The ninth game week threw in quite a few surprises as Chelsea made the headlines with their massive 4-0 win over Manchester United making former manager Jose Mourinho’s comeback one to forget for the ‘Special One’. Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester City were all held to draws while Liverpool won 2-1 against West Brom. The League table is finally starting to take shape now with Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea holding the top four spots.
We saw brilliant defending from a number of players last weekend and here are three best defenders from game week nine.
Mike van der Hoorn
Swansea had their struggles from early days of the new season and have already parted ways with Francesco Guidolin whom they started the season under. Bob Bradley took over from the Italian gaffer this summer and the Welsh club have to improve really soon if they want to stave off relegation by the end of the season.
Swansea got themselves one crucial point on Saturday with a 0-0 draw against Watford and their Dutch defender Mike van der Hoorn was the hero for them in the game. The 24-year-old won as many as 11 aerials during the game while making as many as 13 clearances.
He also had a passing accuracy of 75.6% playing 8 long passes. The former Ajax man deservedly makes our list.
Michael Keane
Burnley once again came up with a big upset this weekend. Sean Dyche’s side upset Liverpool earlier this season and they once again upset a side from Merseyside. Ronald Koeman’s new-look Everton lost 2-1 at Turf Moor against the Clarets and a key player in their win was defender Michael Keane. Even though Everton had chances in the second half, credit should be given to Keane who made some crucial interceptions and their keeper Tom Heaton who came up with a string of brilliant saves.
Keane had a passing accuracy of 75.9% and made a total of 11 clearances, 1 tackle, 7 interceptions and 5 blocks during the game. The Burnley star has already attracted an enormous interest from a number of big clubs and such a display will raise his stock even higher.
Simon Francis
Spurs managed to maintain their unbeaten record in the Premier League this season but they will be disappointed with only a 0-0 draw last weekend against Bournemouth. Eddie Howe’s boys were solid defensively to keep a shutout against Spurs’ attack and the key man behind their brilliant defensive display was Simon Francis who came up with a captain’s performance.
The 31-year-old won 3 aerial balls in the game while making 1 tackle, 4 interceptions and as many as 15 clearances during the game which is exceptional. The Bournemouth skipper completes our list.
