Premier League TOTW Gameweek 15: Aston Villa and Chelsea rewarded for victories | OneFootball

Jadon Sancho looks a completely new player at Chelsea.

The Englishman struggled after returning to the country with Manchester United, having built a name for himself at Borussia Dortmund. Sancho is only on loan at Chelsea for the season, but there is an option for the Blues to buy him.

And at the moment it seems likely that they will. Sancho has been directly involved in five goals in nine Premier League games for Chelsea so far this season, averaging 0.92 per 90 minutes. In his first three seasons with Man United, Sancho was directly involved in 15 goals in 58 games — for an average of just 0.37 per 90.

Sancho scored in Chelsea’s win over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, and is one of two Blues players in our Team of the Week for gameweek 15. But it’s Aston Villa who dominate the team, with three players after their win over Southampton.

We’ve used our Squawka Score to determine the 11 picks, based on the statistical leaders for metrics relevant to their positions. And as ever, we’ve thrown an honourable mention XI for good measure.

GK: Bernd Leno (Fulham)

There was only one clean sheet in the Premier League this weekend, with that kept by Aston Villa. But Bernd Leno was the top-performing goalkeeper, only beaten by a set piece from Arsenal. The Fulham shot-stopper made three saves in total, preventing 0.24 goals. The German commanded his box well against his former side, with four crosses caught and two punches. He also completed 13 long passes, helping to relieve pressure from his defence.

Honourable mention: Kepa Arrizabalaga (70%)

RB: Matt Doherty (Wolves)

Wolves may have lost to West Ham United this weekend, but Matt Doherty did all he could to try and prevent that. The Irishman scored Wolves’ equaliser but should also have had an assist to put them in front in the first half. He put in a wicked cross to the far post, a big chance created, but Joao Gomes put his effort from close range wide. Elsewhere, Doherty won five aerial duels, won possession three times in the defensive third and made three clearances.

Honourable mention: Ezri Konsa (69%)

CB: Diego Carlos (Aston Villa)

As mentioned, Aston Villa were the only side to keep a clean sheet, and their defence faced just four shots — none of which hit the target. But Diego Carlos still had to do his bit. The Brazilian was unbeatable on the floor, winning 100% of his ground duels. He also won four aerial duels. Carlos’ passing was good too, with five long passes completed. The Brazilian also blocked two shots and had one successful offside trap.

Honourable mention: Illia Zabarnyi (70%)

CB: Pau Torres (Aston Villa)

Carlos’ centre-back Pau Torres was just as effective. The Spaniard won 100% of his aerial duels, so between him and Carlos, Villa’s defence was impenetrable. Torres also had one successful offside trap and won possession twice in the defensive third. He was as calm as you like on the ball too, boasting a retention rate of 94.55%. Once he had the ball, it was hard for Villa to lose it.

Honourable mention: William Saliba (67%)

LB: Pervis Estupinan (Brighton)

Brighton lost a 2-0 lead late on against Leicester City, but Pervis Estupinan still did enough to be the best left-back of the week. The left-back had one assist, setting up Tariq Lamptey’s opening goal, and had two shots on target himself. Defensively, Estupinan won two tackles, made four clearances and won possession four times in the defensive third. It’s just a shame that Leicester scored with two of their three shots on target.

Honourable mention: Milos Kerkez (63%)

DM: Lewis Cook (Bournemouth)

Bournemouth left it extremely late to beat Ipswich Town at the weekend. Lewis Cook was one of the Cherries’ best players, looking solid in their double pivot. The Englishman won seven duels against Ipswich, with three possessions won in the middle third and two interceptions retaining possession. On the ball, Cook had 13 final third entries and 11 passes into the final third completed. In fact, 44.83% of Cook’s passes were forward, constantly looking to move Bournemouth up the pitch.

Honourable mention: Enzo Fernandez (71%)

DM: Boubacar Kamara (Aston Villa)

Boubacar Kamara was excellent in Aston Villa’s win over Southampton. He was tough to beat in the middle of the pitch, with four interceptions retaining possession, six ball recoveries and four possessions won in the middle third. Kamara was just as good when in possession. He had a retention rate of 89.66% and completed 90.48% of his open-play passes. The Frenchman also created one big chance. Villa are loving having him back in their midfield.

Honourable mention: Jorginho (71%)

RW: Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)

Bryan Mbeumo officially lined up for Brentford as a wing-back, but the Cameroonian spent a lot of his time in Newcastle United‘s half. In fact, he was the most-advanced Brentford player on their average positions. Mbeumo scored and provided an intentional assist, from three chances created in total. He had a non-penalty xGOT of 0.65, six penalty area entries and 16 final third passes completed. Mbeumo absolutely loves playing at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Honourable mention: Bukayo Saka (70%)

No.10: Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Cole Palmer may have scored both of his goals against Tottenham from the penalty spot, but that shouldn’t take away from a fantastic performance. The Englishman was pulling the strings for Chelsea, with four chances created and 14 final third passes completed. He also completed all three of his attempted crosses from open play. Palmer had eight penalty area entries and seven touches in the opposition box, with just two unsuccessful touches overall. Of course, Palmer also won one of the penalties he converted.

Honourable mention: Morgan Gibbs-White (78%)

LW: Jadon Sancho (Chelsea)

Jadon Sancho caused Tottenham a lot of problems on the left flank. The Englishman started Chelsea’s comeback with a well-taken strike from outside the box, one of two shots on target he had. His non-penalty xGOT of 1.28 was very impressive. Sancho had 12 touches in the opposition box, more than any other player in the Premier League this gameweek. He also completed 24 final third passes, had six penalty area entries and created two chances. Chelsea fans are very excited about his form right now.

Honourable mention: Matheus Nunes (75%)

ST: Jamie Vardy (Leicester)

Jamie Vardy rolled back the years for Leicester in helping them secure a point against Brighton. The 37-year-old scored Leicester’s first in the 86th minute before setting up Bobby Decordova-Reid’s equaliser in injury time. He’s the second-oldest player in Premier League history to both score and assist in a single game. Overall, Vardy had three shots and seven touches in the opposition box, with 0.69 non-penalty xGOT.