SoccerClub selects the Premier League Team of the Week as Sergio Aguero and Benjamin Mendy shine in Manchester City’s Huddersfield demolition, while Glen Murray and Shane Duffy star in a historic win over Manchester United, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Formation 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Neil Etheridge (Cardiff City)
The Philippines international was the hero for Cardiff City as his late penalty save ensured his team kept a clean sheet and earned their first point of the season.
2 – Neil Etheridge is only the second goalkeeper to save a penalty in both of his first two Premier League appearances, after Erik Thorstvedt for Tottenham in August 1992. Stopper. pic.twitter.com/1F6sZZRRHj
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 18, 2018
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Right back: Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur)
The English right back started his first game of the season after returning from his World Cup heroics. Trippier impressed in Russia by not only showing great defensive and attacking ability, but also made his mark as an expert set-piece taker. Trippier was at it again this time for Spurs, as he arrowed a second-half free kick into the top corner to help guide his side to a 3-1 victory over Fulham.
Centre back: Steve Cook (AFC Bournemouth)
Steve Cook produced a standout performance as he helped guide his side to a 2-1 win away at West Ham. The Cherries may have gone a goal behind early on but within the space of six minutes in the second half, Cook set up Callum Wilson to score the equaliser before rising highest to head home the winner.
Centre back: Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion)
The Brighton captain put in a true leader’s performance as his team produced the early season shock, beating Manchester United 3-2 at the Amex Stadium. Not only was Duffy a rock at the back, but he also got forward to great effect, scoring Brighton’s second goal of the game.
Left back: Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City)
The French fullback has been extremely impressive after returning from a major injury last season. Mendy has played with pace and energy that has proved extremely difficult to deal with. He was again one of the star performers against Huddersfield in City’s 6-1 victory as he provided two assists, and an attacking threat throughout.
Right midfield: Theo Walcott (Everton)
The ex-Arsenal man produced arguably his best performance in an Everton shirt over the weekend. Walcott opened the scoring for his team with a good finish before setting up their second in a 2-1 win over Southampton at Goodison Park.
Centre midfield: David Silva (Manchester City)
The Spaniard enjoyed a heart-warming moment before the game as he walked out with his son, who had been born prematurely. Silva used that inspiration to turn on the style for City as he produced a mercurial performance in his side’s 6-1 win over Huddersfield. Silva scored City’s fourth goal with a majestic free kick while threatening throughout.
david silva though 🇪🇸💫 pic.twitter.com/HTzX1olnd5
— CLUB FUTBOL (@ClubFutbolEST15) August 19, 2018
Centre midfield: Will Hughes (Watford)
The young midfielder excelled in the midfield as he helped his Watford side to a hard-fought victory over Burnley at Turf Moor. The Englishman did well to dominate the midfield battle, while he also got his name on the scoresheet, scoring his side’s third goal in a 3-1 win.
Left midfield: Richarlison (Everton)
The former Watford man is continuing to impress in the blue of Everton. After his two goals last week, Richarlison continued his scoring form as he rose highest to head home a Walcott cross in the first half of their 2-1 win over Southampton. The midfielder was also full of tricks as he looked to get the Goodison faithful on their feet.
9 – Sergio Aguero has now scored nine Premier League hat-tricks – only Alan Shearer (11) has scored more in the competition’s history. Phenomenal. pic.twitter.com/CMcjv2Ttdp
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 19, 2018
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Striker: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
The Argentinian striker was the star of the show as his hat-trick fired City to a massive 6-1 win over Huddersfield. Aguero opened the scoring for City before adding another two to pick up the match ball after his ninth Premier League hat-trick, which places him only behind Alan Shearer on the all-time list of most Premier League hat-tricks.
Striker: Glen Murray (Brighton & Hove Albion)
The journeyman striker had a day to remember as he helped fire his Brighton side to a 3-2 victory over Manchester United. Murray opened the scoring with a deft finish on 25 minutes but it was his work rate and hold-up play that really impressed as he did not offer the United defence a second’s rest the entire game.