Our weekly Premier League awards honour the best – and worst – of the football action from the weekend.
Moment of the Week
The Manchester Derby took centre stage in the Premier League this weekend, but as a contest proved to be a one-sided affair as Manchester City continued their dominance over Manchester United with an emphatic win at Old Trafford.
City spent much of the Premier League era in the shadow of their neighbours, but the roles have been reversed across the past decade. This was the third time that City have won at Old Trafford by 3+ goals since their transformative takeover, after winning 6-1 in 2011 and 3-0 in 2014.
Erik ten Hag complained at full-time about the penalty decision that handed City the lead, remarkably the first Premier League spot-kick the Citizens have received at Old Trafford. Regardless, United were second best in a dismal derby defeat which reinforced the gulf in class between the teams.
If the Red Devils have real ambitions of competing at the top of the Premier League once again, this was a clear reminder that there’s much work to do. The gap is more of a chasm.
🔷 Erling Haaland has now scored as many Premier League goals as Manchester United (11) this season pic.twitter.com/AUcqCgyfRu
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) October 29, 2023
Player of the Week
Bernardo Silva is a big game player. The duracell bunny with the delicate touches in the Manchester City midfield delivered a Manchester Derby masterclass this weekend, extending his brilliant record in this fixture with another man-of-the-match performance for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Guardiola could hardly contain his admiration after the latest showing from the Portuguese playmaker, who was quite simply a level above his opposition as City cruised to a 3-0 win over Manchester United.
Bernardo Silva’s game by numbers vs. Man Utd:
◉ 100% shot accuracy
◉ 100% take-on success
◉ 100% tackle success
◎ 7 touches in opp. box
◎ 3 Big Chances created
◎ 3 chances created
◎ 2 take-ons completed
◎ 2 tackles made
◎ 1 assistA flawless display. 😍 pic.twitter.com/y0pGLWjGcd
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) October 29, 2023
“He doesn’t have any tattoos or a nice car – he is an incredible player for us,” said Guardiola.
“He loves to play at Old Trafford. He’s played as false 9 in the past and he has the ability to make a lot of passes.
“He is so intelligent – everyone loves him, and it was another exceptional performance. He’s one of the best players I’ve ever seen in my life. I’ve trained a lot and he’s one of the best.”
Goal of the Week
Philip Billing helped Bournemouth to their first win of the Premier League season as the Cherries came from behind to beat Burnley.
The midfielder scored a stunning winner after spotting James Trafford off his line, lifting a long-range finish over the England u-21 international.
Wow. Just wow 🪄 pic.twitter.com/9snLxk0XAO
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) October 28, 2023
An honourable mention must go to Eddie Nketiah, who ensured Arsenal did not miss the injured Gabriel Jesus as the forward fired home his first Premier League hat-trick in the club’s 5-0 win over Sheffield United. Nketiah opened the scoring with a sharp touch and finish inside the penalty area, before doubling his haul with an instinctive effort, lashed into the top corner from close range.
His third was the pick of the bunch however, as the 24-year-old smashed home a thunderous effort from distance to claim the first match ball of his Premier League career.
The moment Eddie scored his first Premier League hat-trick 💪
Filmed on @GoogleUK Pixel 🤳 pic.twitter.com/Lw2hBbaWVp
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 29, 2023
Stat of the Week
Brighton continue to put their faith in young talent – and reap the rewards profits.
15 – There have been 23 goals scored by teenagers in the Premier League in 2023, with Brighton accounting for 15 of them (65%).
15 – Brighton
2 – Aston Villa, Leeds, Man Utd
1 – Burnley, ChelseaCrèche. pic.twitter.com/ZnXJjHtq95
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 29, 2023
Evan Ferguson looks set to be the next starlet to attract big bids from rival clubs, after the teenager scored his 10th Premier League goal of the year. The Irishman is the first teenager to score 10+ Premier League goals in a calendar year since Wayne Rooney in 2005.
Tweet of the Week
If ever there was an indication of Manchester United’s decline post-Sir Alex Ferguson, this was it.
Manchester United Premier League losses at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson: 34
Manchester United Premier League losses at Old Trafford since he retired: 34
It’s not easy succeeding a legend 🌧️ pic.twitter.com/s7tEklj2TF
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 29, 2023
Quote of the Week
Vincent Kompany was left fuming after Burnley were beaten at Bournemouth, with the Clarets’ coach unhappy with the use of VAR.
Burnley were denied a goal when Jay Rodriguez was contentiously flagged offside after a lengthy check, before Kompany was critical over the failure to check a potential Bournemouth handball inside the penalty area.
“It’s sometimes like going to the casino and putting all your chips on black or red.
“I could see them changing angles, drawing different lines. Sometimes the line turned up green, which means it’s onside, and sometimes it turned out red, which means it’s offside.
“I completely understand that [the officials on the pitch] can make a mistake. It’s the process that worries me.”
Read – Premier League weekend: Five things we learned
See more – Premier League Team of the Week – Matchday 10