MY ACCOUNT
An entertaining Premier League weekend saw 32 goals scored across 10 games.
Manchester United inflicted a first defeat of the season on Arsenal, while Liverpool drew 0-0 at local rivals Everton and Manchester City were held by Aston Villa.
Bournemouth came from 2-0 down to shock Nottingham Forest, while both Brighton and Brentford won high-scoring games 5-2.
We pick out the stars who shone brightest for their sides on Matchday 6.
Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Everton have endured a slow start but their performance in the Merseyside derby was nothing short of excellent.
Jordan Pickford had a stellar game at Goodison Park, making a number of saves to keep his side on level terms.
England’s No1 registered eight saves in the game, becoming the first Premier League keeper to do so this season.
He tipped an effort from Darwin Nunez onto the crossbar in the first half, before saving low from Mohamed Salah late in the second half.
With an unusual World Cup in terms of timing on the horizon, the 28-year-old stopper is doing everything he can to impress England boss Gareth Southgate.
Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth)
Life without Scott Parker has worked out well so far for Bournemouth, who mounted an incredible comeback against Nottingham Forest.
The Cherries found themselves 2-0 down but the influence of Dominic Solanke was key in helping the visitors emerge victorious.
Solanke, 24, scored and assisted in the heroic comeback, prompting caretaker boss Gary O’Neil to wax lyrical about the Englishman.
He said: “He’s a dream as a centre forward, he’s probably the hardest-working centre forward I’ve ever seen, and I’m delighted he’s put a goal on the end of it.”
If Bournemouth are to beat the drop this season, Solanke’s contribution will be essential in helping his side climb the table.
Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton)
Brighton continued their impressive run as they stuck five past Leicester on the South Coast.
Alexis Mac Allister was the standout performer at the Amex and he could have had a hat-trick had it not been for a controversial VAR intervention.
Despite his thumping potential goal-of-the-season contender being ruled out, the 23-year-old persevered and earned his reward in the second half.
With the Seagulls in control, Mac Allister wrapped up the game in the 71st minute, bending a glorious free-kick into the top left corner.
And his stoppage-time penalty secured the points in a game that once again showcased the quality Brighton have under Graham Potter.
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
A lot has been said about Marcus Rashford in recent months but his brace yesyerday helped see off Arsenal.
Rashford, 24, emerged as United’s main goal threat in the second half and kept his cool to beat Aaron Ramsdale twice in a 10-minute spell.
United boss Erik ten Hag said: “He [Rashford] was brilliant. It was a really great performance from him.
“As a striker, he was pressing. But also, when we played it over him and he was the target, he made the right decisions.”
Rashford also assisted new man Antony in the 3-1 win and is another player who will have caught Southgate’s eye.
Ivan Toney (Brentford)
With such heavy competition for places in Southgate’s Three Lions squad, it is no surprise to see so many fringe players stepping up their performances this season.
Ivan Toney is another Englishman who impressed at the weekend, with the 26-year-old striker bagging a hat-trick in Brentford’s 5-2 win over Leeds.
The striker scored from the penalty spot and directly from a free-kick, before chipping Illan Meslier to claim his 52nd goal in 96 appearances for the Bees.
Brentford put an end to an impressive run of form for Leeds and Thomas Frank believes Toney is undoubtedly one of the best in the business.
The Bees boss said: “Off the top of my head, looking at strikers on form, Harry Kane is No1 but there is not a better striker after him on form.”
With the likes of Ollie Watkins, Tammy Abraham and Callum Wilson all hoping to be included in England’s World Cup squad, Toney will have to continue scoring between now and November to book his place on the plane to Qatar.
