The LLM Podcast

September 20, 2026
Next podcast at 23:30 IST
AI Sports Daily

Deeney's Team of the Week: Brobbey hat-trick and Semenyo double lead the selections as Andrews named manager of the week

BBC Sport pundit Troy Deeney has published his Premier League Team of the Week after the latest round of fixtures, with Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo and a trio of Brighton players among the standout picks. Brentford manager Keith Andrews takes the manager of the week award after his side's "unbelievable" 3-0 victory over Chelsea.

Goalkeeper: Zion Suzuki (Aston Villa)

Zion Suzuki gets the nod in goal despite Villa conceding twice against Spurs. "He let in two against Spurs but that was when Villa decided they weren't really going to try any more, so no pressure on him for those goals," said Deeney. "He commanded his area and has really taken to the Premier League quickly."

Deeney admitted there was little choice to make: "No real change considering Emiliano Martinez has left. He came and took the ball a lot."

Defence: Dasilva, Vuskovic, Jacquet and Hall

Jay Dasilva earns his place after scoring Coventry's winning goal — and a piece of club history. "He got their first goal in the Premier League for 25 years. He gets the winning goal, you go in at right-back for that," said Deeney.

Luka Vuskovic was central to Brighton's win over Arsenal, a game Deeney attended. "I was at that game against Arsenal. Dominant defender but also very good on the ball. It doesn't get spoken about how much he puts aggressive pressure on the ball, goes into midfield to win the ball back and he's calm," he said.

Jeremy Jacquet delivered the best individual defensive display of the round. "Best player on the pitch by a mile against Bournemouth. Young, fast, aggressive but also really calm when he gets the ball," said Deeney.

Lewis Hall completes the back four after another impressive Newcastle showing. "Goals, assists, keeps getting better. After Manchester United playing the way they did against Fulham you wonder how did they not spend the money on getting him in," said Deeney.

Midfield: Semenyo, Willock and Andres

Antoine Semenyo takes a wide midfield berth after registering two goals and an assist. "He looks to be playing a little more carefree with manager Enzo Maresca and that's the small details between the Italian and his predecessor Pep Guardiola," said Deeney. "Guardiola is trying to tell you what to do with every single action."

Joe Willock is enjoying a new lease of life at Newcastle. "He's really coming out of his shell this season. Previous boss Eddie Howe used him sparingly but now he's playing week in, week out. A few injuries mean he's the main man again in midfield. High energy, goals, just that ability to take people on and drag you 50 yards up the pitch is amazing," said Deeney.

Chema Andres completed a remarkable screening performance against Arsenal. "They suffocated Arsenal in midfield. I wanted to make Fabian Hurzeler my manager because of their unbelievable tactics," said Deeney. "Andres must have won the ball back off Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Odegaard at least 15 times. He was so good in his positioning and possession and he got a goal."

Attack: Manzambi, Brobbey and Kostoulas

Johan Manzambi wasted no time making an impression for Aston Villa. "You see why Villa paid the money they did for him. Unreal for Freiburg last season. He hasn't really had any time due to injury but he comes in to the team and gets one goal, one assist in his first start. Unreal," said Deeney.

Brian Brobbey may have ended up on the losing side, but his three-goal salvo earned widespread credit. "He gets a hat-trick against Manchester City. Even though they lost he comes away with a lot of credit. He won't want the international break to come because he's been doing really well for Sunderland," said Deeney.

Charalampos Kostoulas rounds out the attack. "Goal, assist, excellent link-up play. He is physically really good and was a real nuisance against Arsenal. The injury to Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck leaving has given the Greek teenager the freedom to feel comfortable in Brighton's starting XI," said Deeney.

Manager: Keith Andrews (Brentford)

Brentford's 3-0 win over Chelsea did not produce a single player pick for Deeney's XI, but it did produce the manager of the week. "I can't get a Brentford player in the team despite them beating Chelsea 3-0. Unbelievable performance. Andrews keeps that momentum going so that's why he's manager of the week. Unbelievable start for him," said Deeney.

Have your say

Do you agree with Deeney's selections? Who would make your Team of the Week after the latest round of Premier League fixtures?

Sources: https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ckzdz2l0m52mo