Best and worst combined XIs as Brighton stun Manchester United on Matchday two

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Another Premier League weekend is over.

More drama and plenty more talking points. Was this weekend the beginning of the end for José Mourinho at Manchester United? Could City be about to run away with the Premier League title yet again? Are West Ham in trouble this season?

It’s still very early days, but, of course, some players are impressing more than others. Here are our best and worst combined XIs from Premier League gameweek two.

The Best

Neil Etheridge

Goalkeeper, Cardiff City

Saved a stoppage-time penalty, his second of the season already, to secure Cardiff’s first point of the season. Only Ben Hamer (9) and Fabri (8) made more saves this weekend but still conceded a combined nine goals between them. All Etheridge was missing from this commanding clean sheet was an Ederson style assist.

Key Stat: Etheridge is only the second goalkeeper to save a penalty in both of his first two Premier League games.

Kieran Trippier

Defender, Spurs

Kieran Tripper got himself on the scoresheet with a free-kick reminiscent of that which he scored in the World Cup semi-final against Croatia. Arguably England’s most creative outlet in Russia, Tripper continued that fine work here as he got up and down the touchline and always gave Fulham left-back Joe Bryan something to think about – he produced more crosses (14) than any other player this weekend.

Key Stat: Kieran Trippier is the first Spurs player to score from a direct free-kick in the Premier League since Christian Eriksen in October 2015.

Shane Duffy

Defender, Brighton

After being totally dominated by Troy Deeney and Andre Gray in Brighton’s opening day defeat to Watford, Shane Duffy will have been demanding an improvement in his own game against Manchester United. That is exactly what the Irish international got against the Red Devils with Duffy being the defensive base that allowed Brighton’s attackers to cause mayhem further forward.

Key Stat: Duffy’s goal was his first in all competitions since February 2017.

Steve Cook

Defender, Bournemouth

Bournemouth did tremendously well in coming from behind to win against West Ham at the London Stadium and that was in no small part down to the performance of Steve Cook. The 27-year-old was not only imperious at the back, he was also a thorn in the side of Manuel Pellegrini’s side going forward as he provided a goal and an assist.

Key Stat: Alongside a goal and an assist, Cook made more clearances (11) than any other player on the pitch.

Benjamin Mendy

Defender, Manchester City

As if Manchester City needed to get any better than they already were, Benjamin Mendy’s return to fitness has added a whole dimension to Pep Guardiola’s side. Another assist against Huddersfield, Mendy’s marauding runs down the left caused the Terriers no end of trouble as the Citizens breezed past David Wagner’s side.

Key Stat: Benjamin Mendy’s 12 crosses from open play were the most in a single Premier League game by a Man City player since last season.

Davy Pröpper

Midfielder, Brighton

A lot of focus, at the moment, is on midfield pivots and players anchoring the middle of the park. Against Manchester United on Sunday, Davy Propper absolutely excelled in that role. His defensive discipline stifled United’s creative players and gave Brighton’s other midfielders greater licence to be adventurous in possession.

Key Stat: Davy Propper’s seven tackles against Manchester United was the joint-most in the Premier League at the weekend.

Will Hughes

Midfielder, Watford

Watford were wonderful in sweeping aside Burnley at the weekend, continuing a positive start to the season so far. One of the brightest sparks for the Hornets on Sunday was Will Hughes – the central midfielder looked assured in possession, creative in the final third and got himself on the scoresheet with a fantastic solo goal.

Key Stat: No player made more tackles (6) or created more chances (2) at Turf Moor than Will Hughes.

David Silva

Midfielder, Manchester City

Like a fine wine, David Silva just keeps getting better and better with age. Any fears of Manchester City missing Kevin De Bruyne were allayed as the little Spaniard worked in tandem with the likes of Bernardo Silva and Sergio Aguero to tear the Huddersfield defence apart. Silva’s passing game in this mauling was a wonder to behold.

Key Stat: Silva was the joint-most creative player in the Premier League at the weekend, setting up six chances for his teammates.

Sergio Aguero

Forward, Manchester City

This was Sergio Agüero at his best. Scary. A brilliant hat-trick and a fantastic performance. City boss Pep Guardiola didn’t hold back with his praise for the Argentina striker after the game, either, telling Sky Sports “Since I’ve been here, I’ve never seen him like this. The spirit since he came back from the holidays after the World Cup… he is in incredible condition.” More of this and the rest of the Premier League is in trouble.

Key Stat: Sergio Aguero’s hat-trick was his ninth in the Premier League, the joint-second most of all-time.

Richarlison

Forward, Everton

The money that Everton spent on the former Watford star raised a few eyebrows, but it looks like it may be money well spent. Richarlison netted his third goal in two games against Southampton on Saturday and terrorised the Saints’ backline throughout. If he can stay fit, he might just fire Everton to a very impressive first season under Marco Silva.

Key Stat: Richarlison has scored with each of his first three shots for Everton. He’s also only the third Everton player (after Brian McBride and Romelu Lukaku) to score three goals in his first two Premier League games for the club.

Glenn Murray

Forward, Brighton

Chris Hughton strengthened his attacking options with some big signings this summer, but it’s Glenn Murray who continues to produce for the Seagulls. The forward led Brighton to a hugely significant victory over Manchester United on Sunday, taking his goal in a way that you might expect from a player on the opposite side to his and dominating Bailly and Lindelof throughout.

Key Stat: Glenn Murray now has a Premier League goal against five of the ‘big-six’ clubs.

The Worst

Ben Hamer

Goalkeeper, Huddersfield Town

It was an extremely tough Sunday afternoon for Ben Hamer at The Etihad, but who can blame him? The former Leicester keeper actually made the most saves out of any goalkeeper in the league this weekend, but he still conceded six.

Unfortunately, he was at fault for a number of City’s goals. Ederson’s assist for Aguero’s first goal was incredible, but should Hamer have been so far off his line? He was then beaten at his near post for Gabriel Jesus’ strike and, of course, spilled for Aguero’s second of the afternoon. Luckily, the 30-year-old won’t be up against Manchester City’s front line every week this season.

Key Stat: Ben Hamer’s nine goals conceded is the most of any goalkeeper in the Premier League this season so far. He also has the fourth lowest save percentage in the league.

Eric Bailly

Defender, Manchester United

Bailly was so far off the pace against Brighton it was frightening. He has a point to prove this season with José Mourinho unhappy that he wasn’t able to add a top-class centre-back in the summer transfer window.

The Ivorian made rash decisions throughout the game at The AMEX. His poor back pass led to Brighton’s second goal and he certainly wasn’t the most calming presence for any of the other players around him. More of this and United will continue to leak goals this season.

Key Stat: Man Utd have conceded 3+ goals three times under José Mourinho, Eric Bailly is the only defender to feature in all three.

Shkodran Mustafi

Defender, Arsenal

Not the first time he’s been in this XI and, at this rate, we’re not sure it will be the last. Chelsea cut through Arsenal’s backline with ease at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, especially in the early stages of the first half as Mustafi and co. struggled to impose an offside trap.

The German was largely responsible for this, leaving some Arsenal fans questioning why Unai Emery didn’t spend money on a centre-back to replace him this summer. This was all too familiar and major improvements are needed if Mustafi is to become the leading presence at the back for Arsenal this season.

Key Stat: Mustafi committed three fouls against Chelsea, more than any other Arsenal player.

Victor Lindelöf

Defender, Manchester United

The Swedish international is the other centre-back that Mourinho seems to have put his faith in this season, but he looked equally shaky as his partner, Bailly. At the moment, neither of these players look good enough to play for Manchester United or good enough to play under José Mourinho.

It’s telling that Mourinho has opted to play both of the centre-halves he’s signed during his time at United, but at this rate the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo will have to come into the mix. Lindelöf looks a shadow of the player that played a vital role in Sweden’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals in Russia.

Key Stat: Victor Lindelof lost three aerial duels against Brighton, more than any other United player.

Isaac Hayden

Defender, Newcastle United

Quite the cameo, this. Hayden came on for the Magpies at half-time at the Cardiff City Stadium, with Javier Manquillo, who struggled throughout the first half, said to have had an injury.

Hayden is usually a central midfield player and didn’t look like he wanted to be on the pitch at all. Sure enough, around 20 minutes after his introduction, Hayden was off. A lazy, mistimed tackle on Josh Murphy saw Hayden given a straight red card. The former Arsenal midfielder handed in a transfer request in the summer and this ‘performance’ wouldn’t have made him feel any better about his time at Newcastle.

Key Stat: Hayden is the first substitute to be given a straight red card in the Premier League since Hal Robson-Kanu for West Brom in August 2017.

Stephen Ward

Defender, Burnley

A tough afternoon for Burnley, who look like they might struggle to balance Premier League football with a Europa League campaign this season. After two early goals for both them and Watford, the Clarets threatened to extend their lead before half-time. But a collapse in the early stages of the second half saw Watford net twice and wrap up all three points there and then.

Ward was substituted for Charlie Taylor midway through the second half and was not in the good books of many of the home fans at full-time.

Key Stat: Stephen Ward had a lower tackle success rate (50%) than any other Burnley defender vs. Watford.

Granit Xhaka

Midfielder, Arsenal

Another player that many will deem to be responsible for Arsenal’s poor defensive showing in the opening stages of the game at Stamford Bridge. Interestingly, though, it seems Emery felt the same way. Xhaka was hauled off at half-time with Lucas Toreira replacing him.

Questions remain over whether the Swiss international should play in the games against high-pressing opposition. Is he really cut out for a deep-lying midfield role with such a shaky defence behind him? It will be intriguing to see how Emery chooses to use Xhaka as the season progresses.

Key Stat: Granit Xhaka has more Premier League yellow cards than any other player since the start of last season (12).

Mark Noble

Midfielder, West Ham

The Hammers’ midfield is another that looks a bit lightweight at the moment. Manuel Pellegrini opted to use Noble and Jack Wilshere in a two-man midfield against Bournemouth on Saturday and they were overrun throughout.

Noble looked out of his depth against Liverpool in West Ham’s 4-0 opening day defeat at Anfield and struggled again here. Don’t be surprised if Pellegrini changes things up for his side’s trip to the Emirates next weekend.

Key Stat: Mark Noble was dribbled past more times (4) than any other player on the pitch at the London Stadium.

Fred

Midfielder, Manchester United

The Brazilian showed signs of promise in United’s opening day victory against Leicester City, but was noticeably poor at Brighton on Sunday. Many have tipped Fred to give Paul Pogba more freedom in United’s midfield but things certainly didn’t work out that way here.

It’s early days for the former Shakhtar midfielder but more poor decisions and misplaced passes will see him out of this United side in no time. Improvements needed.

Key Stat: Fred has conceded three fouls in each of his Premier League games for Man Utd; Paul Pogba (7) is the only player with more in total.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Forward, Arsenal

A performance that just wasn’t up to scratch. The former Dortmund striker missed a golden opportunity to equalise for the Gunners in the first half at Stamford Bridge but skied over. He then missed another incredible chance later in the game. Alexandre Lacazette is currently being left out of the Arsenal side at the expense of Aubameyang but may not have to wait too long for his chance to impress at this rate.

Unai Emery’s side were looking to the Gabonese striker to provide some quality in the final third for them on Saturday but in reality, it was a game he’ll want to forget about…and quickly.

Key Stat: Only Gabriel Jesus (3) missed more big chances than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2) in the Premier League this weekend; the Brazilian still managing to get on the scoresheet, however.

Kenedy

Forward, Newcastle

Many neutrals would have been quite relieved to see Kenedy’s poor penalty saved by Neil Etheridge in the closing stages of the game at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday. In some ways this was justice, after the Brazilian’s nasty kick out at Victor Camarasa in the first half was not spotted by referee Craig Pawson.

Many felt that Jonjo Shelvey would be the man to step up and take Newcastle’s late penalty, but Rafa Benitez confirmed Kenedy was second on the list after Matt Ritchie had been substituted. His nervy, unconvincing penalty was saved and the Brazilian will not have the fondest of memories of his time at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Key Stat: Kenedy failed to complete a single pass in the first half against Cardiff City, the first player to do so since Nikola Kalinic for Blackburn in 2010.

The post Best and worst combined XIs as Brighton stun Manchester United on Matchday two appeared first on Squawka News.



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