Premier League TOTW using PFF FC Grades and Metrics - GW7 📊
Welcome to the PFF FC Team of the Week series. Our analysis team selects an XI using PFF FC event data, physical metrics, and our unique grading system. To read more about how we grade players, click here.
GK: Emiliano MartÃnez, Aston Villa
Martinez produced a stellar performance in Aston Villa’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United. His shot-stopping grade of 86.6 ranked 1st among all goalkeepers in week 7, saving all four of the shots on target that he faced.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal
Riccardo Calafiori was impressive in Arsenal’s win over Southampton with a 87.9 50/50 duels grade putting him 1st among all FBs this week. His Aerial Duel grade was almost equally as impressive (71.2) putting him 3rd among all FBs. He won 75% of his tackles (13th among FBs) and was also able to complete 83% of his passes in Arsenal’s victory this weekend.
CB: Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk makes the team of the week for the second week in a row with an impressive passing display. His 93.7 passing grade ranked 1st among all players, with 91% of his passes completed and 1 chance created to help Liverpool's attack. His 12 line-breaking passes were the most on the team. Always impressive in the air, his 77.3 Aerial Duel grade ranks 2nd among all CBs this week.
CB: Jean-Clair Todibo, West Ham
Jean-Clair Todibo was a rock for West Ham in their 4-1 win over Ipswich Town. He successfully defended 100% of the dribbles he faced (4/4), making him the only player to do that this week that faced 3 or more dribbles. He won 71% of his tackles recording an impressive 81.7 tackle grade (2nd among all CBs). On the ball he was able to complete 95% of his passes.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold makes his way onto the TOTW for the second week in a row with another impressive display on the ball. His 81.5 Cross grade ranks 5th among all FBs for the week. He had a 75% pass completion percentage with 9 line breaking passes and 2 chances created in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
CM: Bruno Guimarães, Newcastle
Guimarães’s elite passing was on full display vs. Everton. He completed 91% of his passes, which tied third for the highest completion percentage for a CM who attempted 50+ passes in GW7. His passing grade reflects an even better day, with a grade of 88.9, ranking first among all CMs. His 81.8 tackle resistance grade also ranked third among all players.
LAM: Mikkel Damsgaard, Brentford
Damsgaard had a week to remember as he created 7 chances against Wolves. This was only matched on the week by Bukayo Saka, who as well as Jarrod Bowen was the only player to match Damsgaard’s 2 assists. If his pre-grading review crossing grade of 97.0 holds, it will be the highest single-game crossing grade of the Premier League season so far.
RAM: Cole Palmer, Chelsea
Cole Palmer achieves back-to-back PFF FC team of the week appearances, thanks in part to an impressive 87.3 passing grade that had him ranked second among all wingers/attacking midfielders across the week. This helped him create 5 chances against Nottingham Forest, tying him for third on the week. He didn’t score, thanks in large part to two great saves from Matz Sels in the 87th minute, but a decent shooting grade of 72.6 means that his overall shooting grade of 97.3 for the season is first among all players.
LW: Kaoru Mitoma, Brighton & Hove Albion
Mitoma’s dynamic display for Brighton helped them to overcome a 2-0 half time deficit to win 3-2 against Tottenham. Despite not scoring himself, the threat he posed to the Tottenham rearguard throughout is evident in his crossing grade of 89.3, ranking him third in his position in week 7 behind only Brentford pair Mbeumo and Damsgaard. Additionally, he also created 3 chances for his teammates over the course of the game.
RW: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal
It wasn’t all plain sailing for Arsenal who went 1-0 behind against Southampton early in the second half, but Saka played a pivotal role in their turnaround and eventual 3-1 victory against the newly promoted side. His performance saw him assist Arsenal’s first and second goals before rounding off the scoring with a goal of his own. He ranked high in a number of facets, most notably crossing where his grade of 80.7 ranked 6th, and passing where his grade of 79.6 ranked 10th in his position for GW7. On top of that, the 7 chances he created was the joinest highest this week alongside Damsgaard.
ST: Michail Antonio, West Ham
Antonio was a dominant force for West Ham in their 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town. He scored after just 47 seconds and remained a real handful throughout, with the second goal coming as a result of his powerful header crashing off the crossbar before being nodded in by Kudus. His shooting grade of 85.0 ranked 1st amongst all players in week 7, highlighting his destructive presence in front of goal.
PFF FC's Premier League Team of the Week for Gameweek 7.