Manchester City moved 18 points clear at the top of the Premier league table with an easy 1-0 win over supposed rivals Chelsea.
The battle for top four continued as both Liverpool and Tottenham bagged routine wins at home while Arsenal’s struggles especially away from home were further highlighted in a 2-1 loss at Brighton.
At the wrong end of the table, Swansea moved from 18th to 13, three points adrift of the drop with a steeler 4-1 win at home to West Ham.
Here are the 11 players that stood out as per PML Daily correspondent Shaban Lubega, in a 3:4:3 formation.
GK. Jack Butland(Stock City).
Was the undisputed star of the Game against Southampton as he kept on making save after save and propelled his Stock side to a vital point in the end.
The English shot stopper who has had a career dented by consistent injuries made six saves and kept a clean sheet on Saturday.
RB. Simon Francis (AFC Bournemouth).
You’ll hardly see a better aerial display all season than the one Francis provided against Leicester – be it in his own box or the opposition’s, he was at the heart of everything – and incredibly unlucky not to end up on the winning side for his valiant effort as both teams shared the spoils 0-0.
CB. Mike Van der Hoorn (Swensea City).
He may not have been getting the same praise as his centre back partners in Alfie Mowson and Federico Fernandez but it was his turn to shine on the weekend against West Ham.
Van der Hoorn had a commanding display at the heart of Swansea’s defence capping it off with the second of his team’s 4 four goals on the day via a Ki Sung Yeung assist.
CB. Lewis Dunk(Brighton and Hove Albion).
Against a top six side like Arsenal, Brighton had to have a stand out performer in theri defence and its Lewis Dunk who stood out as the Seagulls grabbed vital three points in their hunt for league survival.
Dunk led a side that kept out Arsenal on several occasions and also scored the first goal in Brighton’s 2-1 defeat of the Gunners.
LB. Andrew Robertson(Liverpool).
Although Newcastle provided little threat going forward, Robertson was a focal point in attack, marauding forward constantly and always looking a threat on the ball. When called upon in defence, he dealt with everything competently, and he was a real thorn in the opponent’s side all evening at Anfield.
MF. IIkay Gundogan(Manchester City) .
What a player he is when fit.
Gundogan had a troubled start to life in Manchester but he has proved his worth when fit as he continues to impress in the middle of the pitch.
Flawless and untouchable is the only way you can describe the German’s performance against Chelsea as he completed 167 passes, the most of any player in a Premier League game since 2003/04.
MF. Olex Oxlade Chamberlain (Liverpool).
If only the Englishman could be consistent, may be his story would be different and his starting role for England in Russia would already be assured.
Against Newcastle United, Chamberlain played like a player he believes he is as he dominated the midfield from the word go, assisting Salah’s openner in the process.
MF. David Silva(Manchester City)
What a player Silva is and he doesn’t show any signs of ageing by the day.
Silva registered his 73rd Premier League assist in Man City’s win against Chelsea, 20 more than any other player since his debut.
FW. Leroy Sane (Manchester City) .
While City were not their usual ruthless selves in front of goal, Sane took on defenders at will and dribbled past them with ease. He was a joy to watch at times and was unlucky not to end up on the scoresheet when his goal bound right footed shot was cleared off the line by the ever green Ceaser Azipilcueta.
FW. Glenn Murrey (Brighton and Hove Albion).
It is very hard to believe that Glenn Murray is 34 years old. He made more sprints than anybody in Brighton’s huge win against Arsenal, leaping highest to nod in the second goal. Had his teammates played him in with more regularity, he could certainly have walked away with the match-ball. A timeless forward’s performance.
FW. Son Heung Min (Tottenham Hotspurs).
Son Heung Min is already a National treasure in his native, South Korea and rapidly becoming a darling at Wembley among Tottenham fans.
He scored both of Spurs’ goals against Huddersfield – nine of his 10 Premier League goals this season have been at Wembley.
Coach: Chris Hughton (Brighton and Hove Albion).
Hughton’s side has had a tremendous run of late, not losing a single game in any of their last seven in all competitions but against a troubled Arsenal side, the Irishman knew exactly what to do to hurt the Gunners as he mastermind one of their greatest victories in the Premier league.
