Rice and Coventry pair feature in Deeney’s Premier League team of the week

SPAIN | 03-11-2026 : Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Coventry duo Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Taiwo Awoniyi are among Troy Deeney’s latest Premier League team-of-the-week selections, published by BBC Sport. Coventry’s Frank Lampard also receives the pundit’s managerial recognition following his team’s performance against Sunderland.

Deeney’s weekly choices recognise players and a manager after each round of Premier League fixtures. This selection combines a defence drawn entirely from Arsenal and Tottenham with attacking contributions from Coventry and Hull, while Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen earns praise for a series of important saves.

North London supplies the defence

According to BBC Sport, Deeney selected Tottenham’s Archie Gray and Jan Paul van Hecke alongside Arsenal’s Ezri Konsa and Jurrien Timber. Both Spurs players scored, with Deeney also highlighting Gray’s defensive work after a period in which the player had faced criticism during the club’s poor form.

Deeney judged Van Hecke to be increasingly comfortable in his Tottenham role. He credited the pace of defensive partner Micky van de Ven with allowing Van Hecke to play more aggressively, while retaining reservations about the amount paid for him.

Konsa’s willingness to block, challenge and defend for his team impressed the BBC pundit. Timber also made the selection for his recovery work and defending, although Deeney questioned why a shirt pull on Alexander Isak had not drawn intervention from the referee or video assistant referee.

Behind that back four, Verbruggen was recognised for keeping Brighton competitive. Deeney’s assessment was that Brighton could otherwise have lost by two or three goals, singling out a late save in which the ball struck the goalkeeper’s face.

Rice and Lavia earn midfield recognition

Rice’s contribution across the pitch and an assist secured his place, with Deeney describing his display in terms of leadership and responsibility. Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia was also selected after providing an assist and, in the pundit’s view, bringing consistency to an otherwise unsettled team performance.

BBC Sport’s account noted Deeney’s argument that Lavia deserved credit beyond the advantage Chelsea gained when Manchester United were reduced to 10 players. He highlighted the midfielder’s work disrupting opposition possession and circulating the ball during the preceding hour.

Aston Villa’s Johan Manzambi was another choice after registering an assist against Fulham. Deeney praised the 21-year-old’s confidence and influence, saying Fulham had struggled to contain him before he was withdrawn with Villa’s Champions League match against Barcelona in mind.

Coventry contributions recognised

Deeney praised Sakamoto’s work for Coventry and his contribution in an important Saturday fixture. Awoniyi’s solo goal also stood out, with the pundit identifying the forward as potentially crucial to Coventry’s hopes of avoiding relegation.

Hull’s Ollie McBurnie completed the selection. In BBC Sport’s account, Deeney highlighted his combination of effort, goals and assists, presenting his performance as a reflection of Hull’s competitive spirit.

Lampard took the managerial honours for Coventry’s assertive approach against Sunderland in a match Deeney considered important to the relegation battle. The pundit also offered recognition to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for his team’s result at Liverpool.

Sources: BBC Sport.