Gameweek 5 of the Premier League season produced plenty, with Brighton putting three past Arsenal, Brentford beating Chelsea 3-0 and Manchester City winning an eight-goal thriller against Sunderland.
GK – Zion Suzuki – Aston Villa – 9.0
Despite conceding twice late on, Aston Villa held on for their first Premier League victory of the season, helped by Suzuki turning into prime Manuel Neuer for big parts of the game. The Japanese goalkeeper made several important saves against Tottenham and looked confident throughout the game. Especially in the first half, where he made a smart double save to deny Savio. A 9.0 despite letting in two goals really does show how impressive the new Villa keeper was against Spurs.
Full-back – Jay Dasilva – Coventry City – 8.5
Dasilva scored the only goal of the game as Coventry picked up a huge 1-0 win away at Nottingham Forest. His touch and finish were excellent, making the fact it was his first goal for the Sky Blues even more impressive. He constantly looked to drive forward and gave Coventry an outlet on the left side throughout the match.
Centre-back – Luka Vuskovic – Brighton – 8.5
Vuskovic was a Rolls-Royce at the back yet again, as Brighton kept a clean sheet against Arsenal. The Croatian defender was aggressive when stepping out to win the ball and looked extremely comfortable in possession. The teenager looks as if he has been playing Premier League football for the last decade. Arsenal struggled to find a way through Brighton’s defence, with the Croatian playing a major role in keeping the champions quiet.
Centre-back – Jannik Schuster – Brentford – 8.5
Schuster was the standout defender for Brentford in their derby day win against Chelsea. The 20-year-old made 12 clearances, winning three aerial duels and blocking three shots. He also provided the assist for Jaidon Anthony’s opener with a clever header across goal. The Bees look to have found another gem!
Full-back – Maxim De Cuyper – Brighton – 8.0
De Cuyper continued his fine run of form and was key in Brighton’s excellent defensive display against Arsenal. The Belgian has now found himself in two teams of the week this season already. The Belgian left-back is playing in a more advanced role and looks to be thriving further up the pitch.
Midfielder – Chema Andrés – Brighton – 9.0
Another Brighton player! Chema has to be included in this team after his sublime performance on his first Premier League start. The midfielder was constantly involved in Brighton’s pressing game, winning the ball back and disrupting Arsenal’s midfield. The former Madrid Castilla player was giving shades of a young Rodri or Busquets. He capped off his performance with a great header to make it 3-0.
Midfielder – Rayan Cherki – Manchester City – 8.5
Cherki was at the heart of everything in Manchester City’s 5-3 victory over Sunderland, showing his quality between the lines and always looking to create chances. The Frenchman’s raw technical ability caused Sunderland problems throughout, while his movement helped City keep the ball in attacking areas.
Midfielder – Pascal Gross – Brighton – 9.0
Gross continues to show why he remains one of Brighton’s most important players and one of the most underrated players in the Premier League. This is now back-to-back team of the week inclusions for the midfield veteran. He opened the scoring against Arsenal before later turning provider with a pinpoint corner for Chema’s goal. The German magician has been one of the best players in the division so far this season and looks to be in with a shout for player of the month for September.
Winger – Antoine Semenyo – Manchester City – 9.0
Semenyo was back to the Semenyo we know from last season in Manchester City’s chaotic 5-3 win over Sunderland. The Ghanaian scored twice and provided an assist for Cherki’s goal. His pace and physicality gave Sunderland’s defence huge problems.
Striker – Brian Brobbey – Sunderland – 9.5
It is impossible to leave a player out after scoring a hat-trick against Manchester City at the Etihad. Brobbey gave City’s defence nightmares throughout the game, with his physicality and hold-up play being up there with some of the best the Premier League has ever seen. Brobbey became the first Sunderland player since 2016 to score a Premier League hat-trick. Despite Sunderland eventually losing 5-3, his individual performance was world-class.
Winger – Emi Buendía – Aston Villa – 8.5
Buendía scored a wonder goal to help Aston Villa in their 3-2 victory over Tottenham. The Argentinian’s creativity caused problems for an already struggling Spurs side. After a difficult start to the season for Buendía in front of goal, this was a reminder of what he can bring to the table. This should be the springboard for his season now, and it would not be surprising if we see him in at least a few more Team of the Week appearances throughout the campaign.
