Troy Deeney’s Premier League team of the week has been revealed, with Bernd Leno, Ronald Araujo and Liam Delap among the standout selections following the latest round of top-flight fixtures. The BBC football pundit’s weekly lineup also includes a manager call that reflects Arsenal’s title triumph under Mikel Arteta.
Goalkeeper and defence
Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno earns the gloves after producing what Deeney described as an unbelievable couple of saves to keep his side in the game. Deeney felt Newcastle should have been three or four goals ahead before Fulham found an equaliser, making Leno’s contribution decisive.
In defence, Ronald Araujo is included for his impact on Liverpool’s backline. Deeney called him a difference maker and argued that Liverpool look better and more solid when he is in the team.
Jair Cunha of Nottingham Forest is praised as exceptional for his ability to sniff out danger, with his goal adding to a performance that helped keep Erling Haaland quiet in Manchester City’s defeat. Tarik Muharemovic of Leeds United is recognised for staying chilled and calm under pressure despite being caught one-on-one against Tottenham, while Nordi Mukiele of Sunderland is credited with forcing Chelsea to go wide as a key factor in his side’s win.
Midfield
Leon Goretzka of Aston Villa is selected after a beast of a performance in the 4-4 draw at Manchester United. Deeney highlighted his calmness under pressure, his passing and movement, and his goal.
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool is included for continuing to come up big with high energy, with Deeney questioning why the midfielder has not yet been given a new deal. Enzo Le Fee of Sunderland is praised for his scoring, his ability to carry the ball up the pitch under pressure and his inventive free thinking.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Everton is recognised for bossing the game against Coventry, scoring an unbelievable goal, never giving the ball away and contributing solidly in defence as well as in attack.
Forwards
Thierno Barry of Everton joins his teammate after scoring two good goals against Coventry and arguably deserving a third. Deeney suggested this may be the last time the two Everton forwards appear together in his selection.
Liam Delap of Nottingham Forest completes the front line after what Deeney called a massive game and a moment he needed. Under pressure from outside, including from Deeney himself, Delap scored two unbelievable goals against his former team Manchester City and his former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, led the line well and looked physically fitter and stronger.
Manager
Mikel Arteta is named manager of the week simply because he has just won the Premier League with Arsenal. Deeney noted that he had predicted at the start of the season that Arsenal would win the league by 10 points, and he declared the season officially over in November.
The selections offer a mix of goalkeeping heroics, defensive resilience and attacking breakout performances, with Deeney inviting readers to share their own views on the lineup.
