A number of Watford players feature…
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne celebrates scoring their first goal
In a weekend that saw Jose Mourinho suffer a third-straight defeat as Manchester United manager, and Pep Guardiola extend his winning streak in the blue side of Manchester, we examine the best individual performances of the weekend.
Heurelho Gomes (Watford vs. Manchester United)
Just edging out Sunderland’s young stopper, Jordan Pickford, Gomes gets the nod for his vital save from Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s strong header with the scores tied at 1-1. As well as this match defining moment, Gomes was commanding throughout, refusing to be intimidated on set-pieces and crosses by the physically superior United side.
Sebastian Prödl (Watford vs. Manchester United)
Another eye-catching performances in a Watford shirt this weekend, Prödl took it upon himself to marshal Manchester United’s leading goal-scorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and did a fantastic job to stifle the powerful Swede. Ibrahimovic rarely found time on the ball, and despite his towering frame, was forced off the ball by Prödl on a number of occasions.
Watford’s Sebastian Prodl and Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur vs. Sunderland)
Playing from the left-hand side of defence to occupy the hole left by the injured Danny Rose, Vertonghen put in an assured display. Fearless in possession, and quick to win the ball back, Vertonghen linked well with the impressive Son Heung-min down the left hand side of Tottenham’s attack.
Aleksandar Kolarov (Manchester City vs. AFC Bournemouth)
It seems Pep Guardiola truly does possess the Midas’ touch at the minute, as Kolarov turned-in a domineering performance as Manchester City romped past Premier League minnows, AFC Bournemouth, to their fifth league win of the season.
In true Guardiola fashion, Kolarov lined up in the heart of the Manchester City defence, replacing the impressive John Stones to partner Nicolas Otamendi at the back. Kolarov registered a staggering 103 touches as City’s high pressing pushed Bournemouth back and allowed him to take full control of the match. Kolarov provided an onslaught of attack-minded passes from the back whilst maintaining a solid base at the back. A performance that will give great credence to Guardiola’s mantra of playing from the back.
Jordan Henderson (Liverpool vs. Chelsea)
He doesn’t score often, but when he does, he scores in style. Henderson dictated the play as Liverpool dominated a below-par Chelsea midfield. His work-rate and presence in the middle of the park allowed those around him to flourish, and when Liverpool were screaming for someone to take the game by the horns, Henderson willingly heeded the call.
Etienne Capoue (Watford vs. Manchester United)
It is amazing what confidence can do to a player, now tied with Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in second place on the scoring charts, Capoue capped yet another stellar performance with a goal. Capoue was restless in the middle of the park against Manchester United on Sunday, making sure world-record signing, Paul Pogba had limited time on the ball, and ensuring United didn’t dominate proceedings. Capoue’s powerful play helped Watford turn defence into attack on a number of occasions, and took advantage of a United team who were still licking their wounds after a terrible week.
Nacer Chadli (West Bromwich Albion vs. West Ham United)
Another member of Tottenham’s infamous post-Bale spending spree, Nacer Chadli became West Bromwich Albion’s record signing this summer, and with a stunning performance against West Ham United, looks worth every penny. Chadli had a decent goal-scoring record at Tottenham, and Tony Pulis will be happy that he hasn’t lost the golden touch as he bagged a brace and two assists for his new club. Albion have lacked goals this season, but with the direct running of Chadli, they may have gone some way to break that cycle.
West Bromwich Albion’s Nacer Chadli celebrates scoring their fourth goal
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City vs. AFC Bournemouth)
In a week that saw Jose Mourinho lose three times in a row for the first time since his tenure at Porto, De Bruyne’s excellence in a Manchester City shirt will no doubt rub salt in the wounds of the Manchester United manager, who allowed De Bruyne to leave Chelsea for Vfl Wolfsburg in 2014. The Belgian ace was at it again, running circles around the Bournemouth midfield and providing perfectly weighted pass after perfectly weighted pass. De Bruyne provides a real drive going forward, and with willing runners Raheem Sterling and Kelechi Iheanacho in front of him, produced the performance of the week.
Raheem Sterling (Manchester City vs. AFC Bournemouth)
The third Manchester City player to make the Team of the week, Raheem Sterling was a constant thorn in the sides of the Bournemouth defence. Guardiola has seemingly given Sterling his belief back, and with a host of world-class players around him, Sterling is holding his own at the Etihad. With a goal and assist to his name, Sterling just edges out Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi.
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal vs. Hull City)
Starting up-front for the second time this week, Sanchez provided a terrific outlet for his team and finished the match with a brace. With his non-stop running and willingness to hound the Hull City defence, Sanchez found a perfect balance between dropping in-between the lines and pushing on to the last defender. Sanchez will perhaps look back at the weekend with a touch of disappointment as he missed his first-half penalty, but his all-round performance was fantastic an ensured Arsene Wenger’s men left the KWOC Stadium with all three points.
Islam Slimani (Leicester City vs. Burnley)
After a difficult debut against Club Brugge on Wednesday, Slimani was much improved on his introduction to English football.
Slimani provided a different kind of outlet to Jamie Vardy, and whilst he doesn’t have the work-rate of Okazaki, his aerial presence caused Burnley a host of problems. Slimani bagged a brace on his Premier League debut, and Leicester City will be hoping after two big wins this week, the club can recapture the form that made them Premier League champions last season.
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