Premier League Team of the Week: Martinez, Doku, Thiago

Our Premier League Team of the Week celebrates the standout players from the weekend’s action.

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez – Aston Villa

Two huge saves kept the momentum with Claret and Blue. Martinez responded brilliantly to turn Alex Scott’s deflected effort over the crossbar as the distraction threatened to deflect the midfielder’s shot into the goal line.

The Argentinian then came up trumps to keep out Antoine Semenyo’s penalty, gambling well to thwart the in-form striker.

Antoine Semenyo’s penalty is SAVED by Emi Martinez! 😮 pic.twitter.com/YEtv2jUvdu
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 9, 2025

Right back: Trai Hume – Sunderland

A fine display from the Sunderland right-back, who dominated his clash with Leandro Trossard, even as the latter found Noah Sadiki’s space to score for Arsenal.

Trossard’s move into the infield came as Hulme impressed defensively, winning 6/7 ground duels. He was also involved in the late equalizer on a memorable night for the Black Cats.

Centre-back: Dan Ballard – Sunderland

Three game-changing moments against the team that saw him come through the ranks. Ballard scored an opener for Sunderland against Arsenal and was heavily involved as the Black Cats recovered from behind to claim a point.

He recorded an assist for Brian Brobbey’s late equalizer to set off wild scenes at the Stadium of Light before a heroic block to deny Mikel Merino an even later winner for Arsenal.

BIG. THAN. BALLARD. pic.twitter.com/zaTG0w4KIB
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) November 8, 2025

Center back: Michael Keane – Everton

Written off in the summer, there is an argument that Michael Keane has been Everton’s most consistent player this season.

The centre-back marked his 350th career league appearance with a goal as the Toffees defeated Fulham at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Dominating on both sides, the decision to give the veteran a new contract has proven to be wise.

Left back: Nico O’Reilly – Manchester City

Pep Guardiola continues to insist that Nico O’Reilly is a midfielder, but he is currently flourishing as a left back. The 20-year-old blocked Mohamed Salah’s threat against Liverpool and claimed an assist thanks to the brilliance of Jeremy Doku.

In the England squad, Thomas Tuchel should take a close look at O’Reilly this month. The left-back role for the Three Lions is up for grabs.

Midfield: Matheus Fernandes – West Ham

An excellent outing of the summer addition. Fernandes was a driving force as West Ham completed back-to-back wins by beating Burnley in the capital.

The 21-year-old brought bundles of energy, effective ball use and excellent technique. He led his teammates in creating chances (3) and made 11 defensive contributions. Crucial throughout the park.

Midfield: Emi Buendia – Aston Villa

The Emi Buendia Remontada continues. On loan last season, he struggled for minutes at Bayer Leverkusen and saw rumors of a permanent departure from Villa Park remain just talk. He has since impressed under Unai Emery and was fantastic in the 4-0 win over Bournemouth.

A sensational free-kick opened the scoring, in a performance that saw Buendia create two chances and win six ground matches. It is now three goals and two assists in just four Premier League starts this season.

Emi Buendia, THAT’S SENSATIONAL! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NghSLTZFQm
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 9, 2025

Right: Omari Hutchinson – Nottingham Forest

Helped turn around Nottingham Forest’s match against Leeds from the bench. Hutchinson has struggled since joining Forest last summer. The winger is yet to start a Premier League game and has been left out of the Europa League squad.

His impact off the bench suggests he deserves more minutes. A brilliant cross saw Morgan Gibbs-White head Forest into the lead, before Hutchinson won the penalty for Elliot Anderson to score the third. Lively.

Left: Jeremy Doku – Manchester City

Electric. The Belgian was unplayable as Manchester City eliminated Liverpool at the Etihad. He completed 7/8 dribbles, won 11 ground duels, had five shot-creating actions and topped a brilliant performance with a stunning solo goal. Few full-backs can live with Doku when he is in this mood.

2019 – Jérémy Doku today becomes the first player to score, win more than 10 matches (11), complete more than 7 dribbles (7), create more than 3 chances (3) and have more than 3 shots on target (3) in a single Premier League match since Eden Hazard for Chelsea against West Ham in April 2019. Excellent. pic.twitter.com/VxUVsgZqHj
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 9, 2025

Forward: Alejandro Garnacho – Chelsea

His best game in a Chelsea shirt to date. Garnacho’s deficit caused problems for Wolves all evening, and after squandering an early chance, the Argentine was decisive when it mattered. A perfect cross headed home for the opener, before Garnacho delivered another precise pass to Pedro Neto to bring home the third.

Forward: Igor Thiago – Brentford

First of all, there was the fear of Ivan Toney’s departure. Then Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. The latter duo combined for 39 league goals last season, but Igor Thiago stepped in to keep the Brentford striker in action.

The Brazilian extended his tally to eight goals in just 11 games, with a brace to sink Newcastle to 10 men, a record that only Erling Haaland can improve.

Premier League Team of the Week: Martinez, Doku, Thiago