Xhaka and Jesus feature in an Arsenal heavy Premier League Team of the Week
This week’s team of the week features eight teams, including Brentford, Manchester United and Fulham, but it is Arsenal who dominate the team with four players in the XI.
Mark Travers (Bournemouth) – 7.47
Bournemouth travelled to Goodison Park on the final day of the season knowing that they had already secured Premier League football next season. Mark Travers was called upon to make his 11th league appearance of the season and despite the Cherries losing the game 1-0 he did not disappoint. The stopper made a total of five saves against the Toffees and completed 81% of his attempted passes.
The Fulham full-back opened the scoring at Old Trafford on the final day with what is his first ever Premier League goal. However, it’s not just getting on the scoresheet that has granted him a place in this side but the 27-year-old also made two tackles, won two aerial duels and completed one successful dribble.
Ethan Pinnock (Brentford) – 8.69
Brentford became the first team in the league this season to do the double over League champions Man City with a 1-0 win at the Gtech. Pinnock excelled against Pep’s side at both ends of the pitch, he made three successful tackles and won one aerial duel on his way to keeping a clean sheet against the highest scorers in the league. At the other end, he scored the only goal of the game and took three shots, two of which hit the target.
James Tarkowski (Everton) – 7.96
Everton secured survival in dramatic fashion on this final day with an Abdoulaye Doucoure goal separating the sides. The stand out performer for the Toffees was James Tarkowski. No player won more aerial duels across the league on the final day than Tarkowski’s seven. He also made three tackles on his way to winning the WhoScored.com Man of the Match award for his efforts.
Arsenal kept a clean sheet on the last day in their thrashing of Wolves, running out 5-0 winners. Kiwior had an excellent day in front of a home crowd and got himself on the scoresheet late in the second half thanks to a Jose Sa fumble. Aside from his goal, he made two successful tackles and won one aerial duel in the Gunners’ comfortable win.
Michael Olise (Crystal Palace) – 8.62
Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest couldn’t be separated on the final day at Selhurst Park, ending 1-1. Michael Olise proved once again why he is such a hot prospect at the moment with a complete midfield performance. The WhoScored.com Man of the Match caused the Forest defense problems throughout successfully completing three dribbles and having two shots. The youngster also proved effective at the other end with a 100% tackle success rate from his four tackles and one interception.
With Granit Xhaka on his way out of Arsenal and his performance against Wolves proved to be the perfect send off. The midfielder fired in two goals within the first 15 minutes, getting the Gunners off to a perfect start. He took a total of three shots on the day and had a pass success rate of 92%.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) – 7.89
Manchester United secured their third place finish and will be present in the Champions League next season. They faced Fulham on the final day, and with the FA Cup final on the horizon United were keen to go to Wembley on the back of a win. Bruno Fernandes was the stand-out performer against the Cottagers. The midfielder returned a rating of 7.89 having scored the winner, he also attempted three shots, of which two were on target. Bruno Fernades has made the most key passes in the league this season with a total of 119, and of which six came on the final day against Fulham.
Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) – 8.87
Another Gunner in this week’s Team of the Week and another well deserved pick. Leandro Trossard played the provider in the 5-0 win. He contributed two assists from his two key passes at the Emirates; had two shots and made two successful tackles on an all-round great day for Arsenal.
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal) – 9.39
The fourth Arsenal player to feature in the team is Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian’s rating of 9.39 makes him the WhoScored player of the week and it’s an award that is more than deserved. Jesus was on target for the fourth goal from his one and only shot in the game, and provided an assist to Granit Xhaka for the opener. He also had a stellar performance on the defensive, winning two tackles, making two clearances and one interception in Arsenal’s emphatic win.
Kamaldeen Sulemana (Southampton) – 9.19
The last day often throws up a thriller or two and that was absolutely the case at St Mary’s with eight goals on display in a 4-4 draw. Sulemana was at the double with goals either side of half time which saw the Saints turn around a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead. The frontman had 5 shots with three hitting the target, made one key pass and won two aerial duels.
