Delap Brace and Mac Allister Shine in Deeney's Matchday Selection
BBC Sport pundit Troy Deeney selected a traditional 4-4-2 formation alongside his Manager of the Week following matchday 10 of the Premier League season. The 12 selections reflect key defensive stoppers, midfield commanders, and clinical forwards who shifted the balance across the weekend fixtures.
The resulting lineup highlights tactical discipline and individual execution, with several players stepping up in critical moments for their respective clubs.
Alexis Mac Allister
player1. Bernd Leno: Shot-Stopping Resilience
Bernd Leno delivered a pivotal performance in Fulham’s draw against Newcastle United, keeping his side within striking distance before they secured an equaliser. The goalkeeper produced multiple saves under heavy first-half pressure to limit Newcastle’s attacking output.
“Unbelievable couple of saves from him to keep Fulham in the game.”
2. Ronald Araujo: Defensive Anchor
Ronald Araujo provided defensive stability for Liverpool during their fixture against Crystal Palace. Despite a late injury-time penalty denying Liverpool a clean sheet, Araujo controlled the central defensive space throughout the match.
Liam Delap
player3. Jair Cunha: Nullifying Elite Attackers
Nottingham Forest defender Jair Cunha neutralised Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, preventing the striker from registering clear scoring opportunities in Forest’s victory. Cunha also contributed on the scoresheet to cap off a strong defensive performance.
4. Tarik Muharemovic: Composure Under Pressure
Leeds United defender Tarik Muharemovic managed isolated defensive situations against Tottenham Hotspur with remarkable calm. Faced with direct one-on-one isolations, Muharemovic timed his tackles effectively to break up opposition attacks.
5. Nordi Mukiele: Structural Edge
Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele contained Chelsea’s wide threats, forcing the opposition into predictable channels. Mukiele’s positional discipline laid the foundation for Sunderland’s overall defensive structure throughout the contest.
6. Leon Goretzka: Midfield Command
Aston Villa midfielder Leon Goretzka scored a goal and controlled central areas during a high-scoring 4-4 draw against Manchester United. Goretzka demonstrated composure on the ball and effective distribution under pressure.
7. Alexis Mac Allister: High-Energy Driver
Alexis Mac Allister produced another influential performance in Liverpool’s midfield. His work rate and central progression proved central to Liverpool’s setup.
“He keeps coming up big, high energy and he is vitally important to the way Liverpool play.”
8. Enzo Le Fee: Creative Force
Sunderland midfielder Enzo Le Fee consistently carried the ball through pressure to move his side up the pitch against Chelsea. His decision-making in tight spaces generated key transitions for Sunderland.
9. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: Complete Engine Room Performance
Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall dominated the central third against Coventry City. Alongside a defensive shift, Dewsbury-Hall contributed directly to the attack by scoring a goal.
10. Thierno Barry: Clinical Finishing
Everton striker Thierno Barry scored two goals against Coventry City to secure his spot in the forward line. Barry maintained a constant threat in the penalty area throughout his time on the pitch.
11. Liam Delap: Attacking Breakthrough
Nottingham Forest forward Liam Delap delivered a standout performance by scoring twice in a victory over his former club, Manchester City. Delap used his physical presence to lead the line and disrupt the opposition backline.
12. Mikel Arteta: Manager of the Week
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta earned Manager of the Week honours from Deeney following Arsenal’s matchday performance. Arteta’s tactical setup kept Arsenal firmly at the summit of the table as the schedule heads toward the mid-November international break.