Extraordinary Ouattara, Van Dijk and Foden set records: EPL Team of the Matchweek 23 by Dailysports

On January 25-26, the matches of EPL Matchday 23 took place. Bournemouth unexpectedly thrashed Nottingham Forest, Everton defeated Brighton, celebrating manager David Moyes’ 700th Premier League match. Arsenal snatched a victory over Wolverhampton in a game with two red cards, Liverpool demolished Ipswich, Newcastle won away against Southampton, and Manchester City pulled off a comeback victory over Chelsea.

Leicester and Brentford secured away wins (2-1) against Tottenham and Crystal Palace, respectively. Aston Villa and West Ham ended in a draw, while Manchester United scored a late winner against Fulham.

Symbolic Team of EPL Matchday 23

Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Bournemouth)

Kepa kept his fourth clean sheet of the season. Against Nottingham Forest, the Spanish goalkeeper made 2 saves, 3 clearances, and 3 parries, and won 2 ground duels.

Left-back: Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City)

The 22-year-old Croatian recorded a block and an interception in the game against Chelsea, winning 5 of 7 ground duels. He succeeded in all 5 of his dribbling attempts and even scored a goal, which sparked City’s comeback victory.

Center-back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

In his 300th appearance for Liverpool, Van Dijk set a Premier League season record with 132 accurate passes (97%), including 7 long balls. He won 2 ground duels, 4 of 6 aerial duels, made 2 clearances, one tackle, and even had a shot on target.

Center-back: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)

Against Brighton, Branthwaite made 13 clearances, one interception, and one tackle, blocking two shots. Out of 41 passes, 35 were accurate, including 3 long balls. He won 4 of 5 duels on the ground and in the air.

Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Trent made an interception and two tackles in defense. Offensively, he completed 74 accurate passes, including one cross, a long ball, and a created chance. On the 65th minute, his cross resulted in Cody Gakpo's goal. Additionally, Trent won 5 of 7 ground duels, made 3 successful dribbles, and hit the post.

Right midfielder: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)

The 25-year-old American provided two assists, making it his second consecutive game with a goal contribution. Adams completed 23 accurate passes, including 2 key passes and one long ball, and won 7 of 10 duels. He also registered 3 clearances, 2 interceptions, and 5 tackles.

Left midfielder: Bobby Decordova-Reid (Leicester)

The 31-year-old Jamaican played a pivotal role in Leicester’s first victory since early December. Making his first appearance since August, he provided two assists between the 46th and 50th minutes, leading to Leicester’s comeback win against Tottenham.

Left winger: Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)

For the first time since March 2023, the Dutchman scored twice in a Premier League match. Gakpo also registered an assist, completed 88% of his passes, made one cross, a key pass, and created a scoring chance. Additionally, he recorded 2 successful dribbles and 2 tackles.

Right winger: Phil Foden (Manchester City)

2025 has started in the best possible way for Foden. For the first time in his career, he has scored in four consecutive matches. His goal against Chelsea was his sixth of the season. Foden also completed 88% of his passes, made 2 successful dribbles, won 4 ground duels, and hit the post.

Striker: Dango Ouattara (Bournemouth)

Before this match, the Burkinabe forward had scored 3 goals in 19 games. Against Nottingham, he netted a hat-trick – the first of his career and the first for a player from Burkina Faso in the Premier League.

Striker: Alexander Isak (Newcastle)

The Swede continues his chase of Salah and Haaland in the Premier League Golden Boot race. In Matchday 23, Isak scored 2 of Newcastle’s 3 goals, bringing his season tally to 17. He also completed 19 passes, made 2 successful dribbles, won 4 of 6 ground duels, and recorded one tackle.

Coach: Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth)

Iraola’s side scored five unanswered goals against Nottingham Forest, ending Forest’s 9-game unbeaten streak. Last round, Bournemouth ended Newcastle’s similar run. The "Cherries" are now on their best-ever unbeaten streak: 11 matches (7 wins, 4 draws). They are just 4 points away from third place.