Premier League team of the week – The Irish News

Manchester City cast aside their off-field issues and Chelsea turned on the style as the Premier League returned from the international break.

Here, the Press Association looks at the weekend’s stand-out performers.

Walter Benitez (Crystal Palace)

“I can’t remember too much because the ball was so fast, so close,” Benitez told Sky Sports about his staggering point-blank block from Liam Delap, the pick of his four saves as Palace won their grudge match with Nottingham Forest.

Abdoul Ouattara (Ipswich)

The full-back’s first Premier League goal was one to remember as he fired home from long range in the 88th minute to spark Ipswich’s late fightback against Fulham.

Chris Richards (Crystal Palace)

The American anchored a solid defensive effort and was named as Sky’s man of the match – only to hand the award straight back to keeper Benitez.

Dara O’Shea (Ipswich)

Headed home in stoppage time to join defensive colleague Ouattara on the scoresheet and earn a dramatic victory.

Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)

Another goalscorer from defence as the full-back linked up with Arsenal’s attackers to grab an equaliser shortly after Leeds had taken the lead.

Jordan Henderson (Chelsea)

The 36-year-old scored a rare brace and had already recorded a goal and an assist before the clock hit three minutes – only Emile Heskey has ever done so quicker in a Premier League match.

Elliot Anderson (Manchester City)

The England midfielder has been a revelation since his summer move to City and was everywhere as they put their off-field issues to one side in a cathartic win at Anfield.

Sidiki Cherif (Coventry)

The French teenager, signed from Angers this summer, set the tone and won a first-half penalty before opening his account for the club on his first start.

Morgan Rogers (Chelsea)

Scored one of Chelsea’s five goals from Henderson’s early assists, and was influential all around the pitch.

Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)

The winger only played 35 minutes at Anfield but his contribution changed the game, drawing a foul for Ryan Gravenberch’s second yellow card before curling home a delightful goal.

Joao Pedro (Chelsea)

The striker’s two second-half goals made it an emphatic scoreline for Chelsea against Bournemouth and only Erling Haaland has scored more top-flight goals this season.



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