Premier League Team of the Week VII feat. Spurs and Chelsea stars

Add as preferred source on Google

Goalkeeper: Lee Grant (Stoke City)

In only his second ever appearance in top-flight football,  Grant’s performance was excellent and he helped preserve a point for Stoke City in the daunting arena of Old Trafford, making eight saves to keep the Red Devils at bay – the joint-most by any goalkeeper in a single Premier League game so far this season. He showed no signs of nerves and seemed unfazed by the bumper crowd, always looking to be in command of his box.

Were it not for Anthony Martial’s stunning finish, he may well have walked away with a clean sheet due to United’s sheer wastefulness in front of goal. When called upon however, he produced for a Potters side who were in desperate need of a positive result.

Right-Back: Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)

Kyle Walker’s presence in the Spurs rear-guard was vital as they set about ending Manchester City’s 100% record under Pep Guardiola. He made five tackles in total throughout the match against Man City, and ensured winger Jesus Navas had no joy on the flank, and his energy and influence was evident throughout, his interception beginning the move that led to Erik Lamela’s missed spot-kick.

By then however, the damage was done, and Walker’s constant running of the right flank was vital to Spurs’ cause in quickly shutting down the Citizens and breaking forward quickly.

Centre-Back: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)

Toby Alderweireld also makes the cut after his own performance against Manchester City. He announced his presence early in the second half with a strong tackle on Fernandinho to make it clear Spurs weren’t about to let their lead slip and were out to remain in control for the remainder of the game, and he excelled next to centre-back partner Jan Vertonghen, making 14 clearances from his own box, more than any other Spurs player on the day. Having been so pivotal to the cause last season, it looks highly likely that they will be once again.

Centre-Back: Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)

It would be unjust to include Alderweireld only to leave out his compatriot and partner at the back, Jan Vertonghen. This was a Tottenham side without Harry Kane or Moussa Dembélé and they were still able to contain Manchester City and essentially beat them at their own game.

Vertonghen made two blocks, two tackles and 10 clearances to help the hosts preserve victory and become the first-team not only to beat Guardiola’s Manchester City, but also to prevent them from scoring, a remarkable statistic given how City have been playing under the Spaniard.

Left-Back: James Milner (Liverpool)

Still in the unfamiliar role of left-back, the England international is managing to make the position his own. With nine goals and 12 assists since the start of last season, he has had a hand in more goals than any other Liverpool player and showed calm and composure once again to pull Liverpool out of the fire with a Panenka penalty to win the game at Swansea.