Premier League Team of the Week: Round 29

This Team of the Week is fairly unique in the sense it was a matchday split over multiple weeks. The fixtures played in midweek were the rearranged ties from matchday 29 and this is why the XI looks the way it does with two Fulham players making the cut for their performances in the 3-0 win over Spurs from the middle of March. With this in mind, here is your XI.

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

The 30-year-old shot-stopper played his part in Everton’s first Merseyside derby victory at Goodison Park in 14 years.

Pickford made seven saves and faced shots with an Expected Goals on Target value of over 1.25 in a showing that earned him an 8.7 FotMob rating. He kept a vital clean sheet in a win that all but guarantees Premier League survival for the Toffees.

Right-Back: Ben White

White, rather surprisingly, stole the show for Arsenal in their big win over Chelsea on Tuesday evening. The right-back was given a FotMob rating of 9.3 for his performance against Mauricio Pochettino’s side having scored two goals while also creating three chances at the Emirates. The England international won 100% of his tackles and 80% of his ground duels.

Centre-Back: Marcos Senesi

The Argentine defender was impressive in Bournemouth’s 1-0 win over Wolves on Wednesday. The 26-year-old won the most tackles (4) and the most duels (11) of any player in the match. Senesi also created one big chance and hit the woodwork with one of his four attempts at Molineux.

Centre-Back: Jarrad Branthwaite

Branthwaite put in a shift for the Toffees against Liverpool. The Manchester United transfer target scored the opener for Everton and bossed things defensively. The 21-year-old won 100% of his tackles, 100% of his ground duels and 67% of his aerial duels. He also recovered the ball on five occasions and made eight clearances in total at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening.

Left-Back: Antonee Robinson

The marauding full-back impressed in Fulham’s convincing 3-0 win over Spurs. Robinson claimed an assist having created a big chance. He also completed three of his five dribbles, recovered the ball on nine occasions and won five of his nine duels in what was an all action, well rounded display.

Midfield: Martin Ødegaard

The Arsenal skipper was at his creative best against Chelsea. Odegaard claimed two assists having created eight chances for teammates in a win that ensured the Gunners remained at the top of the Premier League table. The No. 8 completed 88% of his passes and finished with an Expected Assists tally of 1.39. The Blues had no idea how to deal with him.

Midfield: Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes was once again captain fantastic for Manchester United as he helped the Red Devils come from behind twice at Old Trafford against Sheffield United. The former Sporting midfielder scored twice and chipped in with an assist. The 29-year-old created nine chances against the Blades, including two big chances, while having a total of five shots in what was a dominant display.

Midfield: Phil Foden

Foden has levelled up this season for Manchester City. The City No. 47 scored twice in the 4-0 win over Brighton to take his haul for the season in the Premier League to 16. The 23-year-old also created the most chances (three) of any player on the pitch while completing 93% of his passes. It was a dominant showing.

Attack: Kai Havertz

Havertz haunted his former side in Arsenal’s emphatic 5-0 win over Chelsea. The versatile forward found the back of the net on two occasions. He also created two chances on Tuesday evening and had 10 touches in the opposition penalty area. He’s now on 11 goals for the season and it is the first time he’s hit double figures in the Premier League.

Attack: Jean-Philippe Mateta

Mateta has found form over recent weeks. His double against Newcastle United now means he’s scored seven goals in his last seven outings for Crystal Palace. The centre-forward put in a shift against the Magpies, attempting five dribbles and involving himself in an astonishing 21 duels.

Attack: Rodrigo Muniz

Muniz had three shots against Spurs and scored two goals. One of the surprise packages of the season, the 22-year-old was a constant menace during his time on the pitch and added value to his efforts with his shot placement. The 8.7 FotMob rating was more than justified.