Speed of Elanga and Cunha's curling strike: Dailysports Premier League Team of the Matchday 18

Matchday 18 of the 2024/25 Premier League season took place on December 26–27.

Erling Haaland couldn't secure victory for Manchester City against Everton after missing a penalty. Fulham defeated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge for the first time in 45 years, while Manchester United suffered a defeat to Wolverhampton.

Nottingham Forest edged past Tottenham, West Ham defeated Southampton, and Arsenal overcame Ipswich. Newcastle crushed Aston Villa, while Bournemouth vs. Crystal Palace and Brighton vs. Brentford ended in goalless draws. Liverpool, despite conceding an early goal, confidently defeated Leicester.

Here’s the Premier League Team of the Week for Matchday 18.

Goalkeeper: Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)

The Belgian recorded his second consecutive clean sheet and seventh overall this season, equaling Everton's Jordan Pickford. Against Tottenham, Sels made four saves, two clearances, one blocked shot, and won an aerial duel.

Left-back: Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)

The 23-year-old Dutchman completed four tackles, two interceptions, and one clearance against Ipswich. With a 93% passing accuracy, 10 of his passes reached the final third. Timber also won 8 of 10 ground duels and executed two successful dribbles.

Centre-back: Fabian Schär (Newcastle)

The Swiss defender registered four clearances and one interception. He completed 95% of his passes, with six long balls finding their targets. Schär won six of eight duels, had one shot on target, one off-target, and showcased successful dribbling.

Centre-back: Murillo (Nottingham Forest)

The Brazilian made nine clearances, three blocks, three tackles, and one interception against Tottenham. He won one aerial duel and five of eight ground duels, along with two successful dribbles.

Right-back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham)

The 27-year-old Englishman made three clearances, three tackles, and three successful dribbles in West Ham's away match against Southampton. He completed 81% of his passes, including two long balls, and created one key chance.

Left midfielder: Joelinton (Newcastle)

The Brazilian played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s demolition of Aston Villa. He provided his first assist of the season in the 2nd minute and scored in stoppage time. Joelinton completed 31 of 33 passes, had two shots on target, and contributed three clearances and two interceptions.

Central midfielder: Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest)

The 22-year-old Swede completed nine of ten passes, had two shots on target, and scored the winning goal against Tottenham in the 28th minute. This marked his third goal in his last three Premier League matches.

Left-winger: Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)

Gakpo scored a crucial equalizer just before halftime against Leicester and later assisted Salah’s goal. He completed 92% of his passes, had two shots on target, and successfully dribbled twice.

Right-winger: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Salah sealed Liverpool's victory with his 16th goal of the season. He had three shots on target, one hitting the crossbar, and completed 82% of his passes, including two key chances.

Attacking midfielder: Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton)

The standout player for Wolves against Manchester United, Cunha scored directly from a corner and provided an assist in the dying moments. He completed 84% of his passes, delivered one successful cross, and had four accurate long balls.

Striker: Alexander Isak (Newcastle)

The Swedish forward doubled Newcastle's lead against Aston Villa in the 58th minute. He completed 79% of his passes, made four key passes, and successfully dribbled past opponents three times. In his last five Premier League matches, Isak has scored seven goals and provided two assists.

Manager: Marco Silva (Fulham)

Fulham pulled off a historic victory at Stamford Bridge, defeating Chelsea for the first time in 45 years. Substitutes Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz scored in the 82nd and 90+5 minutes, respectively, showcasing Silva's tactical brilliance.