Gianluigi Donnarumma delivered another clutch performance for Manchester City this week, locking down Manchester United and securing two vital points for his squad. This is the kind of big-game play that has Troy Deeney absolutely buzzing, slotting Donnarumma straight into his Premier League Team of the Week.
Defense Stepped Up Big Time
This dude is one of the world’s best, no doubt, but what truly separates him is that big-match mentality. We see it every single season, and this week was no different! He straight-up earned Manchester City two extra points against their rivals, Manchester United. Troy Deeney is calling it like it is: Donnarumma will snatch them 10 points over the season, he’s THAT good. Remember all the noise after the Community Shield? Folks were saying he wasn’t good enough, that they should’ve stuck with James Trafford. Well, he just slammed the door on those doubters, proving yet again why he’s the ultimate big-time keeper.
Joining him in Deeney’s backline is Nottingham Forest’s Daniel Munoz, who was a breath of fresh air in their win at Villa. Nobody in that Forest squad can do what he does, offering pace, power, and incredible defensive work, all while pushing forward. Deeney called him a steal, flat-out saying he can’t believe Liverpool and Manchester United didn’t go for him. Forest did unbelievable business picking him up, plain and simple.
Arsenal’s Ezri Konsa also earned his spot after a tough battle against Brian Brobbey as they beat Sunderland. Last season, Brobbey bullied Gabriel for an equalizer, but Konsa said “no problem” and stepped up. And that penalty against them? That was never a penalty! Then there’s Brighton’s Lewis Dunk, the big 6ft 5in center-half who absolutely hammered one into the top bins, straight off the crossbar against Coventry. Unbelievable! He’s in the team just for that strike alone. Leeds United’s Tarik Muharemovic, what a beast he is. Deeney doesn’t know where Leeds found him, but this guy heads it, kicks it, and runs through people. He deserved a clean sheet against Newcastle, even if he didn’t get it. And let’s not forget Ipswich Town’s Leif Davis. Very, very good and completely underrated. He delivered big-time in a crucial six-pointer against Crystal Palace, scoring a goal and an assist. Palace looks like they’re going to be in the relegation battle, so that was huge!
Midfield and Attack Bring the Heat
In the midfield, Enzo Fernandez of Manchester City had his best game in two years against Manchester United. He did absolutely everything his team needed him to do: ran with the ball, protected it, bought fouls, and even tried to get others sent off. He was a pure catalyst for City, his best performance for the club so far. Pascal Gross from Brighton, the old head they brought back, provided a goal and an assist. He’s steadying that really young team, and he’s even more important now with no Welbeck and no Milner. A truly steady hand for Brighton.
Upfront, Brentford’s Kevin Schade bagged two goals again at Bournemouth. Deeney thinks he’s the next one they’ll sell. Pace, power, scores goals, and works his tail off for the team. Mohamed Belloumi from Hull City was decent in the Championship, but he has really stepped up to the Premier League. He looks like he’s just taken to it, saying “I’ll have a bit of this.” Two goals away at Chelsea is massive, and Hull City probably felt like they should have won that game. Finally, Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is steady away, just going about his business. He got one goal against Newcastle, and honestly, he should have had more.
These are the guys making waves early in the season, showing what they’re truly made of. Deeney’s got his finger on the pulse, and if these players keep this up, it’s going to be one heck of a season for their clubs. Can they maintain this red-hot form? We’ll be watching.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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