Troy Deeney’s Premier League Team of the Week Selections

Following each round of Premier League fixtures this season, BBC football pundit Troy Deeney presents his chosen team and manager of the week. This week’s selections are detailed below, and readers are invited to share their opinions via the comments section. Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace): Deeney observed that despite Tottenham’s performance, Crystal Palace secured a clean sheet, making them one of the few teams to do so this weekend. He described it as “a massive game for Crystal Palace” and emphasized their need “to break that curse of actually winning.” Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace): Guehi’s performance was highlighted as “excellent again,” characterized by “a very good captain’s performance, very calm and very measured.” Deeney noted that Guehi “didn’t really allow Tottenham too much” and delivered “a great performance considering how much pressure was on them to win a game.” Ruben Dias (Manchester City): Deeney commented that Dias demonstrated control and composure in Manchester City’s home game against Southampton, even though it was “not a game where he had to work too hard.” He added that Dias ensured the team remained focused and avoided complacency, especially with the upcoming Arsenal versus Liverpool fixture, stating, “there was no point where they were getting too far ahead of themselves or being lacklustre and taking their eye off the ball; he didn’t allow for that.” Issa Diop (Fulham): Diop was praised as “excellent” in what Deeney described as “a great game by Fulham.” Deeney suggested they “probably should have killed the game off,” while acknowledging Everton’s resilience. He noted that Diop, who “had a tough time last year when people were questioning him,” was a “powerhouse at the back at the weekend.” Thomas Partey (Arsenal): Deeney selected Thomas Partey for the right-wing back position, noting that while Partey is “probably one of the Arsenal players they are looking to move on from in the summer,” he consistently performs well when asked to play right-back, stating he “does a good job, doesn’t let the team down.” Deeney described him as “the type of person you’d be really grateful for in your team.” Ryan Yates (Nottingham Forest) and Edson Alvarez (West Ham): Both Yates and Alvarez were described as “excellent” midfielders, praised for being “combative” and doing “everything simple and well.” Deeney highlighted their ability to “step up” during challenging moments in their respective games, “whether it be with a big tackle or calming the play down and winning fouls.” He considered them “two players who epitomised their teams in their necessity to find a win,” specifically mentioning West Ham’s important win against Manchester United. Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolverhampton Wanderers): Deeney positioned Ait-Nouri at left-wing back, acknowledging his goal against Brighton. He commended Ait-Nouri’s consistent strong performances throughout the season, despite Wolverhampton Wanderers’ overall challenging campaign, stating, “I thought give him a little bit of credit for his attacking prowess and defending well throughout the course of the season.” Cole Palmer (Chelsea): Palmer scored a goal and, though not directly assisting the team’s first, provided “an unreal pass for, as they say in America, an assist for the assist,” which Deeney described as “a great ball and set them on their way.” Deeney noted Palmer’s display of “a level of class,” observing that when he is substituted, “it looks like Chelsea at every single opportunity are going to lose the game. It gets so wide open, no control.” He suggested Palmer is “probably getting frustrated at being brought off,” but concluded that he was “excellent again” in the match. Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest): Wood was recognized for “scoring goals all season and coming up big when he needs to,” specifically citing “two massive goals on a huge night against rivals Leicester.” Deeney affirmed, “Big Chris still delivers,” and contrasted his experienced performance with the perceived emphasis on younger players, stating, “Apparently now you only have to be 23 and all you can do is sprint and run, but this guy is showing it is good to have a little bit of experience.” He also noted this was “back-to-back times he has been the striker in our team.” Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford): Deeney expressed his expectation for Mbeumo to score whenever he watches Brentford, calling it “a wonderful thing to have.” He praised Mbeumo’s “cool, calm penalty” and a cross that resulted in a goal, highlighting “the decisiveness in the play and the decision to get on the ball and take on a couple of Ipswich players before delivering into the box.” While acknowledging it was “a little bit lucky it went in at the far post,” Deeney credited Mbeumo for creating the opportunity “all by himself” and noted it was his “first time in our team of the week.” Mikel Arteta (Arsenal): Mikel Arteta was chosen by Deeney due to “so much pressure, so much expectation and no players really to pick from – dealing with more injuries again with Gabriel going off.” Deeney considered it “excellent” that Arsenal secured a point from their match against Liverpool under these circumstances. Readers are encouraged to provide their feedback on Troy Deeney’s choices and suggest their own Team of the Week using the comments form.