Premier League team of the week
Who impressed in matchweek nine in the top flight?
Arsenal returned to the Premier League summit on Sunday after Chelsea and Tottenham continued their fine form on Saturday.
Here, the Press Association takes a look at the weekend’s standout performers.
Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)
Strong saves from Iliman Ndiaye, Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov and Jeremy Doku ensured Brighton’s second-half rearguard paid off with three points.
Abdoul Ouattara (Ipswich)
The Ivorian was an under-the-radar summer signing from Strasbourg but has excelled in the early weeks of the season as Town occupy a mid-table position.
Ezri Konsa (Arsenal)
Stood up to the threat of Bradley Barcola cutting inside and denied Alexander Isak a tap-in as he and Gabriel continued their rock-solid partnership – William Saliba faces a battle for his place when he returns to full fitness.
Jan Paul van Hecke (Tottenham)
His unusual headed goal while sitting on the ground captured the attention but Van Hecke’s defensive strength and excellent distribution should not be overlooked in another excellent display.
Andy Robertson (Tottenham)
Palace lost Jean-Philippe Mateta to an early red card, easing the defensive burden on Robertson and Van Hecke and allowing them to join the attack. The Scotland captain linked well with Mathys Tel and provided several dangerous crosses.
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Match-winner Kai Havertz acknowledged “90 per cent of the goal belongs to that man” after tapping in Rice’s cross, and the England star was just as influential in shutting down Liverpool’s big-money attack.
Romeo Lavia (Chelsea)
Manager Xabi Alonso hailed a “complete”, “dynamic” performance while Cole Palmer said ‘people still don’t realise how good he is’ – they soon will if Lavia continues to produce like this.
Julio Enciso (Ipswich)
Ipswich’s games have featured more total goals this season than those of any club other than Chelsea and Enciso scored one of the best of them to earn a point against Hull, having seen another disallowed in the first half.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
A penalty and another influential attacking display from the England international as his side added to Manchester United’s woes.
Jack Rudoni (Coventry)
Rounded off Coventry’s important win against a prospective relegation rival and was lively throughout.
Oli McBurnie (Hull)
The Tigers talisman scored for the second game running and also set up his side’s first with an excellent through-ball to Tim Iroegbunam.