Oh, VAR. Can we not go one week without some kind of refereeing controversy?
VAR has drawn a considerable level of heat and attention since its introduction into the Premier League three seasons ago, but it’s hard to recall a Matchweek with quite so many VAR-induced talking points as this one. In one weekend, we saw West Ham, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion all have goals chalked off with varying degrees of controversy, and attention is now very much fixed on this system and how its usage can be improved by those in charge of it.
Outside of these incidents though, there was some brilliant football played this weekend, with the likes of Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth all putting in stunning performances leading to memorable victories.
Here are the latest Premier League Stars of the Week
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (Everton)
This season’s first Merseyside Derby was a puzzling one; despite being laden with chances, neither Everton nor Liverpool were able to convert any of their opportunities, with the game finishing goalless.
The result largely came down to the performances of the two goalkeepers, and whilst Alisson shone, his opposite number Jordan Pickford was even better. Everton’s Number 1 made eight saves throughout the game, which included a brilliant tip onto the bar from Darwin Nunez’s volley, and a sharp reaction save from Roberto Firmino’s effort in the box.
An important point for Everton and excellent performance for Pickford to build on.
Defender: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s shaky start to the season threatened to descend into further chaos against London rivals West Ham on Saturday, fears that were realised when Michail Antonio put the Hammers 1-0 up from on the goal line.
Of all the people who could’ve rescued Chelsea, few would’ve been expecting Ben Chilwell to make such a telling contribution after being substituted onto the pitch at the 70-minute mark. The left wingback made a quick impact with an inch-perfect finish just minutes after being substituted on, and with the clock approaching 90, his brilliant cross was converted by Kai Havertz to give Chelsea a lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
The late VAR controversy will undoubtedly be the focus of the headlines, but this shouldn’t take away from a game-changing performance from Ben Chilwell.
Midfielder: Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton and Hove Albion)
Brighton and Hove Albion may have lost their unbeaten streak in the league last week at the hands of Fulham, but the Seagulls proved that this result was just a blip, bouncing back with a thrilling 5-2 win over Leicester City.
Pascal Gross has been a star of Brighton’s midfield so far this season, but this victory was all about his team mate, Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentine attacking midfielder scored a goal of the season contender early in the second half, only for it to be very controversially ruled out. Like all good players though, Mac Allister kept going, confidently converting a penalty after fine work from Leandro Trossard, and smashing home a fantastic free kick right at the death to crown a sparkling performance.
Just another gem unearthed by Brighton’s brilliantly run scouting network.
Forward: Ivan Toney (Brentford)
A three-match winless run came to an abrupt end for Brentford in Matchweek 6, the West London side roaring back to form with their own 5-2 victory against Leeds United.
As has so often been the case since Brentford’s promotion in 2021, Ivan Toney was the star of the show for the Bees. The striker won and then calmly dispatched a penalty after half an hour to open the scoring, and fired home a postage-stamp free kick just before half time to double his team’s lead.
After finding himself with the ball in midfield and an empty net in front of him during the second half, Toney showed ice-cool composure to take a few touches and chip home a finish that would seal his second Premier League hat trick.
The calls for him to be given a chance with England are only growing louder – could a call up be just around the corner?
Manager: Gary O’Neil (Bournemouth)
What a difference a week makes.
After suffering a notoriously difficult run of fixtures early on in the season that culminated in a 9-0 humiliation at Liverpool just over a week ago, caretaker manager Gary O’Neil has got Bournemouth right back on form, following an incredible comeback victory over Nottingham Forest.
Having gone 2-0 down to the hosts, it would’ve been easy for Bournemouth to fold, especially given their bruising start to the season, but O’Neil’s side remained in the contest, and following a couple of smart substitutions, hauled themselves back into the game. Substitute Jaiden Anthony’s winner following a Forest error at the back underlined both Bournemouth’s relentless pressing and never-say die attitude towards the game, as well as smart management by O’Neil.
All of a sudden, things aren’t so bad for the Cherries.
