Our Premier League Team of the Week from the midweek action features Brentford’s record-breaking Brazilian and a Fulham duo.
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker – Liverpool
Did everything Arsenal threw at him in difficult conditions at a rain-soaked Emirates. Glue-like gloves when Arsenal tried their luck from distance and relieved pressure well when needed.
Centre-back: Marcos Senesi – Bournemouth
Another strong performance from Senesi, who could be the next Bournemouth star to seek pastures new. Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly interested in the Argentine, whose contract expires this summer. It’s for good reason. Senesi was solid again against Spurs, registering an assist and making ten miscues.
Center back: Maxime Esteve – Burnley
Burnley fought to a point against Manchester United, with Esteve leading a determined defence. The Frenchman won 100% of his ground matches (3/3), scoring five times and scrambling a goal from the goal line. Burnley need more spirited performances like this if they want to escape trouble.
Centre-back: Jan Paul van Hecke – Burnley
The Dutchman did what few defenders do in the Premier League: enjoyed a duel with Erling Haaland.
Van Hecke was ready to battle the Norwegian in a real battle between the two. A big block denied the Manchester City forward a winner late at the Etihad, earning Brighton a point.
Erling Haaland vs. Jan Paul van Hecke is really something 😅 pic.twitter.com/MzLHD2CXc1
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) January 8, 2026
Midfield: Sander Berge – Fulham
He left his mark on the West London derby as Fulham claimed bragging rights against Chelsea. Berge set up the opener for Raul Jimenez, made a goal-line clearance and won 12/14 matches in an action-packed show.
Midfield: Joelinton – Newcastle
Has there ever been a more Joelinton performance than this?
The big Brazilian crashed around St. James’ Park against Leeds and seemingly thrived in the chaos of the seven-goal thriller. He got the usual booking, scored a great goal and was at the center of things when things heated up between the teams.
Midfield: Harry Wilson – Fulham
Harry Wilson’s rich form continued with the winner as Fulham defeated Chelsea. Wilson’s winner was a moment of real quality from the Welshman, with the composure to touch his weaker side and finish through traffic. It is now seven goals and four assists in the Premier League for the winger.
Right: Harvey Barnes – Newcastle
Two goals, including a record-breaking winner for Newcastle. Barnes was the difference, tipping a seven-goal seesaw in the Magpies’ favour, with two excellent finishes at St James’ Park against Leeds.
Barnes was the best of Newcastle’s front line and got his reward. His final goal was the last winner ever scored in the Premier League.
It doesn’t get better than this! 😁🏹 pic.twitter.com/9mMtzczbIF
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 8, 2026
Left: Brenden Aaronson – Leeds
Brenden Aaronson is on a redemption arc in Leeds. After a difficult debut season that saw Leeds relegated in 2022/23, he spent the following campaign with little impact at Union Berlin.
He contributed to Leeds’ promotion last season, but doubts remained over his qualifications at the top level. He has answered those questions in recent weeks and regretted being on the losing side at Newcastle. Aaronson’s two goals made it three in his last two games. American confidence is growing.
Forward: Benjamin Sesko – Manchester United
Another player in need of a lift, Benjamin Sesko’s brace at Burnley will do the forward a lot of good. Sesko’s sharpness was evident at Turf Moor as he produced two finishes that served as a reminder of why the Red Devils spent heavily on his services.
No U23 player in Europe has scored more goals than Benjamin Šeško since the start of 23/24 ⚽🔥
The Man Utd striker leads some impressive names 👀 pic.twitter.com/GDyJL8E2as
— LiveScore (@livescore) January 9, 2026
Forward: Igor Thiago – Brentford
No Brazilian player has ever scored more Premier League goals in a single season than Igor Thiago this season. Not Roberto Firmino or Gabriel Jesus, nor Willian, Philippe Coutinho, Gabriel Martinelli, Richarlison or Matheus Cunha.
Thiago took his tally to 16 for the campaign and counted against Sunderland with 17 games remaining to add to his record.
Any Igor Thiago @premierleague goal of his record season so far 🇧🇷🐐 pic.twitter.com/AydbGN4WZ5
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 9, 2026
Read – Premier League Awards: Record breaker Barnes, Semenyo sign off
See more – 📈 Power Rankings: Juventus joins the ranks, Arsenal rises
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