Premier League Team of the Week: Saka, Kovacic, Bowen and Pickford shine

Bukayo Saka’s brilliance, Mateo Kovacic’s midfield mastery, Jordan Pickford’s stunning saves, and Jonny Evans’ resilient defence headline this week’s standout performances in the Premier League.

England forward Saka continued his fine form for Arsenal, delivering a standout performance that helped secure a vital victory for the title-chasing Gunners.

Kovacic orchestrated Manchester City’s midfield with precision, while Jordan Pickford’s heroics between the sticks kept Everton in the hunt with a series of remarkable saves.

Meanwhile, Jonny Evans put in a resilient display, solidifying the defence for Manchester United despite their challenges.

Join Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo as he highlights the top performers in this week’s Premier League Team of the Week.

Jordan Pickford (Everton) – Goalkeeper

Jordan Pickford was nothing short of sensational for Everton in their gritty 0-0 stalemate against Newcastle.

The England international not only preserved a clean sheet but was the backbone of his team’s defence, earning a crucial point.

He made several pivotal saves, including a spectacular penalty stop against former team-mate Anthony Gordon just before half-time.

Pickford’s commanding presence and ability to organise the backline were vital as Everton secured their first league clean sheet of the season and extended their unbeaten streak to three matches.

Jonny Evans (Manchester United) – Centre-back

Jonny Evans rolled back the years with a vintage performance in Manchester United’s 0-0 draw at Villa Park.

At 36, Evans was a revelation, outshining his younger counterparts and showcasing that he still has plenty to offer.

Dominating the pitch, he contested 13 duels and won an impressive 12 of them, proving rock-solid both on the ground and in the air.

His statistics speak volumes: 100% success in aerial duels and tackles, 49 touches, four tackles, three clearances and one crucial block earned him the Man of the Match award.

However, this stellar performance raises a pressing question for United - how can their best defender be a 36-year-old veteran?

His heroics highlight a significant concern about the state of the Red Devils’ defence.

READ MORE: Man Utd analysis: Good Evans! Jonny was the best thing about draw at Villa Park

Ethan Pinnock (Brentford) – Centre-back

Ethan Pinnock shone in Brentford’s victory over Wolves, marking his impact with his first league goal of the season.

The 31-year-old defender was a force at both ends of the pitch, scoring a powerful header to double his team’s lead and many saying he could have bagged a hat-trick.

Pinnock’s defensive skills were on full display as he recorded two tackles, five clearances, and two interceptions, while also excelling in ball recovery with three successful recoveries.

Winning seven of his 11 duels, he also made 51 touches with a commendable 73% pass accuracy, showcasing his all-around contribution to the game.

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – Centre-back

Virgil van Dijk delivered another masterclass as Liverpool edged out Crystal Palace, maintaining their position at the summit of the league table heading into the international break.

The towering centre-back was instrumental in securing the Reds’ fifth clean sheet in just seven matches, demonstrating his defensive dominance by winning nine out of 10 duels, including eight aerial contests, while also making three key interceptions.

Beyond his defensive brilliance, Van Dijk contributed to the attack with nine accurate long balls.

Calm and authoritative as always, the Dutch captain’s leadership was pivotal, emphasising the urgency for Liverpool to negotiate a new contract and secure his future at the club.

Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City) – Midfielder

In the absence of injured Rodri, Kovacic rose to the occasion, delivering a sensational performance that led Manchester City to a 3-2 triumph over Fulham.

The Croatian midfielder scored twice, levelling the game just before half-time and then netting a composed finish early in the second half to put City ahead.

This rare brace not only marked his third goal of the season - his best tally in the Premier League - but also reaffirmed the depth of City’s midfield.

Kovacic’s impactful display was crucial in orchestrating a comeback victory, showcasing his skill and adaptability on the biggest stage.

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Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford) – Midfielder

Damsgaard was the heartbeat of Brentford’s thrilling win against Wolves, contributing two assists that exemplified his versatility and precision.

With pinpoint crosses to Nathan Collins and Ethan Pinnock, Damsgaard played a pivotal role in securing a topsy-turvy victory.

While he shone on the flanks, his central presence was felt as he created six chances throughout the match.

Not just an attacking threat, he also put in a solid defensive shift, recording three tackles, two clearances, and five ball recoveries.

This all-around performance earned him a well-deserved spot in the Team of the Week.

Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) – Midfielder

Ryan Gravenberch is making a strong case as Liverpool’s long-sought holding midfielder, with each match revealing more of his prowess.

His latest performance was nothing short of impressive, as the Dutchman showcased his increasing influence on the pitch.

Gravenberch completed 72 of 78 passes for an impressive 92% accuracy rate, creating two chances, including one big opportunity.

His defensive contributions were equally noteworthy, with four recoveries and two interceptions.

With nine passes into the final third, Gravenberch’s well-rounded display highlighted his growing confidence and pivotal role in Liverpool’s midfield.

Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) – Midfielder

Cody Gakpo marked his first Premier League start of the season with a standout performance during Liverpool’s narrow victory at Selhurst Park.

The Dutch winger not only provided the crucial assist for Diogo Jota’s match-winning goal but also showcased his all-around game.

Gakpo created five key chances - the most of any player - and made significant defensive contributions, winning all three tackles and completing three interceptions.

His ability to track back and disrupt Crystal Palace’s play was vital, as was his high work rate, culminating in three accurate long balls.

Gakpo’s complete performance earned him the Man of the Match award and underscored his rising importance in the Liverpool squad.

Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) - Forward

West Ham’s emphatic 4-1 triumph over Ipswich marked a pivotal moment, especially for Bowen, who showcased a captain’s performance at the London Stadium.

Under pressure, Bowen rose to the occasion, netting a goal and providing an assist to secure the Hammers’ first home win of the Premier League season.

From the very first whistle, Bowen set the tone, delivering a pinpoint assist for Michail Antonio’s opener before capping off his stellar display with a well-taken goal of his own.

His relentless energy and leadership were crucial in orchestrating West Ham’s fourth goal, leaving a strong Ipswich side looking second-best throughout the contest.

Bowen’s contributions have been vital in lifting the spirits of the Irons faithful amid a challenging 2024-25 campaign.

Since last season, he has been West Ham’s talisman, directly involved in a staggering 35 goals - significantly outpacing any other player at the club.

Kai Havertz (Arsenal) - Forward

Havertz is thriving under the spotlight at Arsenal, emerging as a key figure in their attack.

The German international made waves over the weekend, scoring in his seventh consecutive home match to equal a record previously held by Robin van Persie.

His crucial equaliser against Southampton showcased his growing confidence and influence at The Emirates.

But Havertz’s impact extended beyond just finding the net; he also registered a key pass, completed two successful dribbles, and dominated four aerial duels.

With 20 goal involvements in just 20 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, he’s averaging a goal or assist every 82 minutes - a testament to his current form.

As Havertz continues to gain confidence, it’s clear that Arsenal has a gem on their hands.

His impressive run at home reveals his ability to handle pressure and deliver when it matters most.

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) - Forward

Saka put on a masterclass as Arsenal clinched a 3-1 victory against Southampton, earning him the title of Sports News Blitz Player of the Week.

The 23-year-old winger was instrumental, contributing to all three goals with a dazzling display of skill and poise.

Saka recorded two assists - one for Kai Havertz and another for Gabriel Martinelli - before capping his performance with a well-placed finish.

This stellar outing allowed him to surpass Robert Pires’s record for Premier League assists at Arsenal, underscoring his growing influence within the squad.

Statistically, Saka was nothing short of exceptional: completing 28 of 31 passes in the final third, delivering 11 crosses, firing seven shots, and creating seven chances - all ranking him first in each category.

His knack for stepping up in critical moments not only bolstered Arsenal’s performance but also signalled his readiness for international challenges, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s brightest talents.

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