Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento were very unlucky to miss out on Alan Shearer’s Premier League team of the week as he selected both Sean Longstaff and Alexander Isak instead for their efforts in Saturday’s victory.
It was Isak who headed in the winner against Arsenal after a brilliant cross from Anthony Gordon, but defensively Newcastle have Hall and Livramento to thank for keeping Arsenal’s attackers quiet.
Hall in particular had a very tough task going up against one of the best wingers on the league in Bukayo Saka, but the young left-back hardly gave him an inch all game.
The same goes for Livramento who kept Martinelli incredibly quiet in a masterclass of one-vs-one defending, though Shearer instead opted to go for Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez at full-back instead.
Longstaff and Isak were both incredibly important to secure the three points – Longstaff’s dirty work off the ball was immense all afternoon – but it does feel a tad harsh on the defensive duo who were arguably our two best players on the day.
Here’s Shearer’s TOTW in full and his explanation for each selection:
Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton)
“Produced a number of terrific saves as Southampton claimed their first win of the season.”
Ola Aina (Nott’m Forest)
“Scored a sensational goal in the victory over West Ham and was part of a solid defensive display from Nottingham Forest.”
Murillo (Nott’m Forest)
“Another commanding performance from the Forest centre-back, whose form this season has been rewarded with a first call-up for Brazil.”
Marcos Senesi (AFC Bournemouth)
“The Argentinian impressed up against Erling Haaland as AFC Bournemouth ended Man City’s 32-match unbeaten run.”
Milos Kerkez (AFC Bournemouth)
“Provided the assists for both of Bournemouth’s goals, with his raids down the left flank influential as the Cherries finally beat Man City in the league.”
Harry Wilson (Fulham)
“What an impact! Two stoppage-time goals to give Fulham a dramatic win over their west London rivals Brentford.”
Sean Longstaff (Newcastle)
“He left everything out on the pitch, running his heart out and dominating the midfield battle against Arsenal.”
Moises Caicedo (Chelsea)
“The Chelsea midfielder is improving rapidly, scoring a great goal, and was the best player on the pitch at Old Trafford.”
Antoine Semenyo (AFC Bournemouth)
“Was different class, finding the back of the net with a quality finish as he continued his excellent start to the campaign.”
Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
“His goal was a thing of beauty. He is finding his best form after returning from injury.”
Dominic Solanke (Spurs)
“Scored the goals that his tireless work deserved. The Spurs striker ultimately proved to be the difference in the 4-1 win over Aston Villa.”
Manager: Andoni Iraola (AFC Bournemouth)
“Is really making a name for himself after picking up seven points against Arsenal, Aston Villa and Man City.”
