Premier League: Team of the week

• Arsenal kept up their title defence, while Bournemouth and Everton picked up crucial victories
• We look at this week’s Team of the week

After putting on a gallant display at Fulham, Arsenal kept up their title defence, while Bournemouth and Everton picked up crucial victories in the increasingly close race for the bottom spot.

While Chelsea continued their recent mini-revival under Graham Potter, Newcastle and Spurs improved their chances of finishing in the top four by capitalizing on mishaps from Manchester United and Liverpool.

We look at this week’s Team of the week.

Goalkeeper: Gavin Bazunu – Southampton

Gavin Bazunu has struggled in his first Premier League season, but his performance as a man of the match in Southampton’s goalless draw at Manchester United demonstrated his promise.

At Old Trafford, the 21-year-old produced multiple saves to help his team secure a point. He used his strong right hand to block a shot from Marcus Rashford and his fingernails to save Bruno Fernandes’ goal-bound shot.

The Irish international has now kept three clean sheets across four games and has only conceded one goal since Ruben Selles was appointed manager. This will give the summer signing a tremendous confidence boost because he is still young and learning his trade at this level.

Right-back: Pedro Porro – Tottenham

Pedro Porro.|PHOTO: Sky Sports|

In the 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest, Pedro Porro put on his best performance for Tottenham so far, overcoming the challenges of his difficult debut. The right-back won five duels, completed three crucial passes, and assisted Harry Kane for his maiden goal for the north Londoners.

Porro had given Spurs life off the bench as Antonio Conte’s team exited the Champions League in midweek, and his most recent contribution was helpful as the team strives to secure qualification for the competition in the upcoming season. His delivery for Kane’s goal was of the calibre that Spurs’ wingbacks have frequently lacked this year.

Centre-back: Marcos Senesi – Bournemouth

The centre-back was a key component on both sides of the field as Bournemouth defeated Liverpool, rising to the challenge of stopping a Liverpool frontline that had been prolific against Manchester United the previous weekend.

Senesi played flawlessly as the Cherries won 1-0, moving Gary O’Neill’s team off the bottom of the Premier League standings.

Should Bournemouth fall short in their struggle for survival, the Argentine has adapted well to English football and possesses qualities that will draw interest.

Centre-back: Michael Keane – Everton

When Sean Dyche became Everton’s manager in January, Michael Keane’s future with the club seemed to be in jeopardy, but now it seems as though he will stay. Keane and Dyche were coworkers at Burnley, and the 30-year-old defender has been reintegrated into the Everton squad as the manager has taken advantage of the defender’s aerial skills in recent games.

In his struggle with the strong Ivan Toney, Keane prevailed, claiming a number of headers and amassing a number of clearances. Everton’s victory was unremarkable, but you get the impression Dyche would have preferred it that way.

Left-back: Ben Chilwell – Chelsea

Ben Chilwell. Photo/ Sports Brief.

Chelsea is beginning to find their feet under Graham Potter and secured a third win inside a week after beating Leicester at the King Power Stadium. Ben Chilwell continued his impressive return to action with the opening goal, scoring a brilliant volley against his former side.

Chilwell shone in a wing-back role that brings the best of his talent going forward and relished scoring against his old employers after boos from the home crowd.

Midfield: Rodri – Manchester City

Manchester City kept up the pressure on the league’s leaders Arsenal with a tenacious victory at Crystal Palace. The champions had to wait until a late breakthrough at Selhurst Park.

Rodri led the game in touches, passes, dribbles, possession, and duels won while others around him played below their potential. This performance highlighted his significance to this team.

Midfield: Philip Billing – Bournemouth

Billing celebrates after scoring against Liverpool. |PHOTO: Eurosport|

Bournemouth defeated Liverpool 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium, bringing them back to reality.

Philip Billing, who scored the deciding goal with his sixth of the season after netting one of the Premier League’s quickest goals the previous weekend, was key to their win.

Right-wing: Dango Ouattara – Bournemouth

Dango Ouattara gave a standout performance in a decisive victory for Bournemouth as he maintained his good transition to the Premier League.

The Lorient player who joined Bournemouth in January was a threat to the opposing defence because of his lightning-quick pace, which caused issues for Liverpool’s high defensive line. Bournemouth successfully used passes into Ouattara to take advantage of the space left by Andy Robertson.

Left-wing: Leandro Trossard – Arsenal

Leandro Trossard. |PHOTO: Goal|

The Belgian contributed a hat-trick of assists in Arsenal‘s 3-0 victory over Fulham to mark his comeback to the team. Trossard has already recorded five assists in five league starts since joining from Brighton in the winter transfer window, and he made league history by becoming the first player to record three assists in the first 45 minutes of an away game.

Forward: Harry Kane – Tottenham

Tottenham kept hold of a top-four spot against Nottingham Forest thanks to two goals from Harry Kane. Tottenham replied with a convincing victory to take advantage of errors from Liverpool, Manchester United, and Brighton after a challenging week that ultimately sealed another season without a trophy.