Igor Thiago played another starring role in the Premier League during Gameweek 21.
The striker is one of two Brentford players in the Team of the Week, along with Vitaly Janelt. His brace helped the Bees climb to fifth place after a 3-0 win over Sunderland.
Otherwise, there is a single player from each team after another interesting gameweek.
The top four sides all drew, with leaders Arsenal missing the chance to move eight points clear after their stalemate with Liverpool.
The standout match came at St James’ Park, where Newcastle United came from behind on three separate occasions, before scoring a last-gasp stoppage time winner to beat Leeds United 4-3.
The Squawka Score is our proprietary performance rating, combining multiple Opta stats into a single percentage. It benchmarks players against their positional peers, allowing quick comparisons. Learn more about how it works here: https://www.squawka.com/en/news/squawka-score-explained/
Read the Squawka Score 2025-26 Premier League Team of the Week for Gameweek 28 here.
GK: Alisson (Liverpool)
- Squawka Score: 75%
Alisson helped keep Arsenal at bay and potentially give Manchester City and Aston Villa hope in the title race with his clean sheet. The Liverpool goalkeeper made four saves at the Emirates Stadium. He also caught two crosses as the Reds left London with a point.
Honourable mention: Caoimhin Kelleher (74%)
From the current Liverpool goalkeeper to a former one. Caiomhin Kelleher also kept a clean sheet during Brentford’s commanding win over Sunderland, making three saves along the way.
RB: Matty Cash (Aston Villa)
- Squawka Score: 79%
Matty Cash also kept a clean sheet at Selhurst Park, where Aston Villa kept out Crystal Palace. The full-back made four clearances and, at the other end, created two chances. He also won possession three times in both the midfield and defensive thirds.
Honourable mention: Michael Kayode (71%)
Michael Kayode produced another solid display on the right side of Brentford’s back four. The Italian full-back made four clearances, while also winning three aerial duels.
CB: Cristian Romero (Tottenham)
- Squawka Score: 75%
Cristian Romero could not prevent another Tottenham Hotspur defeat at Bournemouth, despite a generally solid display in the heart of defence. The skipper registered seven tackles and clearances, while winning 12 aerial duels. He also recorded three shots and created three chances at the other end of the field.
Honourable mention: Nathan Collins (71%)
Nathan Collins made six clearances to keep Sunderland at bay. He also demonstrated his attacking credentials, with an assist, two chances created and seven passes completed in the final third.
CB: Abdukodir Khusanov (Man City)
- Squawka Score: 72%
Part of Manchester City‘s new-look defence against Brighton and Hove Albion following injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, Abdukodir Khusanov slotted in fairly seamlessly. The Uzbek won possession four times in the defensive third. He also registered a 91.67% passing accuracy, while completing nine passes in the final third.
Honourable mention: Max Alleyne (70%)
Max Alleyne looked assured on his Premier League debut, having only been recalled from his loan spell at Watford earlier this week. He recorded three tackles, four interceptions and a 92.77% passing accuracy for Man City. At the other end of the field, Alleyne completed three take-ons and eight passes into the final third.
LB: Ollie Scarles (West Ham)
- Squawka Score: 75%
Despite West Ham United‘s defeat to Nottingham Forest, Ollie Scarles was one of their better performers at left-back. The academy graduate made seven clearances and both wingers he came up against down his side — Omari Hutchinson and Dilane Bawka — ended up getting substituted.
Honourable mention: Neco Williams (74%)
Neco Williams was on the winning side in that game at the London Stadium. The Wales international made eight clearances and won three aerial duels. He also went close to a stunning long-range goal, which Alphonse Areola just about tipped away.
DM: James Garner (Everton)
- Squawka Score: 80%
James Garner’s dead-ball deliveries played a key role during Everton‘s 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers. His free-kick led to their goal, while another was headed against the post by Michael Keane. He also won possession four times in both the middle and defensive thirds.
Honourable mention: Sander Berge (75%)
The Fulham midfielder is unlucky to miss out after an all-action display during the 2-1 win over Chelsea. His 97 touches were the most among central midfielders on GW21. He also recorded a 94.81% passing accuracy and completed 21 passes in the final third. Defensively, he made four tackles and clearances, while also winning four aerial duels.
RCM: Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)
- Squawka Score: 83%
Despite Manchester United‘s 2-2 draw with lowly Burnley, Bruno Fernandes was involved during Darren Fletcher’s first match of his interim spell. The skipper registered an assist and created three big chances. He also recorded four crosses and a 90% passing accuracy.
Honourable mention: Bruno Guimaraes (74%)
Another player unlucky to miss out, Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes was influential again during their dramatic win over Leeds. As well as a goal and assist, he created four chances and completed 19 passes in the final third, with an 88.68% passing accuracy.
LCM: Vitaly Janelt (Brentford)
- Squawka Score: 77%
Vitaly Janelt produced another solid display in the middle of the park. The Brentford midfielder provided an assist and won possession five times in the middle third. He also completed four long passes, while recording an 88.68% passing accuracy.
Honourable mention: Bernardo Silva (71%)
Man City captain Bernardo Silva registered an 88.89% passing accuracy during their draw with Brighton. He also completed four long passes and 21 into the final third.
RW: Harvey Barnes (Newcastle)
- Squawka Score: 59%
Harvey Barnes was Newcastle’s hero at St James’ Park. His strike deep into stoppage time sealed a dramatic 4-3 win over Leeds. The winger, who also scored his side’s opening goal, attempted eight crosses during the contest.
Honourable mention: Harry Wilson (59%)
Harry Wilson continued his fine form during GW21. He found the net once again in their victory over Chelsea, while recording eight shots at Craven Cottage.
ST: Igor Thiago (Brentford)
- Squawka Score: 80%
Now onto 16 goals during his maiden Premier League season, Igor Thiago’s confidence is sky-high. It was evident in the way he took both goals in the 3-0 win over Sunderland. The brace came from four shots on target, while the Brazilian also completed both his take-on attempts.
Honourable mention: Benjamin Sesko (64%)
Benjamin Sesko’s brace proved academic in their draw with Burnley. Nevertheless, he registered seven shots on target from eight attempts, which will give him confidence going forward.
LW: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United)
- Squawka Score: 63%
Brenden Aaronson was unlucky to be on the losing side at St James’ Park. Twice, he gave Leeds the advantage with a couple of neat finishes. Although, his handball did lead to the penalty that saw Guimaraes equalise for a third time, before Barnes’ dramatic winner.
Honourable mention: Mathys Tel (58%)
Mathys Tel’s display was a positive during their defeat at the Vitality Stadium. He scored a lovely goal and created three chances, while completing four crosses and six take-ons.