Premier League TOTW using PFF FC Grades and Metrics - GW9 📊

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: Mark Travers, AFC Bournemouth

Mark Travers makes his PFF FC TOTW debut after an excellent showing in Bouremouth’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa. Travers was busy in goal, leading all GKs in shots faced (8) and saves (7). He also led all GKs in GW9 with an excellent 84.1 shot stopping grade. The Irishman contributed positively distributing the ball as well, completing 74% of his passes and earning a 72.5 passing grade (6th among GKs) in the process.

LB: Lewis Hall, Newcastle United

Although Newcastle came up short against Chelsea in GW9, it wasn’t for a lack of quality from Lewis Hall. Hall notched his first assist of the 2024-25 campaign with a terrific cross into Alexander Isak in the 32nd minute. It wasn’t his only quality cross of the day though, as he completed a perfect 100% of his 5 deliveries. Hall passed the ball very efficiently as well, earning an 82.0 pass grade, good for 4th among FBs. In total, his 4 chances created ranked 2nd at the FB position in GW9.

CB: Craig Dawson, Wolves

Craig Dawson performed at a high level in Wolves’ 2-2 draw against Brighton in GW9. He passed the ball at an excellent level, earning the 2nd highest passing grade among CBs (84.6) and completed 92% of his 62 passes. Defensively, he was just as solid. Dawson went a perfect 7-for-7 in aerial duels, earning a league-leading 89.5 grade in that department. On the ground, Dawson won all 3 of his tackles, while winning another 2 of 3 total 50/50 challenges. Dawson’s tackling grade was 80.3, 5th best at the CB position. He was also the only CB to rank inside the top 5 at the position in both aerial duel and tackle grading.

CB: Nikola Milenković, Nottingham Forest

Milenkovic provided a performance to match his towering presence in Nottingham Forest back-line. His 73.7 Aerial Duel Grade ranked 7th among centre-backs on the week, but he couldn't have been asked to do much more as he won 4 of his 5 aerial duels. He also had a 81.3 Defending Dribbles Grade (2nd best across all players on the week) winning 100% of the dribbles he faced. He even created a chance against Leicester to add to a complete performance.

RB: Kenny Tete, Fulham

Tete put forth an impressive and well-rounded performance against Everton. He tied for 2nd-most among all FBs with 4 tackles won, and it was his effort against dribbles in particular that stood out. His 3 successful dribbles defended were tied for 2nd among all players regardless of position, while his 80.8 dribble defense grade led the FB position. Tete was also very precise in clearing the ball out of dangerous positions, as his 87.9 clearance grade led all Premier League players in GW9. Offensively, Tete played a large role in build-up play, completing 62 passes, 3rd most among FBs.

CM: Declan Rice, Arsenal

Rice showcased why Arsenal spent so much for him with a complete midfield performance against the league leaders at the time they played. He had numerous elite grades across the board with a 79.4 Tackling Grade (1st on the week among CMs), a 90.5 Crossing Grade (1st on the week among CMs), and a 84.5 Passing Grade (5th on the week among CMs).

CM: Casemiro, Manchester United

Similar to Rice, Casemiro displayed a very complete centre-midfield performance with top grades across multiple facets. For example his 80.3 Crossing Grade (7th on the week among CMs) as well as his 80.4 50/50 Grade (2nd on the week among CMs). Of course, he also got the goal for Manchester United, with a shot that was part of a 86.3 shooting grade performance (1st on the week among CMs).

CAM: Phil Foden, Manchester City

People may think Manchester City weren’t creating chances against Southampton as they left the game with just one goal. But that wasn’t because of Phil Foden. His 6 chances created was the most of any player across the week and that play-making is mirrored in his distribution grades. His 89.1 Passing Grade ranks 3rd on the week among CMs and his 96.0 Crossing Grade would rank first among all players on almost any other gameweek if not for Lewis Hall’s performance this week.

LW: Callum Hudson-Odoi, Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest continued their fine start to the season with an impressive 3-1 win away to Leicester City and central to that win was Hudson-Odoi. The former Chelsea man’s impressive outing is reflected in his 82.9 passing grade, which ranked 5th among his position group. He also had a very impressive 84.0 shooting grade ranking second among his position group, behind only Cole Palmer. 

RW: Savinho, Manchester City

Manchester City’s young Brazilian was a threat throughout in their 1-0 victory over Southampton.  His playmaking prowess was on full display as he created five chances for his teammates over the 90 minutes. His 83.6 passing grade ranked 4th out of players in his position. Most impressive however, was his crossing grade of 92.3, the highest of any player in his position in gameweek 9.

ST: Chris Wood, Nottingham Forest

Another who impressed in Nottingham Forest’s win over Leicester was Chris Wood, whose second-half brace proved to be the difference between the sides. His clinical performance is reflected in our grades where his 91.5 shooting grade ranked first among all players this gameweek. The 32 year-old notched his 6th and 7th league goals of the Premier League season and his blistering start to the season in front of the goal is one of the main reasons Forest find themselves in 7th position in comparison to last season where they ended the season in 17th, just above the relegation zone.

PFF FC's Premier League Team of the Week for Gameweek 9.