This week in the Premier League has been marked by a series of surprises and exciting moments. Arsenal celebrated a striking 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in Mikel Arteta’s 250th match as manager. Leicester City suffered another defeat, resulting in the parting of head coach Steve Cooper. The weekend also saw two players, Justin Devenny (Crystal Palace) and Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal), score their first-ever Premier League goals.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal (right) celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Disciplinary action featured prominently, with red cards shown to Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion) and Christian Nørgaard (Brentford). Wolves delivered a statement performance, securing their first away win of the season with an astonishing 4-1 win over Fulham. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s remarkable 52-game home unbeaten streak was ended by Tottenham Hotspur, marking Pep Guardiola’s unprecedented fifth consecutive loss as a manager. Ruben Amorim’s debut as Manchester United manager concluded in a hard-fought draw against Ipswich.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Christian Norgaard of Brentford interacts with match referee Chris Kavanagh after being shown a red card during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Brentford FC at Goodison Park on November 23, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Overall, it was an exciting weekend for football fans, filled with drama, records being broken, and eye-catching performances. Here is my Team of the Week, highlighting the best players who made the biggest effect in this week’s Premier League action.

Goalkeeper

Tottenham Hotspur’s Italian goalkeeper #01 Guglielmo Vicario (L) fights for the ball Manchester City’s Brazilian midfielder #26 Savinho during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on November 23, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham Hotspur): Vicario delivered an outstanding performance in goal for Tottenham, demonstrating resilience and skill with five crucial saves to secure a clean sheet. Following recent criticism and an own goal during the international break against France, his response was emphatic, silencing his critics. His efforts were key in making Tottenham the first team this season to prevent Manchester City from finding the back of the net.

Defenders

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and West Ham United FC at St James’ Park on November 25, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham): Wan-Bissaka showcased his versatility by contributing both defensively and offensively for West Ham. Typically not known for his goal-scoring ability, Wan-Bissaka seized his opportunity with precision, driving a low, powerful shot across the box to secure West Ham’s second goal of the evening and end a three-year scoring drought. It marked his first goal for the Hammers and only the third of his career.

Defensively, he was influential in preserving a clean sheet, neutralising Alexander Isak, who had scored in every prior meeting with West Ham. The victory was historic for the Hammers, being their first win over Newcastle since 2021.

West Ham seem to thrive on Monday nights, having won eight of their last nine games played on that day. Wan-Bissaka’s outstanding performance proved transformative in securing this result.

IPSWICH, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Dara O’Shea of Ipswich Town runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Marcus Rashford of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Manchester United FC at Portman Road on November 24, 2024 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town): O’Shea met Manchester United this weekend and emerged as the standout performer in Ipswich’s defence. He recorded the most tackles in the match with three and won a remarkable 75% of his challenges (3/4). Despite Manchester United finding the net early in the 2nd minute, O’Shea ensured they were kept at bay for the remainder of the game.

He was flawless in duels, winning 100% of his battles both on the ground (5/5) and in the air (5/5). O’Shea’s consistent excellence has been vital in Ipswich’s recent unbeaten run of three games, solidifying his role as a main figure in their defensive setup.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: James Tarkowski of Everton gives a thumbs up during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Brentford FC at Goodison Park on November 23, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

James Tarkowski (Everton): Tarkowski played a pivotal role in securing another clean sheet for Everton this season. Despite the team facing boos from the fans, the defence was far from the source of frustration.

Tarkowski was very important, producing an impressive 91% pass accuracy (50/55). His ability to transition from defence to attack stood out, with 32 successful forward passes, including 19 in the attacking third. Defensively, he was a rock, recording eight clearances and three blocks, while also dominating in the air winning 83% of his aerial duels (5/6).

Although Everton will feel unfulfilled with only a draw, the defence and Tarkowski can take pride in their strong display.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Etihad Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur): Porro stands out as the second defender in this team to score over the weekend. His goal came in the 52nd minute, after an assist from Solanke that left him unmarked, allowing him to fire a superb strike into the top corner. The goal provided Tottenham with a commanding position against Manchester City, setting the stage for the victory that marked his former club’s fifth consecutive defeat.

Porro’s contributions extended beyond his attacking prowess, as he played a significant role in securing the clean sheet. He delivered an inspiring defensive performance, recording six recoveries and seven clearances to help see the game through.

Midfielders

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Chelsea FC at The King Power Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Enzo Fernández (Chelsea): Fernández was handed a golden opportunity by Enzo Maresca on his return to Leicester, earning his first start since early October, and he seized it with a stellar performance. The midfielder played an essential role, scoring the decisive goal and assisting the opener, propelling Chelsea to within one point of Manchester City.

Fernández opened his scoring account for the season by reacting swiftly to a parried effort, heading the rebound into the net. His assist marked his fifth in the last three matches across all competitions, highlighting his creative influence. As the focal point of Chelsea’s attacking play, Fernández created a game-high three chances, driving his team forward. Chelsea now heads into their next fixture having won six of their first 12 league matches, buoyed by his impactful display.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Joao Gomes of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Craven Cottage on November 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

João Gomes (Wolverhampton Wanderers): Gomes played a fundamental role in orchestrating a stunning comeback for his side against Fulham this weekend. He initiated the turnaround by scoring a momentous goal, set up by his Brazilian teammate Matheus Cunha. Later, Gomes repaid the favour, providing the assist for Cunha’s strike in the 87th minute to secure Wolves’ third goal of the match.

Anchoring the midfield with authority, Gomes won the most duels (10), showcasing both his defensive solidity and attacking impact. His all-around performance was instrumental in extending Wolves’ unbeaten run from three games to four.

TOPSHOT – Tottenham Hotspur’s Spanish defender #23 Pedro Porro (R) celebrates with Tottenham Hotspur’s English midfielder #10 James Maddison and teammates after scoring his team third goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on November 23, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur): Maddison unforgettably celebrated his 28th birthday. Trusted by Ange Postecoglou in the manager’s milestone 50th Premier League game, Maddison delivered a performance to remember. The midfielder, returning to the starting lineup, netted the fastest-ever brace (within 20 minutes) by an away player against the reigning Premier League champions.

From the kick-off, Maddison set the tone in a high-scoring encounter where he was unstoppable. Manchester City struggled to contain him, with Maddison drawing the highest amount of fouls (5). Having stayed with the club during the recent international break, he seemed determined to make his mark, proving to all that he is a force to be reckoned with.

Attackers

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Vitality Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

João Pedro (Brighton and Hove Albion): Pedro marked his return to starting football in style after being sidelined with an ankle injury. The forward made an immediate impact, scoring with a clinical poacher’s finish and delivering a pinpoint assist to set up Kaoru Mitoma.

Despite being substituted in the 64th minute, Pedro had already laid the groundwork for his team’s success, providing them with an imperative two-goal advantage to defend for the remainder of the match, which they did.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers goal celebration after scoring during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Craven Cottage on November 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)

Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton Wanderers): It’s no surprise that Wolves boast the highest goal tally among the bottom nine teams with Matheus Cunha leading the line. This weekend, Cunha delivered yet another terrific performance, scoring twice and adding a clever assist to his tally.

His first goal was a masterclass in control and finesse, as he expertly brought down Mario Lemina’s lobbed pass before slotting it home. The second was equally amazing- a powerful, curling strike from outside the box that left Bernd Leno with no chance.

Cunha is in red-hot form, scoring seven goals in Wolves’ last four games. He’s also closing in on club records, becoming only the second Wolves player to score in four consecutive games, a feat last achieved by Steven Fletcher in 2012.

Thanks to Cunha’s brilliance, Wolves secured their first away win of the season and handed Fulham just their second loss of the campaign.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary’s Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Salah proved to be Liverpool’s saviour once again, delivering a match-winning performance in what could potentially be his final campaign at the club. Despite a shaky team showing, Salah’s two conclusive goals secured the victory, elevating him to second in the Premier League’s top scorer rankings, only behind Erling Haaland.

His second goal marked a significant milestone- his 100th away goal in all competitions for Liverpool. Salah’s influence has been undeniable, directly contributing to 16 of Liverpool’s 24 Premier League goals this season.

With Liverpool now sitting eight points clear, the club would be silly not to reward their talisman with a new contract, underscoring his irreplaceable value to the team.

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