Super Eagles defender Ola Aina makes Shearer’s EPL Team of the Week
Nottingham Forest pulled off the shock result of the season so far as they claimed their first league win at Anfield in 55 years, thanks to Nuno Espirito Santo’s perfect game plan, this performance earned Super Eagles defender Ola Aina a play in the EPL Team of the Week.
Defending with great discipline in a low block, Forest then used their pace on the counter-attack to provide a threat, particularly through impact substitutes Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga, with the former proving to be the matchwinner.
Due to their Anfield heroics, three Forest defenders, along with midfielder Elliot Anderson and head coach Nuno, are included by Alan Shearer, the Premier League's record goalscorer and Hall of Fame inductee, in his Team of the Week that features players from seven different clubs.
Shearer Team of the Week
Robert Sanchez (Chelsea)
"Made a crucial penalty save when the match was goalless, one of the Spaniard’s seven stops in the 1-0 win at AFC Bournemouth."
Ola Aina (Nott’m Forest)
"Part of a fine defensive display from Forest, Aina kept the in-form Luis Diaz quiet, which is no mean feat."
Matthijs de Ligt (Man Utd)
"Scored with a great header and gave nothing away at the back as Manchester United eventually cruised to victory at Southampton."
Gabriel (Arsenal)
"As he often does, came up with a big goal from a set-piece and put his body on the line defending his own goal."
Murillo (Nott’m Forest)
"Was solid as a rock at the heart of the Forest defence as they claimed a first league win at Anfield in 55 years."
Alex Moreno (Nott’m Forest)
"Brilliant on his first league start for his new club, subduing Mohamed Salah, who had been unstoppable until now!"
Jorginho (Arsenal)
"Making his first appearance of the season, showed all his experience by marshalling a midfield missing captain Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice superbly. The ultimate professional."
Elliot Anderson (Nott’m Forest)
"His work-rate at Anfield was incredible, with the former Newcastle midfielder already looking comfortable at his new club."
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
"Returned to form with two goals against Leicester City, including a late pressure penalty to earn his side a point."
Erling Haaland (Man City)
"On a day when Manchester City weren’t at their best, Haaland again stepped up when it mattered to continue to the champions’ 100 per cent start."
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
"Got his season up and running with a double against Everton, inspiring his Aston Villa side as they went on to earn a stunning 3-2 turnaround win."
Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo (Nott'm Forest)
"Nuno delivered the perfect game plan. While lots of visiting teams at Anfield try to sit back and hit Liverpool on the break, few do it as capably and successfully as Forest did on Saturday. Using Hudson-Odoi as an impact sub also paid off brilliantly."