Liverpool belatedly got their season somewhat back on track with a 1-0 win over Manchester City, that handed Arsenal (themselves fortunate to scrape a 1-0 win away against Leeds) a four point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
It was a low scoring weekend on the whole, with just 15 goals across ten games, but among that were vital wins for Wolves and Tottenham over Nottingham Forest and Everton respectively, while Chelsea also picked up another three points under new boss Graham Potter.
We took a look at who stood out in the latest round of games.
📰 Table Of Contents
GK: Kepa
What a redemption arc it is turning into for Chelsea’s one-time record signing, who had been subject to talk of leaving on loan in the summer. Now with a new manager at the helm, the Spaniard looks far more confident and produced some outrageous saves in their 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
An outstanding 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗣𝗟𝗘 save from Kepa! 👏🧤 pic.twitter.com/e4BR7qENT5
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 16, 2022
RB: Kieran Trippier
If Joelinton had aimed his headers slightly better, Trippier could have been walking away from Newcastle’s clash with Manchester United with two assists. His quality is evident and crucial to Eddie Howe’s side, even if he was lucky not to concede a penalty heading the other way.
Joelinton has struck the post and the crossbar from a Kieran Trippier ball. So close. #nufc
— Miles Starforth (@milesstarforth) October 16, 2022
CB: Gabriel
Fortunate to (correctly) see his red card overturned by VAR in the dying moments, Gabriel was something of a calm persona surrounded by madness in the second half for the Gunners, covering well for William Saliba, who had his worst performance in an Arsenal shirt.
Gabriel’s game by numbers vs. Leeds:
100% aerial duels won
90% pass accuracy
80 touches
9 duels contested
8 duels won
4 clearances
4 blocks
3 tackles
3 interceptions
1 shotAnd zero red cards. 😅 pic.twitter.com/CmgVBqAglj
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 16, 2022
CB: Virgil Van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk has STILL never lost a Premier League home game at Anfield!
He joined the club in January 2018 😳 pic.twitter.com/z3sCS6iuYW
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 16, 2022
LB: Andy Robertson
In a game where Liverpool’s right side came under scrutiny, it was easy to forget that Andy Robertson was also making his first start in over a month after a knee injury. The Scot put in a top performance, however, along with the rest of his backline to keep Manchester City quiet, and his experience was vital even if his shooting may still need some work.
Big team performance today 🙌❤️ #YNWA pic.twitter.com/v0NmkFNvtB
— Andy Robertson (@andrewrobertso5) October 16, 2022
CM: Ruben Neves
Neves netted the penalty that ultimately separated Wolves from Nottingham Forest, but as usual offered plenty beyond goal threat, with the Wolves captain continuing to show why he is consistently linked with a move to European giants with a great all-round performance.
Rúben Neves’ game by numbers vs. Nottingham Forest:
100% take-ons completed (2/2)
13 passes into final ⅓
6 duels won
6 x possession won
4 passes into opp. box
3 tackles made
2 shots
2 shots on target
1 goalMatch winner. 🐺 pic.twitter.com/xQucF4YcR6
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 15, 2022
CM: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Long shoehorned into a more defensive role, Hojbjerg has become reinvigorated as a box-to-box player under Antonio Conte, and once more underlined this with a well-taken goal against Everton. Now up to three goals this season, the Dane is fast showing himself to be one of the Premier League’s top midfielders.
WHAT A DELIVERY FROM BENTANCUR 💫
Højbjerg with the finish! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/buV5v9xCzk
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 15, 2022
CM: Mason Mount
With Reece James sidelined, inspiration for Chelsea had to come from elsewhere. Step forward, Mason Mount. The midfielder has looked far happier under Graham Potter than he did under Tuchel, and while his first goal was fortunate his second was brilliant.
A FREE-KICK GOAL FOR MASON MOUNT! 👏🚀 pic.twitter.com/NRFPYax6Er
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 16, 2022
RW: Mo Salah
Fresh off the back of a six-minute hat-trick in midweek, Salah looked back to something like his frightening best against a high Manchester City defensive line. He forced a fantastic save from Ederson when one on one, but the Brazilian could do nothing about the second as Salah’s deft touch handed his side all three points at Anfield.
A goal you’ll enjoy watching on repeat 🤩
Here’s every angle of Mo Salah’s magnificent winner against Man City, presented by @Sonos 📹 pic.twitter.com/QerOQh8gwz
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 17, 2022
ST: Ivan Toney
Whether Ivan Toney should be in the World Cup squad for England continues to be debated, but he is certainly helping his cause with a brace to help his side beat Brighton, including a fabulous flick to open the scoring. Should he keep his form up, he could be looking at a much bigger move next summer.
Ivan Toney, STOP THAT! 🤤
What a finish to mark your 100th game for Brentford! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/FrPk6li7x1
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 14, 2022
LW: Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka was quiet for much of Arsenal’s clash with Leeds United, but came up with the all-important goal as he fired home from a tight angle in the first half. Should Arsenal’s title charge continue, they will need him at his best as they look a different side with him in it.
Bukayo Saka is loving life 🌶
💫 Goals in 3️⃣ matches on the spin
🎯 5️⃣ goals and 4️⃣ assists in his last 1️⃣0️⃣
👏 5️⃣0️⃣ contributions under Mikel Arteta@BukayoSaka87 | @Arsenal | #LEEARS pic.twitter.com/d7VRZrVZcA— Premier League (@premierleague) October 16, 2022
