The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsThe two Manchester clubs dominated the top flight of English football for the second week running. United overcame the Southampton challenge at home on Friday night, while City claimed a comfortable away win at tricky Stoke.
Chelsea stole a win late on at Watford, after being a goal behind for much of the second half, whilst Burnley pulled off a shock 2-0 home win against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, and last season’s champions and runners-up are still winless this season following a dire 0-0 draw at the King Power Stadium. The action was decent, and there were a few brilliant performances, this is The Sport Lowdown’s Team of the Week:
GOALKEEPER: Tom Heaton (Burnley)
The former Manchester United man inspired Burnley to pull off the shock result of the week, making five saves in the game and helping his side earn their first points of the season, despite having less than twenty percent of the ball. Credit must go out to the defense as well, but Heaton showed why he is an England international in a fine display.
DEFENDERS: Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur), Curtis Davies (Hull City), Rob Holding (Arsenal), Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Tottenham managed to secure their first win of the season at home against Crystal Palace thanks to Victor Wanyama’s winner. Kyle Walker had a major role to play in the result as he was part of the defence looked more like the title contenders they were last season rather than the one that faltered right at the end. His influence in attack as well as defence was vital for Spurs.
Hull captain Curtis Davies is one of two players to make it on to the Team of the Week after a solid display against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium. He put on a typical display committing tackles, winning headers and making crucial interceptions throughout the game. A key cog in the Hull machine, Davies has been the main man so far for the Tigers as they continue to defy the odds.
Rob Holding was highly criticized for conceding 4 against Liverpool last week but made amends in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw at Leicester. The £2 million signing showed off his abilities making several blocks and winning aerial duels while showing his composure and justifying Arsene Wenger’s decision to start him ahead of Calum Chambers.
Luke Shaw put on a flawless display in his first competitive game at Old Trafford since his horrific injury last September. He linked up well in attack winning the penalty for United and Ibrahimovic’s second goal and was solid in defence, despite a minor error early on. Early stages, but consistency over a long period of time will pay back the £30 million fee that was paid to avail his services in 2014.
MIDFIELDERS: Etienne Capoue (Watford), Tom Huddlestone (Hull City), Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Watford were served with a sucker punch when they were robbed off a result late on, but Etienne Capoue was served with some personal reward. Arguably the best player on the pitch, Capoue scored for the second game running – a fine record in contrast to last season where he scored none. He keeps Watford ticking and is major aspect of Walter Mazzari’s plans.
Tom Huddlestone is a beacon of hope and a fine leader to this Hull City side that overcame Swansea despite having just 13 fit senior players. Three interceptions and two clearances are just two of the fine statistics of Huddlestone’s impressive display. His tenacity and intensity keeps Hull alive as they continue their early fairytale.
Paul Pogba showed exactly why Manchester United paid a world record fee for him in a commanding midfield display. His power, skill and composure were all in fine display to help United to a comfortable win. It’s an early sign of things to come for the United fans and they will hope he can keep up in the Premier League.
FORWARDS: Cristhian Stuani (Middlesbrough), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Cristhian Stuani struck twice in the first Wear-Tees derby in the Premier League in nearly eight years, with the first one being, arguably, the finest goal of the week, while the second was a show of confidence. He linked up well with Alvaro Negredo and the two can form a fearsome partnerhip in attack.
The second player to make it into the Team of the Week for the second succcessive week, ZlatanIbrahimovic is slowly shunning his doubters after his double against Southampton. The 34-year-old scored a bullet of a header for his first and a fine penalty for his second in his Old Trafford bow. He’s only been in the league for 2 weeks but he looks like a man who’s played here for years with his fantastic form.
After missing two penalties in midweek, Sergio Aguero was still on penalty duty and converted against Stoke. He added to his three Champions League goals with a double at the Brittania against Stoke. His second was a fine header past Shay Given in the Stoke goal after a free kick. He’s proven in the league and will be right up there to be the best forward in the league.
