The Premier League was back in action this weekend after the first international break of the season. Fans didn’t have to wait long for drama, goals, and standout performances across the league. From Manchester City’s dominance in the derby to Tottenham’s confident victory over West Ham, and Bournemouth’s gritty win against Brighton, there was no shortage of storylines.
Every week, the best players from each matchday are put together into a Team of the Week — basically, the “All-Star squad” for the weekend. It celebrates those who had the biggest impact for their clubs. This time, young stars like Lucas Bergvall and Jeremy Doku joined proven names like Erling Haaland in stealing the show. Let’s break it down, position by position, and also mix in some fun soccer facts and news along the way.
Goalkeeper
Robin Roefs (Sunderland) – 8.0 rating
Sunderland’s goalkeeper Robin Roefs has quickly become a name to remember. For the second time this season, he makes it into the Team of the Week. His team earned a valuable 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace, and Roefs was the main reason why.
He made six saves and showed excellent reflexes against a tricky Palace attack. For a newly promoted side like Sunderland, every point matters, and having a dependable keeper is a huge boost.
⚽ Soccer fact: Goalkeepers in the Premier League have to be well-rounded. Not only do they need to make saves, but many are now expected to play with their feet like an extra defender. Stars like Alisson (Liverpool) and Ederson (Man City) have redefined what it means to be a modern goalie.
Defenders
Kieran Trippier (Newcastle) – 8.1 rating
Newcastle picked up their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Wolves, and veteran defender Kieran Trippier was a big reason why. He was rock-solid at the back, winning both of his aerial duels. But what stood out most was his attacking play.
Trippier whipped in seven accurate crosses and completed 20 passes into the final third — showing why he is still one of the best full-backs in England when it comes to delivery.
Micky van de Ven (Tottenham) – 8.0 rating
Tottenham hammered West Ham 3-0, and their Dutch defender Micky van de Ven even got on the scoresheet. After slick work from teammate Lucas Bergvall, Van de Ven calmly finished with a first-time strike into the bottom corner.
He wasn’t just about goals, though. Defensively, he was strong with four clearances and a well-timed tackle to keep West Ham quiet.
James Garner (Everton) – 8.1 rating
Normally a midfielder, James Garner filled in at left-back for Everton’s 0-0 draw against Aston Villa. Instead of looking out of place, he shined. Garner created two big chances, sent in three perfect crosses, and won all six of his duels.
It’s not easy to adjust to a new role, but Garner’s performance showed his versatility. Coaches love players who can adapt like that.
⚽ Soccer fact: Versatile players often extend their careers because they can fill multiple positions. A famous example is James Milner, who played just about everywhere during his Premier League career.
Premier League
Midfielders
Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) – 8.5 rating
One of the weekend’s brightest stars was Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. He scored once and assisted once in their 2-1 win over Brighton. First, he set up Alex Scott for the opener. Later, he confidently scored a penalty to seal the win.
That means Semenyo is now tied with Erling Haaland for the most goal involvements in the league this season (five). That’s pretty impressive company!
Alex Scott (Bournemouth) – 8.2 rating
Semenyo’s partner-in-crime, 20-year-old Alex Scott, also had a brilliant game. He smashed home his first league goal since December 2023 with a powerful shot from outside the box. Beyond the goal, Scott was everywhere — playing five passes into the final third and winning four tackles.
For Bournemouth, having two young stars firing at the same time could make a huge difference this season.
Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal) – 8.3 rating
Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 3-0, and their summer signing Martin Zubimendi made sure the headlines belonged to him. The Spaniard scored two goals — one a thunderbolt volley from outside the box, the other a clever header.
With those goals, he showed why Arsenal brought him in. His mix of defensive steel and attacking flair gives Mikel Arteta another powerful weapon in midfield.
Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham) – 8.2 rating
Another new face lighting up the Premier League is Spurs’ Lucas Bergvall. At just 18 years old, he looks fearless. Against West Ham, he scored with a sharp header and later assisted Van de Ven after dazzling footwork.
Fans love his confidence, and Tottenham may have found a star for the future.
⚽ Soccer fact: Young players often break out in the Premier League at a young age. Wayne Rooney scored his famous first goal at 16, while players like Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham became household names before turning 20.
Premier League
Wingers
Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) – 8.5 rating
Doku was unstoppable in City’s 3-0 win over Manchester United. He grabbed two assists — one for Phil Foden and another for Erling Haaland. Beyond that, he made eight passes into the final third, attempted seven dribbles, and won six duels.
What makes Doku special is how direct he is. Whenever he gets the ball, defenders panic because they know he’s going to run at them. Pep Guardiola loves wingers who can stretch defenses, and Doku is proving he belongs in the City lineup.
Premier League
Forwards
Nick Woltemade (Newcastle) – 8.3 rating
Newcastle fans got their first real look at new striker Nick Woltemade, and he didn’t disappoint. Standing at 6’6”, he’s a physical giant up front, and he scored the only goal against Wolves with a powerful header into the top corner.
Woltemade had three shots, won three aerial duels, and even linked play with four passes into the final third. If he continues like this, Newcastle will have a dangerous new weapon.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 8.6 rating – Player of the Week
And finally, no surprise here: Erling Haaland takes the crown as Player of the Week. In the Manchester derby, he scored twice to give City bragging rights over United.
His first was a clever chip, and his second was a curling finish that sealed the 3-0 win. With an 8.6 rating, he was the highest-rated player of the weekend.
⚽ Soccer fact: Haaland scored a record-breaking 36 goals in the Premier League last season, the most ever in a single campaign. At just 24 years old, he’s already on pace to chase down all-time records.
Final Thoughts
This week’s Team of the Week proves just how much young talent is rising in the Premier League. Players like Bergvall, Scott, and Doku showed they’re not just promising prospects — they’re already impacting games at the highest level. Meanwhile, stars like Haaland and Trippier reminded us why they’re still among the very best.
With the season only just getting going, the mix of experienced veterans and fearless youngsters makes the Premier League as exciting as ever. Fans can’t wait to see who shines next weekend!