Unstoppable Diallo, consistent Isak: EPL Team of the Matchweek 21 by Dailysports

From January 14 to 16, the 21st matchweek of the Premier League took place.

Manchester City dropped three points after conceding a late equalizer against Brentford. Chelsea salvaged a draw against Bournemouth in stoppage time. West Ham defeated Fulham, while Nottingham became the first team this season to avoid defeat against Liverpool.

David Moyes’ return as Everton’s head coach was overshadowed by a loss to Aston Villa. Newcastle thrashed Wolves, and Crystal Palace edged Leicester. Arsenal triumphed over Tottenham in the North London derby.

Brighton secured an away win against Ipswich, while a last-minute hat-trick from Diallo helped Manchester United snatch victory against Southampton.

Here is the symbolic team of Premier League matchweek 21.

Goalkeeper: Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)

Despite conceding a goal, the Belgian keeper’s confident performance was crucial in helping Nottingham secure points against Liverpool.

Sels made five saves, three of which came from inside the box. His post-shot expected goals metric was 0.92, meaning he prevented a certain goal-scoring opportunity.

Left-back: Konstantinos Tsimikas (Liverpool)

The Greek defender made an immediate impact after coming on in the 65th minute. His first touch delivered a pinpoint corner that led to Jota’s equalizer.

Tsimikas completed 17 out of 19 passes, including a key pass, a long ball, and a successful cross.

Centre-back: Murillo (Nottingham Forest)

The Brazilian set a new season record in the game against Liverpool with 17 clearances. He also made four tackles, two interceptions, and one blocked shot, winning four out of five ground duels.

Centre-back: Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa)

Mings put on a defensive masterclass against Everton, recording 11 clearances. He completed 85% of his passes, including one key pass and three long balls, and created a scoring chance.

Right-back: Reece James (Chelsea)

James became Chelsea’s savior in the draw against Bournemouth. Subbed on in the second half, he delivered 85% pass accuracy, including a cross, a long pass, and a key pass.

In the 95th minute, James scored a stunning free-kick to secure a point for Chelsea.

Defensive midfielder: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle)

The Brazilian captain orchestrated Newcastle’s midfield in their emphatic win over Wolves. He registered 57 accurate passes, including four key passes and an assist. Defensively, he made five tackles, two interceptions, and a blocked shot.

Attacking midfielder: Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Foden shone brightly for City against Brentford, completing 88% of his passes, creating a chance, and winning all four of his duels. He scored twice, almost sealing victory for City before they conceded a late equalizer.

Left winger: Alex Iwobi (Fulham)

Despite Fulham’s loss to West Ham, Iwobi was the standout performer. He contributed two goals, completed 77% of his passes (including five key passes), and successfully completed all three of his dribbles.

Right winger: Amad Diallo (Manchester United)

Diallo delivered a sensational performance against Southampton, scoring a hat-trick between the 82nd and 94th minutes. The Ivorian became the first United player from Africa to register 10 goal contributions in a Premier League season.

Striker: Diogo Jota (Liverpool)

The Portuguese forward made an instant impact, scoring a header with his first touch after coming off the bench. Jota also created chances and won key duels in the air and on the ground.

Striker: Alexander Isak (Newcastle)

The Swedish striker continued his scoring streak with a brace against Wolves, extending his run to eight consecutive games with a goal. Isak now has 15 goals this season, placing him third in the golden boot race.

Manager: Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)

The Gunners claimed a thrilling victory in the North London derby, capitalizing on Liverpool’s slip to reduce the gap at the top.

“We delivered an outstanding performance. From the first minute, we played with incredible intensity. This match means a lot, and it’s a gift for our fans. Despite playing 120 minutes just days ago, the team showed phenomenal spirit,” Arteta said.