Man City climbed back atop the Premier League table thanks to a nervy 1-0 win away to Bournemouth on Saturday. Riyad Mahrez who has struggled with life in Manchester ever since completing a move from Leicester City last summer, scored the only goal of the game in the second half. This is the first time that City are top, when having played the same number of games with second placed Liverpool, since early December.
For Liverpool, they failed to win again, registering their fourth draw in 6 games as they were held 0-0 away to Everton on Sunday. Liverpool now move to 70 points, one behind City with 9 games to play.
In the race for the other two Champions League places, Tottenham and Arsenal shared spoils in the North London derby while Chelsea and Man United were victorious in their respective fixtures. In their game, Arsenal took a first half lead through Aaron Ramsey but Spurs pulled level in the second half off Harry Kane’s penalty. The Gunners got a glorious chance to win it in added time but Pierre Emerick Aubameyung missed from the spot to ensure the game ends level. For Chelsea, they were 2-1 winners away to Fulham with Gonzalo Higuain and Jorginho scoring for Maurizio Sarri’s men while at Old Trafford, United were required to come from 2-1 down to win 3-2. Romelu Lukaku helped himself to a brace after Andreas Pereira had initially opened the scoring in the first half for the Red Devils.
Elsewhere, Wolves, Watford, West Ham, Crystal palace and Brighton were also victors this past weekend.
Here are the IX players that stood out in game week 29 according to PML Daily Sports Editor, Shaban Lubega, in a 3:4:3 formation.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea).
He may not have done himself any favours by refusing to be substituted in the League Cup final a couple of weeks ago but Kepa made a string of brilliant saves on Sunday to ensure Chelsea defeat Fulham 2-1 away from home.
RB: Seamus Coleman (Everton).
A spirited performance by the Everton skipper in the 0-0 draw at home to Liverpool. Kept both Andrew Robertson and Sadio Mane at bay throughout the game.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool).
Arguably the most important Reds player at the moment. The huge Dutch international made 12 clearances in the 0-0 draw away to Everton on Sunday.
CB: Michael Kane (Everton).
The challenge to deny Mohammad Salah capped a brilliant performance by the Englishman. Kane was at his absolute best as Everton shared the spoils with Liverpool this past weekend.
LB: Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham).
Against Arsenal Vertonghen was ruthless, impolite and mean-spirited. Just the sort of attitude you want from your centre-back in the middle of a north London derby. The tackle on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang immediately after Hugo Lloris’ penalty save was magnificent. In fact it was better than the penalty save itself.
MF: Andreas Pereira (Man United).
No Man United player created more chances than Pereira (2), who assisted one of Lukaku’s two goals on the day on top of scoring the opener himself.
MF: Jorginho (Chelsea).
What a way to answer the critics! Jorginho scored the winner as Chelsea defeated Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage.
MF: Declan Rice (West Ham).
Rice made seven tackles in West Ham’s win against Newcastle, more than twice as many as any other Hammer. He also scored the opening goal in the 2-0 victory.
FW: Raul Jimenez (Wolves).
Jimenez is one of the stand-out purchases of the season. He continued his fine display with yet another goal and assist as Wolves edged Cardiff 2-0 on Saturday.
FW: Troy Deeney (Watford).
Deeney opened the scoring for Watford against Leicester, before providing a 92nd minute assist for Andre Gray’s second.
FW: Romelu Lukaku (Man United).
Lukaku registered four of United’s six shots on target in the 3-2 win at home to Southampton. Two of those four shots found the back of the net.
