Premier League Team of the Week: Round 5

It has been a simply ridiculous start to the 2020/21 Premier League season.

While the fifth weekend of action may not have seen Liverpool concede seven (seven!) times or Manchester United ship six goals at home, it was yet another round of fixtures filled with goals, entertainment and a whole lot of controversy.

The only downside to the weekend's action was that we witnessed the first goalless draw of the season. But if we're being completely honest, did we ever really expect anything other than a 0-0 draw from West Brom vs Burnley? No, not really.

But elsewhere, we were treated to some last-gasp strikes, unthinkable comebacks (seriously, how did West Ham do it?).....and, oh yes, yet more VAR drama.

Anyway, here's 90min's Team of the Week for gameweek five....

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Ederson (GK) - Ederson wasn't overly busy against Arsenal, but produced some crucial saves to preserve City's 1-0 lead. The Brazilian kept out Bukayo Saka's effort in the first half before expertly denying Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (who was onside even though the flag went up). His distribution was typically excellent as well.

Matty Cash (RB) - Sure, the likes of Ollie Watkins and Ross Barkley have been excellent high-profile additions, but Cash has quietly excelled since his summer arrival. The right-back kept Leicester's Harvey Barnes quiet this past weekend, while he continued to get forward and provide width. Money well spent.

Harry Maguire (CB) - It's fair to say it has been a challenging few months for the Man Utd captain. After being sent off while playing for England, there were calls for him to be given a break and some even claimed the armband should be taken off him. But Maguire kept his place and captained United to a 4-1 win over Newcastle, getting himself on the scoresheet as well. Overall, he was dominant and focused in his work. How quickly things can change, eh?

Max Kilman (CB) - It's been a long road to the Wolves first team for 23-year-old Max Kilman, but a Man of the Match display against Leeds on Monday will do his chances of retaining a starting spot no harm. Was assured and confident in his work, forming an excellent defensive partnership with Conor Coady. Also made a crucial block to deny Luke Ayling.

Lucas Digne (LB) - In the Merseyside derby, Digne had to be patient and pick his moments to get forward. But he showed his attacking quality whenever given the chance. After putting in another (typically) menacing cross, there was only ever going to be one outcome, wasn't there? Oh yes, a towering Dominic Calvert-Lewin header.

2. Midfielders

Juan Mata (RM) - A few (well, a fair few) eyebrows were raised when the team news revealed Mata would be starting against Newcastle, but the Spaniard was at his sublime best and ran the show. Starting out on the right, he drifted in field and linked up with Bruno Fernandes to great effect time and time again, with the Magpies unable to get close to him. They don't call him El Mago for nothing.

Thiago (CM) - Thiago really does make the complicated look so simple, doesn't he? The Spaniard dictated the tempo of the game, having the most touches of any player and playing the most passes of anyone as well. It may have been a derby, but Thiago never once looked rushed or flustered. A world class talent.

Bernardo Silva (CM) - Bernardo operated in a deeper central midfield role this past weekend, but not only did the tireless Portuguese control the game on the ball, driving forward to link play with his teammates, he harassed Arsenal into making a number of mistakes. City's control of proceedings was largely down to him.

Ademola Lookman (LM) - Lookman is exactly the type of winger Fulham have been crying out for, and he was superb on Sunday. Weaved through Sheffield United's defence to score a wonderful goal, showing great composure and a clean pair of heels. Maybe there's hope for the Cottagers after all...

3. Forwards

Harry Kane (FW) - Performances don't come much better than the one Kane produced against West Ham. Sure, Spurs let a 3-0 lead slip, but Kane was simply a joy to watch. After setting up Son Heung-min with a sublime pass in the first minute, England's captain went on to grab himself two first half goals - also demonstrating his incredible work rate throughout.

Timo Werner (FW) - Werner finally got himself off the mark in the Premier League, netting a brace in Chelsea's 3-3 draw with Southampton. The German opened his account with an excellent low strike, before doubling his tally with a deft finish - showing us all why he really should be deployed centrally every time the Blues play.

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