Premier League Gameweek 4's Standout Stars: The Five Players Who Dominated the Pitch
The Premier League remained dormant throughout September until the 13th, following the season's inaugural international break in 2025–26, with fixtures now set to intensify in the coming weeks.
Despite limited recovery time during the break, numerous exceptional performances emerged across the league.
Especially brilliant showings in Manchester City's capture of local supremacy and Arsenal's commanding triumph over Nottingham Forest during Saturday's early kickoff were particularly noteworthy.
Below are FotMob's top five highest-rated performers from Matchday 4 of the 2025–26 Premier League campaign.
5. Lucas Bergvall, Ibrahima Konaté & Phil Foden: 8.4
Three players shared fifth position with an 8.4 rating, featuring Tottenham Hotspur's Lucas Bergvall, who netted his maiden Premier League strike in Spurs' commanding 3–0 triumph over West Ham United.
Bergvall flourished during his inaugural campaign and has maintained that momentum entering 2025–26 under new management. The Swedish midfielder's arcing header past Mads Hermansen was an exquisite finish, serving as the centerpiece of an outstanding comprehensive performance that highlighted Bergvall's immense potential.
Phil Foden received careful nurturing from Pep Guardiola at Bergvall's current age (19), but the English talent has since developed into a key figure in multiple Premier League championship runs and earned PFA Player of the Year honors. Though he crossed into elite territory long ago, it's been considerable time since Foden displayed the brilliance he showcased in Sunday's Manchester Derby.
The hometown hero thrives in big moments, and Ricky Hatton's passing that morning provided Foden with additional inspiration and drive. He broke the deadlock with a precise header and played with the dynamism that seemed absent over the previous year.
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté wasn't as spectacular as the previously mentioned players, but he concluded the Reds' 1–0 success with the highest duel count (14) and eight defensive actions. He proved crucial in neutralizing the Clarets' counter-attacking opportunities.
4. Jérémy Doku: 8.7
Foden was brilliant, Gianluigi Donnarumma made a spectacular stop at 2–0 and a particular Scandinavian force was, predictably, unstoppable, but Jérémy Doku's derby performance deserves recognition.
On Sunday, the Belgian wasn't simply tasked with staying wide and challenging defenders individually. Rather, Guardiola deployed him to cut inside and overwhelm Man Utd's central midfield duo. His assist for Foden originated from the right half-space, and his movement to evade Luke Shaw near the penalty area was sublime.
Doku registered a second assist with an expertly timed through ball for Erling Haaland to collect and extend City's advantage.
3. Robin Roefs: 8.8
Sunderland emerged as one of the Premier League's most active clubs during the summer window, acquiring players like Granit Xhaka, Nordi Mukiele and Lutsharel Geertruida.
Nevertheless, their most valuable signing might be goalkeeper Robin Roefs, who represented their second-most affordable purchase.
Roefs has quickly overtaken Anthony Patterson as Sunderland's first-choice keeper, securing two shutouts in his initial four Premier League appearances. While West Ham posed minimal threat on opening day, Crystal Palace found themselves frustrated by the Dutchman's display on Saturday.
Roefs confronted an xG of 1.36 and made six crucial saves, helping the Black Cats secure another valuable point. His stops to thwart Daichi Kamada's long-range efforts were especially noteworthy.
2. Martín Zubimendi & Antoine Semenyo: 8.9
FotMob couldn't distinguish between Arsenal's Martín Zubimendi and Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo performances in Matchday 4, with both achieving 8.9 ratings.
The weekend commenced with Zubimendi launching the Gunners ahead against Forest with the round's finest strike, as he powered home a technically superb volley from outside the box. The midfielder then completed his first senior double with a second-half header.
Beyond the goals, Zubimendi's display was filled with brilliant subtlety, as Arsenal controlled their visitors in Ange Postecoglou's inaugural match as manager.
Semenyo maintained his excellent seasonal form against Brighton & Hove Albion, with his goal coming via penalty. The Bournemouth winger again delivered a performance highlighting his overwhelming strength and ability to dominate opponents in wide one-on-one situations.
1. Erling Haaland: 9.3
Erling Haaland's derby double means he now sits just three goals behind Wayne Rooney's Manchester derby tally of 11.
Haaland relishes encounters with the Red Devils, and his clinical form from the September international window carried into Sunday's clash. The Norwegian's brace sealed victory for Ruben Amorim's team in the second period, with both strikes being quality one-on-one finishes against Altay Bayındır, though from contrasting positions.
While Haaland was effective in combination play, his extraordinary scoring instinct again provided the decisive edge for a City squad that continues to appear unsettled.