Maddison sets new creative record: The best combined XI from Premier League gameweek 11
Gameweek 11 was another dramatic one for the Premier League with Liverpool and Manchester City both sealing vital comeback wins over Aston Villa and Southampton respectively.
With the two sides facing off at Anfield next time out, it’s hard to decide who the three points mean more to but, regardless, it sets us up for a mouthwatering clash on Sunday.
At the other end of the table, Newcastle United picked up an impressive and much-needed win on the road at West Ham United, while a VAR-induced affair at Goodison Park between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur was overshadowed by a horrific leg injury to Andre Gomes.
James Maddison inspired Leicester City to a 2-0 win away at Crystal Palace to draw back level with Chelsea in the Premier League table after the Blues had dispatched Watford 2-1 at Vicarage Road a day previous.
There were a number of standout individual performers and, so, we’ve put them all right in Squawka’s team of the week.
Disagree with any of our picks? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook!
Goalkeeper: Ben Foster (Watford)
Watford may have fallen to yet another defeat at the hands of Chelsea on Saturday but one player the blame cannot be levelled at is Ben Foster.
The former Manchester United shot-stopper was in fine form, keeping Chelsea’s relentless forwards at bay and the veteran even came close to scoring himself, seeing his header saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga during the dying moments as the Hornets desperately searched for an equaliser.
Key stat: Ben Foster made more saves (8) than any other Premier League goalkeeper during gameweek 11.
Right-back: Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Kyle Walker is locked in a battle with Joao Cancelo for Manchester City’s right-back slot but proved his worth on Saturday, charging in at the back post deliver a vital 2-1 comeback win over Southampton for Pep Guardiola’s men, having already assisted their equaliser.
Key stat: Walker was successful with each of his two attempted dribbles against Southampton.
Centre-back: Çağlar Söyüncü (Leicester City)
Çağlar Söyüncü’s stock is rising by the week and the Turkey international put in yet another fine performance as Leicester overcome a stubborn Crystal Palace side on Sunday.
Söyüncü was rock solid at the back once again and also found himself among the goals, heading home a James Maddison corner just before the hour mark to give Leicester the lead.
Key stat: Söyüncü won more aerial duels (7) than any other player during Sunday’s clash.
Centre-back: Federico Fernandez (Newcastle United)
Rarely has a club needed a win as much as Newcastle United against West Ham on Saturday.
Three points on the road in London has lifted the Magpies to 15th in the Premier League table and central the hard-earned victory was centre-back, Federico Fernandez, who grabbed the second goal, won three aerial duels and made four tackles.
Key stat: Fernandez made more clearances (12) than any other player during Newcastle’s win at West Ham.
Left-back: Diego Rico (Bournemouth)
Bournemouth ended their five-game winless run with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Saturday, with Diego Rico putting in a particularly impressive performance at left-back.
The Spaniard worked the flank brilliantly, while making sure United got absolutely no joy down that side with a resolute defensive display.
Key stat: Rico made more interceptions (7) than any other Premier League player during gameweek 11.
Centre midfield: James Maddison (Leicester City)
Few players have impressed more than James Maddison during Leicester’s fantastic start to the season, and his performance against Palace was no different.
It’s only a matter of time before the 22-year-old gets his senior England debut, especially after running up a highlights reel of defence-splitting passes all on his own on Sunday.
Key stat: Maddison created eight chances against Crystal Palace, the most by a player in a Premier League away game this season.
Centre midfield: Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea)
This was a really close call between Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho, whose Jedi-esque pass to set up Tammy Abraham’s goal still has us rubbing our heads in pain trying to understand what happened.
In the end, Kovacic wins out thanks to his ability to fill in for all facets of N’Golo Kante during Chelsea’s win at Vicarage Road, putting in a superb all-round performance.
Key stat: Mateo Kovacic’s 135 completed passes against Watford is the most any Premier League player has recorded in a single game this season.
Subscribe to Squawka’s Youtube channel here.
Centre midfield: John Lundstram (Sheffield United)
Another week, another impressive showing from Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United, who dispatched a usually resolute Burnley with ease on Saturday.
At the heart of their brilliant performance was former Everton youngster John Lundstram, who bagged two goals and controlled the game fantastically from midfield.
Key stat: Lundstram’s 86% pass completion rate was the highest of any starting Sheffield United player on Saturday.
Right wing: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Liverpool just have the knack with late goals at the moment, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes on Saturday to seal a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.
Sadio Mane grabbed the winner deep into stoppage time, making it 10 goals from 15 for the season so far. It’s no surprise he’s pushed himself into the forefront of this year’s Ballon d’Or race.
Key stat: Mane was directly involved in both of Liverpool’s goals on Saturday, scoring one and assisting the other.
Left wing: Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)
After facing immense criticism for his use – or lack of use – of Christian Pulisic, Frank Lampard must be feeling pretty smug about himself right now.
“Captain America” stepped up once again to score his fourth goal in three games as Chelsea earned all three points at Vicarage Road, keeping them in touch with the Premier League’s top two.
Key stat: Pulisic has been directly involved in seven goals in his last seven games (four goals, three assists).
Striker: Lys Mousset (Sheffield United)
Having scored just one goal season prior to gameweek 10, Lys Mousset has really found his stride in the past three games, scoring twice and assisting another three as Sheffield United gained seven points.
Each of those three assists came during the Blades’ 3-0 win over Burnley at the weekend, with Mousset proving to be a nightmare to deal with for Sean Dyche’s men.
Key stat:
