Another exciting game week of Premier League action ended with goals galore. Game week 5 began with the most awaited Merseyside derby in recent years. Everton and Liverpool went toe to toe with each other and the spoils were shared at the end. Elsewhere, Chelsea and Tottenham blew their lead against Southampton and West Ham respectively.
Manchester City hosted Arsenal and won 1-0 in a tactical battle between the two coaches and friends- Guardiola and Arteta. Manchester United had a late flurry of goals against Newcastle United and won 4-1. The surprise package of the season Aston Villa continued their unbeaten start to the season, thanks to a last gasp winner by Ross Barkley. The goalless draw between Burnley and West Brom was the first one of the Premier League 2020-21 in what has been an exhilarating and unpredictable season till now.
There were some top performances all round and here is the Chase Your Sport Premier League Team of the Week: Game week 5.
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope (Burnley)
The England International has come in for some criticism for his handling and distribution recently. However against West Brom he proved his doubters wrong with a number of high quality saves. His command of the box and reflexes were top notch as the points were shared against an adventurous West Brom side.
Right Back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka scored his first goal for Manchester United- and the first of his career in the 4-1 win over Newcastle United. Wan-Bissaka has been criticized for his lack of attacking output but against Newcastle United he silenced some critics by smashing the ball into the roof of the net. Defensively solid as ever, Wan-Bissaka seems to have added an attacking side to his game in recent matches.
Centre- Back: Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Ruben Dias’ strong start to his Manchester City career continued with an assured display against Arsenal. City’s club-record signing played in a back three and marshalled the defence to help his side secure three points at the Etihad. Dominant in the air, Excellent game reading and composure on the ball were some of Dias’ qualities that came to the fore.
Centre-Back: Max Kilman (Wolves)
It has been a long journey for Max Kilman on his way to playing first-team football for Wolves. The ex-England Futsal International has spent most of his time with the reserves but this season he has been in favour with Nuno Espirito Santo. Alongside Conor Coady, Kilman was assured in possession and kept things ticking for Wolves. Kilman also made a number of crucial blocks and interceptions for his side. What remains to be seen is can he carve out a first team place in a side full of quality defenders?
Left Back: Nathan Ake (Manchester City)
Nathan Ake played as a left centre-back in a three man defence for Manchester City. Charged with the job of man marking the electric Nicolos Pepe, Ake seemed to have all the answers against the Arsenal wide man. Ake ventured forward to support the build up play in addition to his defensive duties. Playing in a different role, Ake followed Guardiola’s instructions admirably and kept a much needed clean sheet for the Cityzens.
Central Midfield: Ross Barkley (Aston Villa)
Ross Barkley looks to be enjoying his football on loan at Aston Villa. The Chelsea loanee, after this heroics against Liverpool came up against a stubborn Leicester City side. Alongside Grealish, Barkley dominated the midfield for the villains and was a creative force throughout the match. Barkley gave a classy reminder of his talent with a swiftly struck injury-time winner, thus helping Aston Villa maintain their perfect start to the season.
Central Midfield: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandes seemed to be in the mood from the get-go for Manchester United. An extraordinary all round performance by Fernandes was the difference between Man Utd and Newcastle. The United talisman had an eventful game to say the least. Had a goal disallowed, assisting Maguire and missing a penalty in the second half. However he made amends for his penalty miss with a delightful finish late in the game. What a player he is proving for Manchester United and Premier League!
Left Wing: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Raheem Sterling played a variety of roles against the Gunners throughout the match. Often dropping into midfield during the first half, Sterling linked with the likes of Aguero and Mahrez to trouble the Arsenal defence. Sterling lashed on a rebound after Foden brought a save out of Bernd Leno and scored the only goal of the game. With a knack of being at the right place at the right time, Sterling is proving invaluable to Manchester City.
Right Wing: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Marcus Rashford had a hugely productive evening for Manchester United at St. James’ Park. Rashford with his direct style of play was a constant threat for the Magpies defence. The speedy forward set up 2 goals before putting the icing on the cake with a well taken strike in added time.
Striker: Timo Werner (Chelsea)
Timo Werner finally arrived at Stanford Bridge by opening his Premier League account in a 3-3 draw against Southampton. Werner has usually been deployed on the left-wing by Lampard but against the Saints he given the central role. The German speedster scored his first goal with an individual effort as he bamboozled the defence and scoring past Alex McCarthy. His second goal was a well taken one after being put through by an exquisite pass by Jorginho. In addition to his two goals, Werner set up compatriot Havertz for Chelsea’s third goal.
Striker: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
Harry Kane’s extraordinary start to the season continued with yet another flawless display against West Ham. Scoring twice and assisting once, Kane had a part to play in all three of Spurs’ goals. Leading the league tally with seven assists in just five games, Kane seems to be enjoying his new role of false 9 under Jose Mourinho. In addition to his attacking display, the Three Lions skipper made a number of defensive blocks to cap off a 10/10 performance. In the end, Kane would be disappointed with his side for throwing away a three goal lead at home!!
