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

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

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,

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.