Premier League: Are Chelsea the team to beat in this season’s title race?
Defender – Reece James (RWB)
Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea
Reece James continues to improve and keeps Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold on his toes over at Anfield. The pair of RB’s, in their respective EPL outings, were again at the peak of their powers but it was James who went one better this weekend.
A clean sheet, a goal, and an assist to help his side paint London blue. The Chelsea right-back had a special outing at the Emirates and rose to the occasion in defence and attack; he made four tackles, two blocks, intercepted once and had 90 touches on the ball. He was an ever-present figure in their victory over Arsenal.
All English Premier League
Defender – Shane Duffy
Brighton 2-0 Watford
Matchday 1 Shane Duffy just missed out on making TTF’s best XI, due to a goal conceded. However, a week on and he remains in fine fettle for Brighton.
The Northern Irishman leads the top flight in headed clearances, is second in clearances, and third in blocks following his Matchday 2 heroics that helped his side to a clean sheet and a win. He also recorded an assist for one of the two goals scored, proving vital in Brighton’s 100% run.
Defender – Ruben Dias
Manchester City 5-0 Norwich City
The last CB spot was up for debate but Ruban Dias won it in the end. Why? Besides starting and helping City to their first clean sheet for the term, Dias recorded an assist on the attacking end. He registered 122 touches, made three tackles, won three aerial duels, and made two key passes. He was the more involved centre-back compared to his partner, Aymeric Laporte, who scored a goal.
📊 Kostas Tsimikas vs Burnley:
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) August 21, 2021
🔴 1 assist
🔴 4/9 crosses completed
🔴 74% pass accuracy
🔴 7/12 ground duels won
🔴 2/3 aerial duels won
🔴 3 clearances
🇬🇷 The Greek Scouser stepped up when he needed to #LFC pic.twitter.com/hOmO1h5TT8
Defender – K. Tsimikas
Liverpool 2-0 Burnley
An assist and another 90 minutes completed by the Greek Scouser. Tsimikas has left Jurgen Klopp with quite the dilemma for the Chelsea clash coming up; who does the manager choose at left back with Andrew Robertson fit and ready and Tsimikas one of the best LB’s over a pair of games?
The Anfield crowd loved what they were seeing; not only display an attacking promise but a hunger and desire synonymous with what Liverpool players are known for – running tirelessly for 90 minutes of football.