Bruno Fernandes dropped an absolute masterclass this week, slamming home three goals and dishing an assist, even trying to chip one from the halfway line! Pundit Troy Deeney isn’t holding back, basically saying Manchester United would be staring relegation in the face without their Captain Fantastic. Deeney rolled out his Premier League Team of the Week, and it’s clear some players aren’t just performing; they’re carrying their entire squads.
The Big Guns Delivering When It Matters Most
Look, when you’ve got players like Fernandes going off, it changes everything. Three goals, one assist, and a moment where he nearly scored from midfield? That’s wild. Deeney put it bluntly: where would United be without him? Relegated, is the answer. That’s a huge statement about how indispensable he is. Then there’s Erling Haaland, “the beast” for Manchester City. Even with just that little glimpse, you know what he brings every single week. Joao Pedro at Chelsea is another one having an unbelievable start to the season. Deeney thinks with Xabi Alonso managing and Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers behind him, Pedro is set for an unbelievable year. Remember, he wasn’t even picked for the World Cup by Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti. You know Pedro’s playing with a massive chip on his shoulder, proving a point every single minute.
Unexpected Heroes and Defensive Anchors Stepping Up
This week also highlighted some serious standout performances from players you might not always see in the headlines. Konstantinos Tzolakis for Hull City is one: another massive performance, another clean sheet. Hull City has seriously taken everyone by surprise, and Tzolakis is the absolute core of their defensive shape. His teammate Semi Ajayi is right there too. Deeney said playing in the Premier League was the *only* way Ajayi was ever gonna make it, after doing the Championship circuit. He’s a real good, solid pro who’s grabbed this opportunity and turned into an absolute beast. Nordi Mukiele from Sunderland was also fantastic. A powerful centre-half, this week was another top performance, and Fulham literally had no shots on target against them. And then there’s James Tarkowski at Everton. This dude put in a proper captain’s performance. No one ever respects him, but when he’s in your team or you play against him, you know he’s a “real bloke.” Proper leader, kept going, and even grabbed a goal because Bournemouth defenders apparently decided to mark themselves.
New Energy and Points to Prove
Some guys are just playing with a renewed fire right now. Anthony Elanga at Newcastle, for example, is making it back-to-back weeks with a great goal and a great performance. He looks like he’s found a new lease on life under his manager. Deeney’s wondering if we’re gonna see that Elanga who used to terrorize defenses at Nottingham Forest with his pace. Yoane Wissa, also from Newcastle, got shoehorned in, even though other strikers scored more. But Wissa’s a huge reason Newcastle is doing well, even if he’s not getting all the talk for his application. And we can’t forget Rayan Cherki from Manchester City, who Deeney calls his “favourite player in world football to watch.” The way he’s gifted with the ball, manipulates it, thinks for himself, and just plays carefree football? That’s pure joy. James McAtee for Nottingham Forest literally ran the game at Anfield from start to finish, getting on the ball, playing forward. Deeney says he was the absolute engine driving Nottingham Forest, and while he’s very, very good, he just won’t get the same headlines as the goalscorers.
These guys are laying it all out there. The season is still early, but with performances like these, you can bet they’re looking to keep this momentum rolling. Whether it’s proving a point, leading their teams, or just straight up dominating, they’ve set a high bar for the weeks to come.
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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