Salah leads Liverpool trio after win over Man City: Premier League team of the week

Three Chelsea players also included in the XI following the 2-0 victory at Aston Villa

GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea). It was a weekend of goalkeeping masterclasses across the Premier League, with Jose Sa vital in Wolves’ win over Nottingham Forest, Aaron Ramsdale superb for Arsenal against Leeds, and both Alisson and Ederson producing fine displays for Liverpool and Manchester City. Kepa just about takes the jersey for a match-winning performance at Aston Villa. The Spaniard was called into action several times, pulling off remarkable save after remarkable save to continue his fine form under Graham Potter. AP

RB: James Milner (Liverpool). Up against a rampant Phil Foden and playing out of position, Milner was expected to be given the runaround at Anfield. Instead, he contained the threat down Liverpool’s right flank and contributed with purposeful attacks. Kept his energy levels, focus, and discipline right until the final whistle. Getty

CB: Joe Gomez (Liverpool). Another player in the Liverpool defence City were likely to target, Gomez stood firm against Haaland and Co and never looked troubled. A performance that no doubt piqued the interest of England manager Gareth Southgate. PA

CB: Thiago Silva (Chelsea). It was far from an assured defensive display from Chelsea against Aston Villa but, as usual, the classy Brazilian stood out above the rest. For all the money the Blues spent on defenders this summer, a 38-year-old free agent remains their undisputed lynchpin. Getty

LB: Pascal Struijk (Leeds United). Stitched up by teammate Rodrigo after the Spaniard hoofed the ball over his head to Bukayo Saka in the build-up to Arsenal’s goal. Struijk’s overall performance deserved better; he handled Saka well for the rest of the match as Leeds somehow found a way to lose having dominated the Gunners in the second half. Getty

CM: Mason Mount (Chelsea). Firmly back in form after an indifferent start to the season, the England midfielder scored both goals as Chelsea rode their luck – and relied on some fine goalkeeping – to extend their unbeaten start under Potter. Getty

CM: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham). Scored the second to seal the win over Everton and generally ran the midfield, particularly in the second half when given the freedom to operate further up the pitch. The Dane has been a consistent performer for Spurs this season. AFP

CM: Declan Rice (West Ham). Scored an absolute beauty after playing a neat one-two with Said Benrahma to pull West Ham level at Southampton. The England international has developed into a complete midfielder and goals like this show he can be a threat going forward in addition to his defensive work. Getty

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. (Peter Byrne / PA via AP)

RF: Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth). Unbeaten since the departure of Scott Parker, Bournemouth twice led at fellow promoted side Fulham, with Solanke involved in both goals. He scored the opener inside two minutes before setting up Jefferson Lerma for the second. Really starting to look like a Premier League level player. PA

CF: Ivan Toney (Brentford). Another week, another telling contribution from Brentford’s main man. Toney scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Brighton, including his latest unflappable penalty, to move on to eight goals for the season. Not much more he can do to secure his place in England’s World Cup squad. Reuters

There may have been a general shortage of goals in the latest round of Premier League matches but there was drama in abundance, none more so than the blockbuster tie of the round at Anfield between Liverpool and Manchester City.

Contesting the final match of the weekend, Liverpool claimed an important victory after their stuttering start to the season, with Mohamed Salah scoring the only goal of a game which also saw Reds manager Jurgen Klopp sent to the stands, Phil Foden have a goal disallowed, and coins thrown at Pep Guardiola.

Before all of that, the round got underway on Friday night when Brentford beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0, courtesy of two goals from striker Ivan Toney.

Four matches took place on Saturday: Wolves beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 after a goalkeeping masterclass from Jose Sa, Fulham and Bournemouth played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, and Leicester City were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace, before Tottenham defeated Everton 2-0.

On Sunday, Chelsea continued their fine start under Graham Potter with a 2-0 win at Aston Villa – thanks in no small part to an inspired display from Kepa Arrizabalaga – and Arsenal rode their luck to win 1-0 at Leeds United. There was also a goalless draw between Manchester United and Newcastle United, while West Ham earned a point at Southampton after Declan Rice's superb equaliser.

Reflecting on the performances from the past weekend, Jon Turner has selected his Premier League team of the week in the photo gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.