Premier League Team of the Week – Palmer, Cunha, Wood | OneFootball

Premier League Team of the Week following the latest round of action, as we recognise the weekend’s finest performers.

Premier League Team of the Week – Palmer, Cunha, Wood

Goalkeeper: Mark Travers – Bournemouth

Brought in due to Kepa Arrizabalaga’s unavailability, Mark Travers could hardly have done much more to stake a claim for the number one shirt.

The Irishman made some superb saves as Bournemouth battled to a draw at Aston Villa, with Travers denying the likes of Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa and Amadou Onana. His performance set the stage for the Cherries to snatch a stoppage-time equaliser.

Centre-back: Manuel Akanji – Manchester City

Reliable as ever defensively and playing an important part in Manchester City combating of the Rodri-shaped hole in their midfield.

The Swiss centre-back stepped in against Southampton to create overloads and – while not quite John Stones – has looked increasingly comfortable doing so. Pep Guardiola will be working hard on his Rodri solution plan and Akanji could have a big role to fill.

Centre-back: Ibrahima Konate – Liverpool

Liverpool’s most impressive performer as the Reds battled to a draw at Arsenal. The Frenchman failed to lose a single defensive duel (3/3) or tackle (2/2) and led the contest for clearances (6) and recoveries (6).

His pace and coverage of the space Trent Alexander-Arnold vacated was vital for Liverpool, in an outstanding display from the man mountain.

Centre-back: Maxence Lacroix – Crystal Palace

Roy Keane said earlier this week that Crystal Palace were missing Joachim Andersen, following his summer sale to Fulham. The club’s winless run would add to that argument, though Maxence Lacroix might soon make a nonsense of it.

The Frenchman is getting better and better and was magnificent in the drought-breaking win over Spurs, dominating defensively and oozing calm on the ball. Given his recovery pace, he could be transformational for Palace once he’s settled in the Premier League.

Midfield: Declan Rice – Arsenal

A standout showing from Declan Rice against a Liverpool midfield who won plaudits for running over Chelsea last weekend.

Rice broke up the play for Arsenal and imposed himself physically on the contest, while his dead ball expertise yielded the second goal. His assist for Mikel Merino’s goal was a perfect delivery.

Midfield: Matheus Cunha – Wolves

Wolves proved they’re still fighting for Gary O’Neil after scoring twice late on to rescue a result at Brighton. Matheus Cunha led the charge for Wolves and was rewarded for a fine display with his deflected late equaliser.

The Brazilian led the contest for chances created (4) shots (5) and touches in the opposition box (13), while winning six ground duels in an all-action showing. His goal continued an outstanding record on the road, with only Erling Haaland (16) having scored more away goals than Cunha (12) since the start of last season.

Midfield: Cole Palmer – Chelsea

A magic performance from a magnificent talent. Palmer bounced back from an early disallowed goal to down Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, producing one of the passes of the season in the lead up to Nicolas Jackson’s opener.

He scored the second himself with a low finish for his seventh of the season and might just be the most influential player in the Premier League right now. A joy to watch.

Winger: Crysencio Summerville – West Ham

Crysencio Summerville has cut a frustrated figure this season. The Championship’s outstanding talent last term, he earned a £25m move to West Ham but has started just one game since that summer switch. This weekend’s win over Mancehster Unied might be the lift off his career needs, as Summerville proved to be a game-changing substitution.

On at half-time, the Dutchman drove at the visitor’s defence and completed 100% of his take-ons (3/3), created three chances, and scored his first Hammers goal. A performance to build on.

Winger: Callum Hudson-Odoi – Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest have spent and squandered plenty of cash in recent windows. The £3.5m on Callum Hudson-Odoi is not part of it.

Forest handed a lifeline to the talented winger who had lost his way and Hudson-Odoi is showing signs of the spark that made him so coveted as a teenager at Chelsea. He was everywhere against Leicester on Friday night, completing 6/7 dribbles and winning a huge 12 ground duels. A constant threat and willing to do the work defensively. He’s quietly been superb this season.

Forward: Nicolas Jackson – Chelsea

Nicolas Jackson’s doubters are getting quieter by the week. The Senegalese striker has been unplayable at times this season and was at his best in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Newcastle.

His movement continually dragged defenders out of position to create space, with sharp spins away from markers and good hold-up. He took his goal clinically, for his sixth league goal in nine games.

Forward: Chris Wood – Nottingham Forest

Chris Wood just cannot stop scoring right now and bagged a brilliant brace to down former side Leicester this weekend. Nottingham Forest took the bragging rights in their East Midlands match-up, with Wood on target twice.

It’s easy to forget that Forest tried and failed to sign a striker in the summer, with Wood proving he is the man to lead the line for Nuno Espirito Santo. The New Zealander has seven goals in nine games and is approaching 10+ Premier League goals in a season for the sixth time.

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