[Sport] Garth Crooks' team of the week: Mendy, Alexander-Arnold, Silva, Zaha, Ward-Prowse, Bamford, Mane

[Shyloo]

Garth Crooks' team of the week: Mendy, Alexander-Arnold, Silva, Zaha, Ward-Prowse, Bamford, Mane

 

Liverpool won to move level with city rivals Everton at the top of the Premier League after Carlo Ancelotti's side were well beaten by Southampton on Sunday.

This round of action also saw Patrick Bamford inspire Leeds to a fine win at Aston Villa, West Ham hold Manchester City, and Manchester United and Chelsea share a stalemate.

Crystal Palace, Leicester and Tottenham picked up fine wins on the road and late equalisers from Newcastle and West Bromwich Albion denied Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton respectively.

After four days of action, here's my team of the week. Have a read and select yours at the bottom.

 

Edouard Mendy: It's early days but if the two saves by Mendy against Manchester United are anything to go by then Chelsea may have found a decent goalkeeper at last.

The save from Marcus Rashford with Mendy's outstretched right foot when the Blues had been cut open was exceptional. However it was his second save from Rashford that impressed me. The way Mendy moved his position so he could get sight of the ball and then did the same again in order to make the save was top class.

I've seen Kepa Arrizabalaga make excellent saves - in fact he's even made my Team of the Week on occasions - but this is now about consistency and Mendy has that to prove. But so far so good.

Did you know? Mendy became the first Chelsea goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in his first two Premier League games for the club since Petr Cech in August 2004.

 

Trent Alexander Arnold: The youngster was at it again on Saturday against Sheffield United. Spraying balls around the pitch with that wonderful right foot of his like he was handing out leaflets at a party conference.

The pass for Mohamed Salah to score - only to see VAR rule the goal for offside - was so effortless and absolutely gorgeous. It didn't just split the Sheffield United defence in two, it literally dissected it.

As for the Blades, they have been a tad unfortunate in the games I've seen so far. However if they intend to survive in the Premier League this season then they can't start feeling sorry for themselves. Especially now that I'm just starting to warm to them.

Did you know? Alexander-Arnold made more passes than any other player on the pitch at Anfield (98) and created a game-high three goalscoring chances for team-mates.

Thiago Silva: Chelsea have not had a player at the back like this for some time. Defenders don't come more accomplished than Silva.

The former Brazil international has brought a desperately needed calm to the Blues' defensive line-up. His positional sense and reading of the game are his specialities. Had it not been for Silva, his former Paris St-Germain team-mate Edinson Cavani would have almost certainly found himself on the scoresheet. At 36, Silva looks like he's never been in a pub in his life. What a pity for Chelsea he's not a few years younger.

Did you know? Silva completed more passes (77) than any other player on the pitch at Old Trafford (94% accuracy) and made a joint-game-high six clearances.

Luke Ayling: The clearance off the line by Ayling from Jack Grealish's shot at arguably the most crucial time in the match against Aston Villa was absolutely brilliant. The Leeds captain's instincts took him to the area where he knew his goalkeeper was exposed. It was exceptional defending.

Leeds are fifth in the table with 10 points and look like a team that can survive in the Premier League as long as they don't run out of gas. It is a real shame that Leeds United fans are not permitted to follow their team around the country singing their anthem. Their team will need that inspiration in the second half of the season, especially during their run-in.