Premier League TOTW Gameweek 11: Liverpool, Everton and Man United dominate after clean sheets

Is Andrew Robertson back to his best?

The Liverpool left-back has been one of the top players in his position in the Premier League for some years now. But there had been a slight dip in attacking output, alongside injury issues.

Defensively, Robertson has grown, though. The Scot has won possession 41 times in the Premier League this season, including 20 in the middle third — the third-most among full-backs.

Robertson was a key part in Liverpool’s defence against Aston Villa, helping them move five points clear at the top of the table. He’s one of two Liverpool players in our Team of the Week for gameweek 11. Manchester United and Everton also have two representatives in the team after their clean sheets.

We’ve used our Squawka Score to determine the 11 picks, based on the statistical leaders for metrics relevant to their positions. And we’ve thrown an honourable mention XI for good measure.

GK: Jordan Pickford (Everton)

• Player rating: 80%

Everton may have failed to beat West Ham United, but they had a strong defence. Protecting the goal was Jordan Pickford, who looked unbeatable at the London Stadium. The Everton stop-stopper made six saves, the most in the Premier League this weekend, with five coming from shots inside the box. On top of his clean sheet, Pickford also prevented 1.21 goals, with only one goalkeeper preventing more.

Honourable mention: Andre Onana (75%)

RB: Noussair Mazraoui (Man United)

• Player rating: 69%

Noussair Mazraoui put in a strong defensive performance as Man United beat Leicester City 3-0. The Moroccan more than did his bit to help keep the clean sheet, with two tackles won, two aerial duels won, two clearances and one blocked cross. On the other side of his game, Mazraoui also completed two crosses himself and two take-ons.

Honourable mention: Nelson Semedo (67%)

CB: James Tarkowski (Everton)

• Player rating: 76%

The second Everton representative, James Tarkowski made sure Pickford’s day wasn’t busier than it already was. The centre-back made blocked two shosts and made five clearances, protecting the box. Tarkowski also won one tackle and made two interceptions retaining possession. In terms of his duels, Tarkowski won five aerial duels and 75% of his ground duels.

Honourable mention: Maximilian Kilman (67%)

CB: Joachim Andersen (Fulham)

• Player rating: 75%

It will have been sweet for Joachim Andersen to remind Crystal Palace fans what they are missing. The Dane helped Fulham keep a clean sheet at Selhurst Park with a solid display. Andersen won possession six times in the defensive third, the joint-most among centre-backs and made 10 ball recoveries — more than any other centre-back. Anderson made five clearances, won three aerial duels and completed eight long passes too.

Honourable mention: Lisandro Martinez (75%)

LB: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

• Player rating: 77%

Andrew Robertson wasn’t too busy defensively against Aston Villa, but he did make two interceptions retaining possession, had three clearances and blocked one cross. At the other end of the pitch, the Scot created one big chance, had five touches in the opposition box and completed two crosses.

Honourable mention: Antonee Robinson (67%)

CM: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

• Player rating: 74%

It was another strong performance at the base of Liverpool’s midfield for Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutchman made four interceptions retaining possession, including one in the Liverpool box and won possession four times in the middle third, helping to stop Aston Villa’s attacks. On the ball himself, Gravenberch completed three take-ons and had a retention rate of 90.91%.

Honourable mention: Rodrigo Bentancur (73%)

CM: Manuel Ugarte (Man United)

• Player rating: 74%

Manuel Ugarte looked solid as part of Man United’s deeper midfield in their win over Leicester. The Uruguayan was key in the Red Devils winning the ball back. He made three interceptions retaining possession, won six tackles and 10 total duels.

Honourable mention: Orel Mangala (71%)

RW: Pedro Neto (Chelsea)

• Player rating: 77%

Pedro Neto started Chelsea‘s draw with Arsenal on the left but later moved over to the right, where he got his goal. The Portuguese winger created one big chance, which was missed at the far post by Malo Gusto, one of three crosses he completed. He also created two chances and was fouled once in the final third.

Honourable mention:

No.10: Matheus Cunha (Wolves)

• Player rating: 75%

Matheus Cunha made Wolves‘ first win of the season secure, scoring their second against Southampton. He also provided an intentional assist for their opener. Overall, Cunha created one big chance, completed two take-ons and had six touches in the opposition box.

Honourable mention: Emile Smith Rowe (74%)

• Player rating: 77%

Justin Kluivert was on the losing side for Bournemouth against Brentford, but he had a strong individual display. The Dutchman scored for the Cherries and has six touches in the opposition box, alongside two high turnovers. Kluivert also completed 11 final third passes and was fouled in the final third once.

Honourable mention: Son Heung-min (71%)

ST: Yoane Wissa (Brentford)

• Player rating: 77%

Yoane Wissa was crucial to Brentford’s win over Bournemouth, scoring two goals to help them come from behind. Wissa had two shots on target and an xG overperformance of 1.72. He also had eight touches in the opposition box and completed four lay-offs.