Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez (Chelsea)
The much-maligned Robert Sanchez pulled off an important performance against Arsenal, keeping Chelsea’s slim title hopes in contention. The Spaniard made a string of necessary saves from Arsenal’s front three to stop the onslaught following Moises Caicedo’s dismissal. His first-half save from Martinelli was particularly impressive.
Defence: Malick Thiaw (Newcastle)
Thiaw has quietly emerged as one of the signings of the season having arrived from Milan over the summer. Against Everton, the German’s two goals – including the opener within a minute – set Newcastle on their way to pick up the three points away from home.
Defence: Odilon Kossounou (Atalanta)
Atalanta have had a poor season to date, with only two league wins before their much-needed 2-0 win over Fiorentina. Ivorian centre-back Kossounou deceived De Gea with a whipped cross / shot that flew into the far corner to open the scoring.
Defence: Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan)
Milan remained top of the table after a tense 1-0 home victory over Lazio. Tomori won eight duels and four tackles, as well as setting up Rafael Leão for the only goal of the game.
Midfield: Reece James (Chelsea)
When fit, there are few better than Reece James. Deployed in a central defensive midfield role, the Chelsea captain dropped a MOTM performance, covering every blade of grass and being involved at both ends of the pitch. His inswinging corner was expertly flicked on by Trevoh Chalobah over David Raya.
Midfield: Phil Foden (Man City)
Foden is showing glimpses of being back to his best. In a rare goalless game from Erling Haaland, Foden stepped up with goals in both the first minute and in added time, sealing a 3-2 win over Leeds. Aside from his goals, he was a constant creative force throughout and showed his critics why Guardiola is right to rate him so highly, despite his prolonged quiet periods.
Midfield: Alberto Moleiro (Villarreal)
When Alberto Moleiro scored his first goal of the day just before the hour mark, Villarreal looked on their way to securing an impressive away win over Real Sociedad. The home side had different ideas, with goals from Soler and Barrenetxea bringing the scores level late on. But it was Moleiro and Villarreal who had the last laugh with a 90+5th winner following a goalmouth scramble.
Midfield: Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
Barcelona’s defensive frailties are well-documented, but at the other end of the pitch, their breadth of goalscorers will serve them well. This time around it was Dani Olmo who chipped in with a brace, saving Barca’s blushes having conceded in the first minute. With Fermín López nursing another muscle injury, now is the time for Olmo to try and cement that starting central attacking midfield role.
Forward: Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
Serie A’s intriguing title race continued with the top three all winning over the weekend. Lautaro Martinez scored a second-half brace to secure the points away at Pisa, who now reside in the relegation zone.
Forward: David Neres (Napoli)
How important could that win be at the end of the season? David Neres scored the only goal of the game as Napoli came away with three points over title rivals Roma. His goal came off the back of a rapid counter-attack and smart one-two with Rasmus Hojlund. It was only Neres’ third goal of the season, but the importance of it can’t be overstated.
Forward: Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)
Juventus are hanging onto the coattails of the title favourites following a slow start to the season, but they’re now five games unbeaten. Young starlet Yildiz scored either side of half-time, thriving as an inside forward in Spalletti’s 3-4-2-1 formation.
