The Game Week 18 of the Premier League has come to a close and we have come up with the Team of the Week. We will use a 4-3-3 formation, with all players included being the best performing players in their positions. (all stats via SOFASCORE)
Due to Covid-19 postponements, the GW featured only four matches. However, the fixtures and their results have proved to be pivotal in the standings for this season. Manchester City slammed Newcastle United unforgivingly, with a score of 4-0.
Arsenal versus Leeds had an expected outcome, with the Gunners beating the Whites 4-1. A dominant performance by Mikel Arteta’s side strengthened their hold of the 4th place and a Champions League qualification. Chelsea on the other hand were held to a goalless draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Perhaps the most exciting fixture was Liverpool versus Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It was a roller coaster fixture with no team getting the better of the other, as the game ended 2-2.
Team of the Week
Defence
Goalkeeper: Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
In for goalkeeping, we have Jose Sa from Wolves. He made three saves and bagged a clean sheet against one of the best attacking sides of the season. The Spaniard’s one-on-one save against Christian Pulisic was his best moment of the game.
Right-back: Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
Man City’s best player of the season currently, Cancelo displayed yet another scintillating performance. An assist and a smashing goal were accompanied by an easy clean sheet, with no player close to his execution.
Centre-back: Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
The Cityzens’ main stopper is one of the best defenders in the world at present. He did not fail to back his reputation as he scored the team’s opener, making the most of the Magpies miscommunication. The Portuguese also had a clean sheet to show for his efforts.
Center-back: Romain Saiss (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
The Wolves LCB is the second Centre-back choice of the week. Chelsea being the more attacking team in their clash, Saiss had his hands tight throughout the game. The Moroccan made 5 clearances, 5 interceptions and 3 tackles in the game’s totality.
Left-back: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Robertson had a varying evening with both returns and disappointments. The Scotland captain set up Diogo Jota to score the Red’s equalizer. The LB also scored the team’s second goal but later was sent off for a harsh foul on Emerson Royal. The player is now set to serve a 3 match ban.
Midfield
Right midfield: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
The Man City midfielder was the team’s engine in their dominance. Even though he got booked with a yellow, Bernardo’s overall contributions were crucial to drive the game.
Central midfield: Granit Xhaka (Arsenal)
Xhaka controlled the midfield in both attack and defense. The Swiss had an assist to show for his efforts as Arsenal buried Leeds at Elland Road.
Left midfield: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
The youngster played a huge role in the Gunners’ victory. The Norwegian created 3 big chances and made 5 key passes. He also assisted Smith Rowe for the team’s fourth.
Attack
Right Wing: Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)
Mahrez had a stunning performance with a few returns along the way. The Algerian had an assist for Cancelo’s banger and he also scored a goal which was initially ruled offside, but VAR gave the decision in the winger’s favour.
Left Wing: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Sterling was solid throughout the game, dribbling and taking on defenders on the left flank. The Englishman created a few chances and also scored the team’s fourth off of a Gabriel Jesus assist.
Strike: Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
Martinelli is in his top form at the moment with starts and returns in three consecutive games now. The Brazilian scored a brace in the opening half hour, giving his team a comfortable lead in the first half.
A look at the Team of the Week
With the conclusion of game week 18, the players get a week off from the next GW. The next game week, GW 19, will kick off on Sunday 26th December, 06:00 PM IST.
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