Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week: Ollie Watkins, Andre Onana, Gabriel Jesus, Cole Palmer

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Garth Crooks’ Weekly Selections: Ollie Watkins, Andre Onana, Gabriel Jesus, Cole Palmer

After each thrilling weekend of Premier League action, the ever-insightful BBC football pundit, Garth Crooks, takes a moment to gather his thoughts and unveil his Team of the Week. But that’s not all – he also delves into the game’s most compelling talking points in the delightfully named “Crooks of the Matter.”

Andre Onana (Manchester United):
When it comes to rating goalkeepers, I must admit that I haven’t always been overly generous to the Cameroon international. However, this week, amidst Manchester United’s exit from the Champions League, Onana showcased his prowess by securing a clean sheet against Liverpool. Considering the turmoil at Old Trafford, this feat cannot be overlooked. While it’s true that every save he made was perhaps expected, his double-handed denial of Virgil van Dijk stood out as particularly impressive. Let’s hope Onana continues to defy expectations and maintains this form in the weeks to come.

Diogo Dalot (Manchester United):
Jurgen Klopp might not have been thrilled with a goalless draw, but for Manchester United, a point at Anfield was worth its weight in gold. Diogo Dalot, the Portugal international, played with heart and determination, making a strong impact on the pitch. His frustration over a disputed throw-in decision led to a rather harsh red card from Michael Oliver. It begs the question of whether referees should occasionally opt for a warning rather than the strict letter of the law, as was the case here.

Alex Moreno (Aston Villa):
Unai Emery must have felt like celebrating when Alex Moreno netted the equalizer for Aston Villa against Brentford. And rightfully so. Moreno’s earlier goal-saving tackle demonstrated his commitment to the cause. However, what unfolded during the match resembled scenes from a Christmas pantomime rather than a Premier League fixture, with players pushing and shoving for seemingly no reason. Ben Mee’s red card, his first in a decade, was well-deserved, given the reckless challenge on Leon Bailey.

James Tarkowski (Everton):
While Michael Keane grabbed the headlines with his goal, it was James Tarkowski’s stellar performance that made all the difference for Everton. The team is flying high, putting their 10-point deduction woes behind them, thanks in part to their impressive displays under Sean Dyche. Speaking of Dyche, he no longer looks like the stressed figure we witnessed at the season’s start, desperately urging his players for more effort. Instead, he appears in control of a squad that genuinely enjoys playing for him.

Amadou Onana (Everton):
Burnley faced a barrage of Everton’s aerial bombardment, and their fans voiced their frustrations as they suffered a two-goal defeat. Meanwhile, Everton continues to grow stronger, looking like a formidable team, especially on set-pieces. The likes of James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Amadou Onana, and Abdoulaye Doucoure, all towering figures, relentlessly attacked the six-yard box. Onana’s superb header typified the relentless pressure the Burnley defense endured. Burnley’s faithful need to rally behind their team in the relegation battle rather than announcing their descent prematurely.

Lewis Miley (Newcastle):
Newcastle United appears to have unearthed another gem in Lewis Miley. His style of play draws comparisons to Steven Gerrard rather than Paul Gascoigne. Miley’s maiden goal for the club, struck sweetly with his right foot, showcased his talent. Miley’s introduction to the squad couldn’t have come at a better time, with experienced professionals like Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon providing vital support. However, the referee’s decision to send off Raul Jimenez for a questionable challenge marred Fulham’s day.

Michael Olise (Crystal Palace):
Manchester City’s performance against Crystal Palace left many wondering, including former City captain Fernandinho. City appeared to make hard work of the match, conceding two late goals despite their early dominance. Nevertheless, Michael Olise’s penalty conversion, away from home against one of the world’s best keepers, highlighted his confidence and competence. A valuable point for Palace under any circumstances.

Cole Palmer (Chelsea):
The Chelsea manager’s job is one of the most coveted in the game. Mauricio Pochettino seems to be building an exciting, watchable team. Raheem Sterling’s resurgence, along with the emergence of talents like Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, and the majestic Cole Palmer, adds to the allure. Chelsea’s continued involvement in the Carabao Cup and a potential European finish are still within reach this season. Perhaps it’s not the write-off some have suggested, and Pochettino remains a worthwhile prospect.

Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal):
Gabriel Jesus’ header against Brighton was a sight to behold. While some may argue that he shouldn’t miss such chances, the precision and execution of this header were top-notch. Heading into an empty net from a deflection at an angle is no easy feat. Jesus displayed composure, making perfect contact to send the ball exactly where he intended. This crucial goal set Arsenal on their path back to the top of the table, and it’s worth keeping an eye on their performance in the New Year.

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa):
The behavior of football fans can be puzzling at times. Ollie Watkins’ winning goal for Aston Villa against Brentford seemingly triggered a response from a section of the crowd. It’s hard to decipher what was said, but the opposition’s attempt to stop Watkins from enjoying his moment was questionable. Instead, they should have focused on preventing him from scoring in the first place to avoid any response.

Mohammed Kudus (West Ham):
Mohammed Kudus is on fire for West Ham, delivering outstanding performances since his return from international duty with Ghana. He netted two well-taken goals against Wolves, making him a formidable presence for any defense. West Ham’s freshness on the pitch, despite a midweek European fixture, is commendable. However, Wolves seemed off the pace, and manager Gary O’Neil must guard against complacency. Maintaining a gap between his team and the relegation zone is crucial.

The Crooks of the Matter: VAR’s Controversy Continues

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the video assistant referee (VAR) system. Clattenburg asserted that players are losing trust in officials due to inconsistencies in VAR’s application, a sentiment shared by many fans and managers. VAR, in its current form, has been nothing short of a disaster, causing widespread frustration. Head of refereeing Howard Webb argues that VAR remains a valuable tool to rectify clear errors, but the problem lies in the system’s lack of clarity. The uncertainty surrounding VAR threatens the modern game’s integrity, with players, fans, and pundits increasingly questioning its place in football. A comprehensive review or overhaul with the input of key stakeholders may be necessary to restore faith in VAR.

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More about Premier League Team

• Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week on BBC Sport
• Garth Crooks – BBC Sport Pundit Profile
• Premier League Official Website
• Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in Football