Mahrez makes amends, Martial on top form - the Premier League Team of the Weekend

Riyad Mahrez was back to his best on Saturday and he joins Anthony Martial in our Opta-powered Premier League Team of the Weekend.

Published : Oct 22, 2018 08:15 IST

Riyad Mahrez celebrates scoring against Burnley, registering Manchester City's fourth goal of a 5-0 win.
Riyad Mahrez celebrates scoring against Burnley, registering Manchester City's fourth goal of a 5-0 win.
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Riyad Mahrez celebrates scoring against Burnley, registering Manchester City's fourth goal of a 5-0 win.

Manchester City retained top spot in the Premier League as it thrashed Burnley 5-0, while Chelsea's challenge was checked by Manchester United.

Stars from both Manchester clubs feature in our Opta-powered Premier League Team of the Weekend, while Everton has two representatives after beating Crystal Palace.

Read on to find out who made the XI!

GOALKEEPER: MAT RYAN (BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION)

Brighton and Hove Albion came under siege at Newcastle United on Saturday, yet it emerged a 1-0 winner. The visitor owed much to goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

The Australia international was in inspired form and made six saves, including a couple of crucial stops from Jonjo Shelvey. That tally is Ryan's best in his Premier League career.

RIGHT-BACK: CEDRIC SOARES (SOUTHAMPTON)

In-form Bournemouth might have expected to record a victory at home to Southampton, but the Saints kept its host at bay.

Portugal international Cedric Soares was a star performer at both ends in the goalless draw. He made four interceptions - more than any other player - and a joint-high three crosses.

CENTRE-BACK: MICHAEL KEANE (EVERTON)

Everton had to wait to make its breakthrough against Crystal Palace, but a clean sheet provided the platform for Marco Silva's men to secure victory.

Although Jordan Pickford was the penalty hero, fellow England international Michael Keane also impressed.

He contributed eight clearances and a long ball upfield teed up Cenk Tosun's goal, representing Keane's second assist of the Premier League season.

CENTRE-BACK: ISSA DIOP (WEST HAM)

West Ham might have been beaten by rival Tottenham on Saturday, but no blame could be laid at Issa Diop's door.

The commanding centre-back regained possession on nine occasions. That was the highest of any West Ham player, while he also came out on top in terms of passing accuracy (96.7 per cent).

LEFT-BACK: LUCAS DIGNE (EVERTON)

Another Everton defender to make his mark at Goodison Park on Sunday was former Barcelona left-back Lucas Digne.

The Frenchman stood out for his distribution in the home win, completing four of his five open-play crosses while only Idrissa Gueye (65) completed more passes than Digne (62) for Everton.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD: ETIENNE CAPOUE (WATFORD)

Watford halted in-form Wolves in its tracks on Saturday and Etienne Capoue was central to its away success.

The midfielder hit form as he scored his first Premier League goal since August 2017 and played more passes (87) than any other player on the pitch at Molineux.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD: FERNANDINHO (MANCHESTER CITY)

A key cog in Manchester City's title-winning team, Fernandinho does not always write the headlines. That changed on Saturday.

The Brazil international scored and assisted in the same game for just the second time in his Premier League career. Fernandinho had only previously managed that feat against West Brom in October 2017.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD: MOUSSA SISSOKO (TOTTENHAM)

France international Moussa Sissoko has not always been a key figure at Tottenham, but he was in inspired form in Saturday's derby win against West Ham.

The former Newcastle United man was effective in defence and attack, regaining possession 12 times – a match-high – and teeing up Erik Lamela's decisive goal.

RIGHT WING: RIYAD MAHREZ (MANCHESTER CITY)

Riyad Mahrez headed into the international break on a real low after missing a late penalty at Liverpool, but the Manchester City winger was back to his best on Saturday.

Mahrez showed his array of skills in the 5-0 thrashing of Burnley, completing more dribbles and more key passes (four) than any other player.

FORWARD: BOBBY REID (CARDIFF CITY)

Cardiff City's wait for a Premier League win is over. Neil Warnock's men beat Fulham 4-2 and Bobby Reid netted a key goal for the Bluebirds.

Reid scored and assisted in a top-flight game for the first time, while also creating three chances for his team-mates. Only Joe Bennett (four) managed more.

LEFT WING: ANTHONY MARTIAL (MANCHESTER UNITED)

Manchester United was denied victory at Chelsea on Saturday, but it look to have stopped the rot. Anthony Martial has been key.

The Frenchman turned the game on its head with a pair of strikes, scoring a brace in a competitive game for United for the first time since its November 2016 clash with West Ham.

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