Troy Deeney selects Premier League team and manager of the week

On 8 November 2026, BBC pundit Troy Deeney published his Premier League team and his manager of the week following the latest round of fixtures, naming players from across the division alongside Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

Deeney's selections form part of his weekly column published after every round of Premier League matches this season, and the piece invites readers to respond: "Do you agree? Give us your thoughts using the comments form at the bottom of this page." The feature highlights one manager and a full starting XI as the pundit's picks for top performers.

In goal Deeney picked Bernd Leno (Fulham), saying "Unbelievable couple of saves from him to keep Fulham in the game. I thought Newcastle should have been three or four up before Fulham got the equaliser." He named Ronald Araujo (Liverpool) among his defenders, commenting "He is just the difference maker to that Liverpool backline. The injury-time Crystal Palace penalty that denied them a clean sheet was a terrible decision, but when he is in the team, they play better and look more solid." Deeney also included Jair Cunha (Nottingham Forest), writing "Exceptional. His goal helps, but exceptional at sniffing out the danger. Erling Haaland didn't have a sniff of a goal in Man City's defeat by Forest. Cunha will need to be really good going forward if they're the team Oliver Glasner wants."

Further defensive picks were Tarik Muharemovic (Leeds United), described as calm under pressure despite being exposed one v one, and Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland), whom Deeney credited with forcing Chelsea wide and helping his side win. In midfield he selected Leon Goretzka (Aston Villa), saying: "Although it was 4-4 in the end at Man Utd, Goretzka was a beast. He was calm under pressure and moved the ball really well as well. He obviously got a goal but his passing, movement and the ability to just be calm and handle every situation presented to him was really, really good."

Deeney's central midfield choices included Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), with the pundit questioning why the player had not secured a new deal and noting his energy and importance to Liverpool's style of play. He named Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland) for his influence in big moments and ability to progress the ball under pressure, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Everton), saying Dewsbury-Hall "Bossed the game for Everton against Coventry. Unbelievable goal but he absolutely bossed it. There was nothing more he could have done. Never gave the ball away, defensively he was solid. Attacking wise - goals and assists."

Up front Deeney included Thierno Barry (Everton), commenting "The two up front pick themselves, but probably the last time I would have them together in the same team. Did really well, two good goals against Coventry and probably should have had a third as well." He also picked Liam Delap (Nottingham Forest), praising a turnaround in form and recounting external pressure before the game: "What a game for him and moment he needed. A lot of pressure from the outside, including myself. Hasn't shown up big this season but against his former team Man City, his former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca as well, and he turned around and said, 'you know what, I am the man and you should have kept me around'. Scored two unbelievable goals, led the line well and looked physically fitter and stronger. Maybe now that confidence comes through and we see the best of him after the international break."

For manager of the week Deeney chose Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), explaining his choice with the comment: "I am going for Mikel Arteta simply because he has just won the Premier League. Well done. I said at the start of the season that, for me, Arsenal will win the league by 10 points and this weekend they did it. It's November and the season is officially over."