We pick our best XI of the weekend's Premier League action, including some star performers from Aston Villa, Spurs and Manchester United.
Week 9 of the 2025/26 Premier League season will be remembered for some shock results up and down the country.
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 to Sunderland, while there was another shock in the capital as Brentford beat Liverpool 3-2.
Manchester United’s winning run continued with a 4-2 success over Brighton, while Aston Villa beat Manchester 1-0.
Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the league is now four points, while Wolves remain winless at the bottom of the league.
Here is our team of the week for Gameweek 9.
Goalkeeper – Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Argentine Emiliano Martinez endured a slow start to the season as speculation surrounding his future dominated the headlines.
Villa were left frustrated in midweek when they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League, but they bounced back in style to beat Manchester City 1-0.
Martinez was crucial to that success as he made three saves to keep City at bay and help his side record a clean sheet for the first time since Gameweek 4.
Defender – Micky van de Ven (Tottenham)
Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Everton was a great result for Thomas Frank’s side away from home and they have defender Micky van de Ven to thank.
The centre-back scored two goals in a sublime display and also made 10 defensive contributions to help his side keep the Toffees at bay.
Van de Ven has taken his game to another level since Frank took charge and he now has five goals in all competitions this season, with three of them coming in nine Premier League appearances.
Defender – Joe Rodon (Leeds United)
From one goal-scoring defender to another as Leeds United’s Joe Rodon notched his second goal of the season on Friday night.
The Wales international met Sean Longstaff’s corner with aggression and fired home to help Leeds double their advantage before they claimed a 2-1 lead against West Ham.
Rodon came within seconds of keeping a clean sheet, but he made 11 defensive contributions in what was a superb defensive display.
Defender – Matty Cash (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa’s clean sheet was a major positive for a team that has struggled in the early part of the season, but boss Unai Emery will be pleased to see the goals being shared around the team.
Right-back Matty Cash was the hero this week as he scored the only goal and continued to prove he can be effective in the final third.
Defender – Pedro Porro (Tottenham)
The second Tottenham defender to make the shortlist is right-back Pedro Porro. The all-action full-back secured an assist in the 3-0 win over Everton and was a constant threat on the overlap on Merseyside.
He now has two assists to his name this season and continues to shine in Frank’s system.
Midfielder – Bryan Mbuemo (Manchester United)
Summer signing Bryan Mbuemo continues to impress in the final third for Manchester United and he scored a brace in the Red Devils’ 4-2 win over Brighton.
The Cameroonian is thriving in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system and he is slowly repaying the hefty fee that United paid for him from Brentford.
Midfielder – Casemiro (Manchester United)
Former Real Madrid star Casemiro has gone under the radar this season with his performances for United.
He showcased his skills once again on Saturday as he scored once, grabbed an assist and added 12 defensive contributions in a dominant display in the heart of midfield at Old Trafford.
Midfielder – Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
Competition for places is rife at Arsenal, but summer signing Eberechi Eze is excelling under pressure under Mikel Arteta.
The former Crystal Palace ace scored the only goal in Sunday’s 1-0 win over his former club and it was another massive three points for the Gunners in their quest to win the title.
Midfielder – Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United)
USA international Brenden Aaronson has had to deal with his fair share of critics this season, but he produced one of his best performances of the season in Friday’s win over West Ham.
Aaronson scored Leeds’ opening goal and was a constant threat on the wing for Leeds and it was a performance that could help him keep his place in the starting XI.
Midfielder – Marcus Tavernier (Bournemouth)
Bournemouth winger Marcus Tavernier was another midfielder that got himself on the scoresheet this week. He netted in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest and he was the Cherries’ main threat in the final third, registering four shots in 90 minutes.
Striker – Zian Flemming (Burnley)
Burnley picked up a massive three points at Molineux as they beat strugglers Wolves 3-2.
Striker Zian Flemming netted two goals in that game and it was a major boost for Scott Parker as his team outclassed a relegation rival.
