Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week: Diaz, Foden, Sterling, Mitoma, Wissa and more

Garth Crooks’ Weekly Picks: Diaz, Foden, Sterling, Mitoma, Wissa, and More

At the conclusion of each round of fixtures, the knowledgeable BBC football pundit Garth Crooks steps up to the plate to unveil his highly anticipated Team of the Week. Curious about who he’s chosen for the second weekend of the Premier League season? Well, you’re in for a treat as we delve into the highlights and showcase the stars that caught Crooks’ discerning eye. As always, he doesn’t just stop there; he shares his candid thoughts on the most intriguing talking points in his beloved Crooks of the Matter. So, let’s strap in and see which players have emerged as the cream of the crop in this action-packed week of football!

Ederson (Manchester City): Behold the marvel that is Ederson – a goalkeeper who’s as adept with his feet as he is with his hands. This time around, he showcased his impeccable ball control, orchestrating a pass to Julian Alvarez that left us all screaming, “What a ball!” It was the kind of delivery that makes you wonder if Kevin de Bruyne himself had pulled off the pass. Not only did Ederson set the stage for a glorious chance for Erling Haaland, but he also reaffirmed his position as a true artist when it comes to playing with purpose. Who says goalkeepers can’t be playmakers?

Kyle Walker (Manchester City): Manchester City continues to dazzle, and this time, their captain Kyle Walker was leading the charge. Fresh from their Super Cup conquest in midweek, City faced off against Newcastle with the energy of a squad that had never left. A mark of a top-tier team is their ability to conquer both the European stage and their domestic league. Walker, the epitome of professionalism, showcased this by putting on a clinic against Newcastle. Not only did he conquer the Super Cup, but he carried that momentum into the league like it was just another day at the office. It’s almost like they never left!

Cristian Romero (Tottenham): We all know Romero’s prowess in defense, but his stint with Argentina in the World Cup final truly seals the deal. He’s a force to be reckoned with, even if he’s up against the odds. Last season, he weathered fatigue and frustration, making tackles that defy all odds. And even when things got dicey against Manchester United, he stood tall. Kudos to Michael Oliver for not penalizing Romero’s lightning-speed handball; after all, everyone knows that particular rule is about as befuddling as trying to catch lightning in a bottle.

William Saliba (Arsenal): Saliba’s triumphant return to Arsenal’s lineup has rekindled their defensive prowess. His presence was instrumental in securing a hard-fought victory against Crystal Palace, sending a resounding message to the league. Six points in two opening games is a feat to be reckoned with. And even when the going got tough against a resilient home side, Saliba’s stalwart defense proved insurmountable. Though, can we all agree that referees need to set a countdown for how long a player can hold the ball during a throw-in? It’s about time we clear up that gray area.

Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool): Liverpool’s new kid on the block, Szoboszlai, is here to impress. His dazzling performance against Bournemouth had all the right touches of brilliance. However, it’s high time he learned about the legacy of Liverpool’s number eight shirt. Names like Sammy Lee, Brian Hall, Jimmy Case, and the iconic Steven Gerrard have graced that jersey. Szoboszlai’s got big shoes to fill, and it’s not just about his feet – it’s about matching the heart and soul of those who came before him.

Phil Foden (Manchester City): With Ilkay Gundogan’s departure and De Bruyne sidelined, Foden stepped up to be Manchester City’s beacon of hope. His masterful playmaking led to Alvarez’s stunning goal, executed seemingly effortlessly. Foden’s instinctive understanding of his strike partner’s position and the game’s demands show he’s the real deal. However, the question lingers: Can he emulate the feats of Gundogan and De Bruyne under Guardiola’s watchful eye? One thing’s for sure, winning trophies isn’t a walk in the park, but at least starting with the Super Cup isn’t too shabby.

Solly March (Brighton): Amidst all the chaos, Wolves suffered a grim fate against a relentless Brighton side. Manager Gary O’Neil picked up where his predecessor left off, driving his team with confidence and motivation. The Seagulls soared high, with Solly March exemplifying their spirit. His determination and goal-scoring prowess mirrored the team’s performance. It’s like Wolves faced a whirlwind from the south coast, leaving us all wondering – where did all that confidence go?

Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton): Prepare to be dazzled by the sheer brilliance of Mitoma’s goal against Wolves. His run, control, and world-class finish were a sight to behold. In fact, his consistency in producing such moments of magic has left us questioning why he’s not on a bigger stage yet. I mean, even with Jadon Sancho and Antony at Manchester United, we’ve seen nothing quite like Mitoma’s magic. It’s as if he’s tailor-made for Old Trafford. United, step up your game!

Luis Diaz (Liverpool): Diaz, the goal-scoring extraordinaire, proved his mettle once more with a spectacular finish against Bournemouth. His improvisation left us in awe, showcasing his prowess in front of the net. Although we could debate the penalty awarded to Liverpool by referee Thomas Bramall, it was the dismissal of Alexis Mac Allister that truly raised eyebrows. When a referee’s decisions become the center of attention, it’s time for introspection. After all, maintaining the league’s reputation means owning up to mistakes, even for referees. We’re all human, right?

Raheem Sterling (Chelsea): Sometimes, a game should be out of reach, but fate has other plans. Despite West Ham’s costly errors, Sterling shone bright in the darkness. It’s a game of expectations, where players costing £106m and £115m should deliver. Yet, it’s Sterling who stands out amidst the confusion. Amidst Chelsea’s lavish spending on midfielders, Sterling stands as the beacon of hope. And if his performance in this match is any indication, he’s back in the game. Sterling, keep the momentum rolling!

Yoane Wissa (Brentford): When it comes to causing havoc, Wissa and Mbeumo are a dynamic duo that no team wants to face. Brentford’s manager Thomas Frank made a bold choice in not rushing to replace suspended top scorer Ivan Toney. And boy, did it pay off. Wissa’s prowess was on full display as he dismantled Fulham’s defenses. It’s a pity that a questionable decision marred the game’s brilliance. Referee Darren Bond’s call left us scratching our heads – a needless penalty and marching orders for Fulham’s captain. Sometimes, a referee’s perspective is a puzzle we can’t solve.

The Crooks of the Matter

In the world of football officiating, decisions can change the course of a game. This week, Howard Webb made the right call by sidelining Simon Hooper and his team from Premier League fixtures. Sometimes, stepping back can lead to a fresh perspective. Hooper’s omission was a necessary response to his failure to award a penalty to Wolves after Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, committed a clear infraction. It was a moment of disbelief, compounded by the lack of intervention from VAR or the referee’s assistants.

Officiating in venues like Old Trafford or Anfield is akin to a high-stakes performance. Just like players, referees need to be at their best. But when the integrity of the league is at stake, the powers that be must step in. The Premier League’s reputation is paramount, and owning up to mistakes is a crucial step in upholding that reputation. In the end, we’re all human, and acknowledging errors is an essential part of the game’s evolution.

So there you have it – Garth Crooks’ selection of the standout players from this week’s Premier League action. As the season unfolds, expect more surprises, exceptional performances, and perhaps a few more refereeing controversies. Football is a symphony of skill, drama, and unpredictability, and we can’t wait to see what the next matchday brings.

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