Premier League: The team of the week

• An exciting weekend of Premier League action was highlighted by Liverpool’s comeback victory against Newcastle.
• Here are the players that impressed over the weekend.

An exciting weekend of Premier League action was highlighted by Liverpool’s comeback victory against Newcastle. The Reds overcame Virgil van Dijk’s sending-off to overtake Newcastle late in the game at St. James’ Park.

Here are the players that impressed over the weekend.

GK: Alphonse Areola (West Ham)

Alphonse Areola. Photo/Hammers News

By giving another outstanding demonstration of his shot-stopping skills at Brighton, Alphonse Areola has demonstrated why David Moyes made the choice to become West Ham’s starting goalkeeper this season.

Despite giving up 78% of the ball to the Seagulls, Areola’s goalkeeping and a shrewd counterattacking strategy allowed West Ham to defeat Brighton 3-1 at the Amex Stadium.

Areola overcame an early lapse to maintain composure in the face of Brighton pressure and made nine stops, including a magnificent powerful hand to turn away Evan Ferguson’s ferocious close-range attempt.

RB: Matty Cash (Aston Villa)

Aston Villa achieved their third straight victory in all competitions at Burnley after an amazing comeback from their initial weekend humiliation at Newcastle.

At Turf Moor, Unai Emery’s team defeated the Clarets 3-1 with ease, with Matty Cash emerging as the unexpected hero with a brace. Cash, who played at a position more forward than he is accustomed to, scored the game’s opening goal for Villa, then added another by capping off a superb team move that included clever partnership play with Moussa Diaby.

CB: Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace)

Although Andersen’s equalizer against Brentford will garner most of the attention, the Crystal Palace center-back excelled in every facet of the team’s 1-1 draw with the Bees.

One of the greatest long-range passers in the Premier League, the Danish international played strong defense against Brentford.

CB: Micky van de Ven (Tottenham)

Micky van de Ven. Photo/Sporting Life

With a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth, Spurs maintained their unblemished record under Ange Postecoglou, continuing their strong start under the Australian coach in north London.

The Dutch defender has balanced the defense alongside Cristian Romero by carrying the ball with assurance and being a powerful runner both in and out of possession.

LB: Destiny Udogie (Tottenham)

Udogie has been an excellent left-side outlet over the first few weeks of the season, and he followed up a standout performance against Manchester United with a solid display against Bournemouth. The 20-year-old created Dejan Kulusevki’s goal by driving infield, connecting with Son Heung-min, and crossing for the Swede to score.

CM: Rodri (Manchester City)

Rodri. Photo/ Complete Sports Nigeria.

Rodri has earned quite a reputation for saving Manchester City in critical situations, and the Spaniard this weekend against Sheffield United saved the champions. With barely two minutes of regulation time left, the hero of the Champions League final blasted home an emphatic winner after Jayden Bogle was thought to have saved a point for the Blades earlier.

CM: Joao Palhinha (Fulham)

Joao Palhinha, who has established himself as an important and well-liked character in West London since joining Fulham, was retained by the club this summer despite competition from West Ham.

Last season, the Portugal international topped the Premier League in duels won and tackles made. He has continued in a similar manner this year, winning most of his duels as Fulham gained a 2-2 draw against Arsenal this past weekend.

CM: James Maddison (Tottenham)

James Maddison. Photo/The Irish Times

Since Ange Postecoglou insisted his team play out from the back, Madison was prominently involved throughout and frequently dropped deep to aid in the build-up. The England international scored his first goal against Bournemouth and has expressed a desire to inspire the team’s creativity at Spurs. His capacity to flourish on the half-turn seems to be ideal for this side.

RW: Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)

Last week, Raheem Sterling had hints of regaining his best form against West Ham, but in the club’s 3-0 victory against Luton, the Chelsea winger raised the bar even higher.

As the Mauricio Pochettino era got underway, Sterling tormented the Luton defense with slaloming runs and rapid changes in pace and direction, scoring two and setting up another.

ST: Michail Antonio (West Ham)

The current holder of position nine proved he still has a lot left in the tank, despite West Ham’s possible need to add another striker before the transfer deadline. This past weekend, as the Hammers won 3-1 on the south coast, Antonio’s work ethic and strength unnerved Brighton.

James Ward-Prowse scored the opening goal when he bullied Adam Webster off the ball, and the visitors added two more with an excellent turn and finish.

LW: Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)

Darwin Nunez. Photo/Eurosport

After falling down by a goal and losing a player against Newcastle inside the first 28 minutes, Liverpool appeared to be out of it. However, Jurgen Klopp’s team dug deep to stay in the game and accomplish a spectacular comeback.

Darwin Nunez, a substitute who scored a brace and stunned Newcastle with two incredible breakaway goals, emerged as the match’s hero.