![Up against his old club Brentford and showed the battling qualities that first earned him a move to Aston Villa. When the chips were down Villa needed their star man to step up, and boy did he to earn Unai Emery's side a 2-1 comeback win. Getty](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RHVDCJQCA5JEZGO4D33UZTWVQM.jpg?smart=true&auth=a2e806878afd19f568324d95638dffdaeb7aadfe042f9bce89ca4105365fa889&width=400&height=225)
CF Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Up against his old club Brentford and showed the battling qualities that first earned him a move to Aston Villa. When the chips were down Villa needed their star man to step up, and boy did he to earnShow more![PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE WEEK (3-5-2): The Italian has a decent shout for best goalkeeper in the league this season. Showed excellent command of his area and denied Nottingham Forest on several occasions - none better than the save to keep out Harry Toffolo's header to preserve Spurs' 2-0 lead. AFP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VX4XMSC645BIXBM4SSRQTZSWBU.jpg?smart=true&auth=1821b956e3c3fe5ff08484e649b0b02860b326dcf63e535c090ac346ba795456&width=400&height=225)
GK Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham Hotspur)
PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE WEEK (3-5-2): The Italian has a decent shout for best goalkeeper in the league this season. Showed excellent command of his area and denied Nottingham Forest on several occaShow more![The Dutchman wasn't often tested by a fairly toothless Manchester United attack but when he was he was more than up to the task. Could have got himself a goal at the other end with a towering header that was well saved. AP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PCIBBFMNNN5OJMZNHYPAL5LGCQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=529cdc50f1cdcdcbdeded04bd7165a9a5b6778f5d73acd35434e483a1f600c3d&width=400&height=225)
CB Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
The Dutchman wasn't often tested by a fairly toothless Manchester United attack but when he was he was more than up to the task. Could have got himself a goal at the other end with a towering header tShow more![Making the centre-back position his own since Micky van de Ven's injury. Timed his tackles to perfection and was efficient on the ball. AFP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7PSHFTDUWU7HEXBRJ2GR5GK22M.jpg?smart=true&auth=1ed16d519914a1c3807aba51fa55496e722b18129f946a3a1dfdfd127f3dd847&width=400&height=225)
CB Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur)
Making the centre-back position his own since Micky van de Ven's injury. Timed his tackles to perfection and was efficient on the ball. AFP![Part of the Burnley reunion at Turf Moor and how the Clarets could do with him back in their defensive line in this sort of form. Keane didn't put a foot wrong and got himself on the scoresheet as Everton ran out 2-0 winners. AP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CAWGLMXK6VJDJNGHQRMCBU77OQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=1e026d2c2bb2f95becef6325774b5ceaba2c2938201aa895021c1a8b09b049e2&width=400&height=225)
CB Michael Keane (EVerton)
Part of the Burnley reunion at Turf Moor and how the Clarets could do with him back in their defensive line in this sort of form. Keane didn't put a foot wrong and got himself on the scoresheet as EveShow more![Was at the heart of every attack Tottenham produced in their 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. His sumptuous cross was headed in by Richarlison for the first before Kulusevski smashed home the second. AP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IOYEEJ272QIZH254PXBFTEK63Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=a0f069f1947f1415e92523d143d5ee29167550b269e477ebcbd37941a490299c&width=400&height=225)
RM Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham Hotspur)
Was at the heart of every attack Tottenham produced in their 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. His sumptuous cross was headed in by Richarlison for the first before Kulusevski smashed home the second. Show more![A powerhouse in West Ham's midfield and was absolutely brilliant in the 3-0 home win over Wolves, scoring twice. AFP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FXJ7KFMVJ4DERTZMJJ6OU7KJ4A.jpg?smart=true&auth=ecfcd72a5c4f6008f3e528df377276bb625886de3b9d2821e6d4855b931f8647&width=400&height=225)
CM Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United)
A powerhouse in West Ham's midfield and was absolutely brilliant in the 3-0 home win over Wolves, scoring twice. AFP![Set up two goals for his teammates - the first showed the Brazilian's persistence, the second his precision - as Newcastle returned to winning ways against Fulham. Getty](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BN7KP6NCVUXHUOEF3QYVKFDQ2M.jpg?smart=true&auth=39e51be035e6eaaaad5e737f064c2fa77f52dcb933ba3777b522d879292c3d65&width=400&height=225)
CM Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)
Set up two goals for his teammates - the first showed the Brazilian's persistence, the second his precision - as Newcastle returned to winning ways against Fulham. Getty![It was a weekend dominated by star turns in midfield and none were better than Rice's contribution against Brighton. Ate up ground and swallowed up every Brighton attack as Arsenal returned to the top of the league courtesy of a 2-0 win at the Emirates. Getty](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VUJZOHZUDU6FVTPYTI5V25XC4A.jpg?smart=true&auth=f3d1b69676ab39f7f10191920f82633b8388bd83b22e5120a67d91d0e7c5a8ff&width=400&height=225)
CM Declan Rice (Arsenal)
It was a weekend dominated by star turns in midfield and none were better than Rice's contribution against Brighton. Ate up ground and swallowed up every Brighton attack as Arsenal returned to the topShow more![Scored the opener to break Sheffield United's resistance and then set up the second for teammate Nicolas Jackson. The 21-year-old has been directly involved in 13 Chelsea goals during his 19 appearances since signing from Manchester City. Getty](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MERA7KPE2VPRNKQFDU6LJHBSJE.jpg?smart=true&auth=5d578816f69b00ffea20a3c3351772fb838b5378a11e0724207e777475598ec2&width=400&height=225)
LM Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Scored the opener to break Sheffield United's resistance and then set up the second for teammate Nicolas Jackson. The 21-year-old has been directly involved in 13 Chelsea goals during his 19 appearancShow more![Broke the deadlock against Brighton with a header and his all-round link-up play allowed Arsenal to continually keep pressure on the Seagulls. Getty](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DKUD7MOWJ67JDU3RNJG7NJ5KOU.jpg?smart=true&auth=c96d02338f0983e75f1cb9f8e4747678e25df683cef6f31cfab994b365570266&width=400&height=225)
CF Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
Broke the deadlock against Brighton with a header and his all-round link-up play allowed Arsenal to continually keep pressure on the Seagulls. Getty![Up against his old club Brentford and showed the battling qualities that first earned him a move to Aston Villa. When the chips were down Villa needed their star man to step up, and boy did he to earn Unai Emery's side a 2-1 comeback win. Getty](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RHVDCJQCA5JEZGO4D33UZTWVQM.jpg?smart=true&auth=a2e806878afd19f568324d95638dffdaeb7aadfe042f9bce89ca4105365fa889&width=400&height=225)
CF Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Up against his old club Brentford and showed the battling qualities that first earned him a move to Aston Villa. When the chips were down Villa needed their star man to step up, and boy did he to earnShow more![PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE WEEK (3-5-2): The Italian has a decent shout for best goalkeeper in the league this season. Showed excellent command of his area and denied Nottingham Forest on several occasions - none better than the save to keep out Harry Toffolo's header to preserve Spurs' 2-0 lead. AFP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VX4XMSC645BIXBM4SSRQTZSWBU.jpg?smart=true&auth=1821b956e3c3fe5ff08484e649b0b02860b326dcf63e535c090ac346ba795456&width=400&height=225)
GK Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham Hotspur)
PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE WEEK (3-5-2): The Italian has a decent shout for best goalkeeper in the league this season. Showed excellent command of his area and denied Nottingham Forest on several occaShow more![The Dutchman wasn't often tested by a fairly toothless Manchester United attack but when he was he was more than up to the task. Could have got himself a goal at the other end with a towering header that was well saved. AP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PCIBBFMNNN5OJMZNHYPAL5LGCQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=529cdc50f1cdcdcbdeded04bd7165a9a5b6778f5d73acd35434e483a1f600c3d&width=400&height=225)
CB Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
The Dutchman wasn't often tested by a fairly toothless Manchester United attack but when he was he was more than up to the task. Could have got himself a goal at the other end with a towering header tShow more![Making the centre-back position his own since Micky van de Ven's injury. Timed his tackles to perfection and was efficient on the ball. AFP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7PSHFTDUWU7HEXBRJ2GR5GK22M.jpg?smart=true&auth=1ed16d519914a1c3807aba51fa55496e722b18129f946a3a1dfdfd127f3dd847&width=400&height=225)
CB Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur)
Making the centre-back position his own since Micky van de Ven's injury. Timed his tackles to perfection and was efficient on the ball. AFP![Part of the Burnley reunion at Turf Moor and how the Clarets could do with him back in their defensive line in this sort of form. Keane didn't put a foot wrong and got himself on the scoresheet as Everton ran out 2-0 winners. AP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CAWGLMXK6VJDJNGHQRMCBU77OQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=1e026d2c2bb2f95becef6325774b5ceaba2c2938201aa895021c1a8b09b049e2&width=400&height=225)
CB Michael Keane (EVerton)
Part of the Burnley reunion at Turf Moor and how the Clarets could do with him back in their defensive line in this sort of form. Keane didn't put a foot wrong and got himself on the scoresheet as EveShow more![Was at the heart of every attack Tottenham produced in their 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. His sumptuous cross was headed in by Richarlison for the first before Kulusevski smashed home the second. AP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IOYEEJ272QIZH254PXBFTEK63Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=a0f069f1947f1415e92523d143d5ee29167550b269e477ebcbd37941a490299c&width=400&height=225)
RM Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham Hotspur)
Was at the heart of every attack Tottenham produced in their 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. His sumptuous cross was headed in by Richarlison for the first before Kulusevski smashed home the second. Show more![A powerhouse in West Ham's midfield and was absolutely brilliant in the 3-0 home win over Wolves, scoring twice. AFP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FXJ7KFMVJ4DERTZMJJ6OU7KJ4A.jpg?smart=true&auth=ecfcd72a5c4f6008f3e528df377276bb625886de3b9d2821e6d4855b931f8647&width=400&height=225)
CM Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United)
A powerhouse in West Ham's midfield and was absolutely brilliant in the 3-0 home win over Wolves, scoring twice. AFP![Set up two goals for his teammates - the first showed the Brazilian's persistence, the second his precision - as Newcastle returned to winning ways against Fulham. Getty](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BN7KP6NCVUXHUOEF3QYVKFDQ2M.jpg?smart=true&auth=39e51be035e6eaaaad5e737f064c2fa77f52dcb933ba3777b522d879292c3d65&width=400&height=225)
CM Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)
Set up two goals for his teammates - the first showed the Brazilian's persistence, the second his precision - as Newcastle returned to winning ways against Fulham. Getty![It was a weekend dominated by star turns in midfield and none were better than Rice's contribution against Brighton. Ate up ground and swallowed up every Brighton attack as Arsenal returned to the top of the league courtesy of a 2-0 win at the Emirates. Getty](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VUJZOHZUDU6FVTPYTI5V25XC4A.jpg?smart=true&auth=f3d1b69676ab39f7f10191920f82633b8388bd83b22e5120a67d91d0e7c5a8ff&width=400&height=225)
CM Declan Rice (Arsenal)
It was a weekend dominated by star turns in midfield and none were better than Rice's contribution against Brighton. Ate up ground and swallowed up every Brighton attack as Arsenal returned to the topShow more![Scored the opener to break Sheffield United's resistance and then set up the second for teammate Nicolas Jackson. The 21-year-old has been directly involved in 13 Chelsea goals during his 19 appearances since signing from Manchester City. Getty](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MERA7KPE2VPRNKQFDU6LJHBSJE.jpg?smart=true&auth=5d578816f69b00ffea20a3c3351772fb838b5378a11e0724207e777475598ec2&width=400&height=225)
LM Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Scored the opener to break Sheffield United's resistance and then set up the second for teammate Nicolas Jackson. The 21-year-old has been directly involved in 13 Chelsea goals during his 19 appearancShow more![Broke the deadlock against Brighton with a header and his all-round link-up play allowed Arsenal to continually keep pressure on the Seagulls. Getty](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DKUD7MOWJ67JDU3RNJG7NJ5KOU.jpg?smart=true&auth=c96d02338f0983e75f1cb9f8e4747678e25df683cef6f31cfab994b365570266&width=400&height=225)
CF Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
Broke the deadlock against Brighton with a header and his all-round link-up play allowed Arsenal to continually keep pressure on the Seagulls. Getty![Up against his old club Brentford and showed the battling qualities that first earned him a move to Aston Villa. When the chips were down Villa needed their star man to step up, and boy did he to earn Unai Emery's side a 2-1 comeback win. Getty](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RHVDCJQCA5JEZGO4D33UZTWVQM.jpg?smart=true&auth=a2e806878afd19f568324d95638dffdaeb7aadfe042f9bce89ca4105365fa889&width=400&height=225)
CF Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Up against his old club Brentford and showed the battling qualities that first earned him a move to Aston Villa. When the chips were down Villa needed their star man to step up, and boy did he to earnShow moreRice, Guimaraes and Kudus battle for midfield supremacy: Premier League team of the week
Arsenal return to the top of the Premier League with win over Brighton while Aston Villa climb to second
![Steve Luckings](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2Fc3f09fc7-120b-42cf-8d44-356b28942fc4.png?smart=true&auth=a93b70171c6cc57bca013126f7257d62461086283c1cf22d9d4adcdbc940d865&width=70&height=70)
Steve Luckings
December 18, 2023
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