Matchday FM Team of the Week: Matchday Ten
- Chris Coughlin
- Nov 5, 2021
- 3 min read
Each week, Matchday FM pundit Chris Coughlin will bring you his Team of the Week from the top flight, as well as some honourable mentions who just missed the cut.
Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
I'll be honest, I questioned this signing but Aaron Ramsdale has been magnificent in recent weeks.
He was impressive again against Leicester, producing a wondersave just before half-time to keep out James Maddison which only contributed to his Player of the Month nomination.
Right-back: Reece James (Chelsea)
Chelsea are awesome all over the pitch at the moment and Reece James is an example of that.
A brace for the wingback eventually broke down Newcastle' s somewhat stubborn resistance and it was plain sailing for the Blues after that. For me, they're the favourites to lift the title.
Centre-back: Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
Clean sheet away in a win against Manchester City? No problem for Marc Guehi.
I'm a fan of the young centre-back who was superb throughout. Even when City go down to 10, they will still see so much of the ball but Guehi made sure there was no breakthrough for the defending champions.
Centre-back: Gabriel (Arsenal)
One of Gabriel's best games for Arsenal after he contributed at both ends of the pitch.
It was a brilliant header to open the scoring at the King Power before keeping Jamie Vardy and co quiet to secure the Gunners' third away league sheet in a row.
Left-back: Marc Cucurella (Brighton)
The signing of Cucarella was seen as a coup for Brighton and the Spaniard produced his best game so far for the Seagulls.
He had the freedom of the left-hand side at Anfield as Brighton came from 2-0 down to deservedly earn a point with Cucurella providing a constant threat throughout.
Central midfield: Declan Rice (West Ham)
Declan Rice is getting better every week and it's no surprise whatsoever.
Admittedly, his assist owed more for the finish from Ben Johnson than Rice's pass but his long-range strike was all his own as he found the corner in emphatic style from 25 yards.
He's a midfielder who really does have a bit of everything.
Central midfield: Conor Gallagher (Crystal Palace)
I wasn't sure about Gallagher at West Brom last season but he's been brilliant for Palace this campaign.
It was a brilliant finish to seal the points at Man City. Ederson didn't have a prayer with the midfielder's first time strike.
Gareth Southgate will have his reasons but Gallagher can't be doing much more on his part without getting a call for his country.
Central midfield: Emile Smith-Rowe (Arsenal)
Smith-Rowe has been at the heart of Arsena's recent revival and he was at it again the the crucial second goal against Leicester after an instinctive Lampard-esqe run into the box.
Like Gallagher, he is very unlucky to not be called up for England's internationals this month.
Right wing: Raphinha (Leeds)
When times are tough you need your main men to step up and Raphinha did just that when Leeds needed him most.
It's been a disappointing start for Bielsa's side but that had to win at Norwich and it was Raphinha who was their biggest threat throughout, providing a wonderfully taken finish to open the scoring.
Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester Utd)
Just as Raphinha stepped up for Leeds, it was always going to be Ronaldo to be the one to lift the gloom at Old Trafford after last week's demolition at the hands of Liverpool.
He opened the scoring with a volley with the quality we expect from the five times Ballon D'or winner before he provided an assist of almost equal quality for Edinson Cavani to make the points safe and condemn Nuno to the sack.
Left-wing: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)
Bowen has made himself undroppable for David Moyes's Hammers, certainly when it comes to the Premier League.
His goal at Aston Villa was very well deserved for his display for the 85 minutes prior to it. It would've been his second if it was not for Emi Martinez but that effort helped in setting up Pablo Fornals for the match clinching goal.
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