Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan (Milan)
The Derby di Milano rarely disappoints, and this was no exception despite the low scoreline. Mike Maignan made crucial save after save, including a double save to stop Hakan Çalhanoğlu from the penalty spot. The clean sheet powered Milan to a 1-0 win that has seen AC overtake Inter in the title race. 12 games in, only three points separate the top five.
Defence: Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
Liverpool’s woes continue but take nothing away from Dyche’s Forest. Murillo scored the opener from a corner, and was part of the organised defensive unit that kept Liverpool’s attack at bay. A Man of the Match performance from the Brazilian.
Defence: Wesley (Roma)
A well-taken goal for Brazilian wing-back Wesley secured the points for Roma and meant the late goal from Cremonese was nothing more than a consolation. It was a rounded performance from Wesley, winning seven duels and being relatively tidy and efficient with the ball in the final third.
Defence: Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea)
A relatively regulation away win for Chelsea. Centre-back Adarabioyo impressed in possession, completing over 100 accurate passes and recording a match-high 125 touches of the ball. Defensively, the Englishman won all six ground duels, as well as four aerial duels and two tackles. A performance that will pique the interest of Thomas Tuchel.
Midfield: Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
A hat-trick in the North London Derby, against the team you were extensively linked to in the summer; Eze and the Arsenal fans will have enjoyed that one. The English midfielder was in scintillating form throughout, and the difficulty of his goals is exhibited by Eze finishing the game with an xG of just 0.66, despite scoring three and having six shots. Looks to be €70m well spent.
Midfield: Tommaso Pobega (Bologna)
Two goals from defensive midfield for Bologna’s Pobega. The Italian isn’t a regular source of goals; not that you’d be able to tell by how well he took his brace. Bologna are very much in the title race, they currently sit in fifth three points off leaders Roma.
Midfield: Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
After an explosive 2024/25, this season had been relatively tame for Morgan Rogers. Against Leeds, he reminded everyone what all the hype was about. His two second-half goals secured a comeback and the three points for a Villa side who have recovered from a slow start to the season. Emery’s men are currently sitting pretty in fourth.
Midfield: Harvey Barnes (Newcastle United)
Eddie Howe secured his first league victory over Manchester City, and he has Harvey Barnes to thank. Deployed on the right of a midfield five, Barnes linked up well with Lewis Hall to overload Matheus Nunes. His goals either side of Rúben Dias’ equaliser were enough to keep the three points at St. James’ Park. Barnes is very much on the fringe of the England setup, but more performances like this could force him into contention for that left-wing spot.
Forward: Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
The best winger in the world right now? Certainly in the conversation. Against Freiburg, Olise came away with two goals and three assists, displaying a full-range of attacking talent that is helping to propel Bayern to the top of the Bundesliga and into contention for the Champions League. The upcoming fixture against Arsenal will be an intriguing battle between defensive strength and free-flowing attacking intent.
Forward: Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
Torres crowned Barcelona’s return to the Spotify Camp Nou with a brace either side of half-time, both assisted by Lamine Yamal. With a goal apiece for Robert Lewandowski and Fermín López, Barcelona’s depth in the attacking department is looking scary. The win saw them temporarily return to the top of the league, before Madrid’s surprise draw against Elche saw them bottle an opportunity to go three points clear.
Forward: Deniz Undav (Stuttgart)
A hat-trick wasn’t enough to secure all three points for Stuttgart away at Dortmund, but it was still an impressive performance from Undav, despite giving away an early penalty for a clumsy challenge. The away side fought back from 2-0 down and 3-2 down, with Undav’s final equaliser coming in injury time.
