Who were the best Premier League players from the weekend games? We take a look at the man-of-the-match performances in our hotlist…
Premier League Weekend Round-up
Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea – Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku’s shortcomings in the big fixtures have often overshadowed what has undoubtedly been a positive start to life at Old Trafford, but, today, the big Belgian silenced his critics.
With the kind of flat-track bully display he usually reserves for the so-called lesser clubs, once he got going, Lukaku was at the spearhead of the late-surging United attack, and his influence was telling.
Man Utd 2-1 Chelsea
Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham – Wayne Hennessey
Tottenham dominated this match, but Palace will feel they were worthy of a point for their resolute defending and for the outstanding display of their goalkeeper. He rushed out to deny Kane in the opening 10 minutes and was alert to keep out an Aurier drive and a Kane effort which deflected wickedly off Benteke.
His best save was at full stretch from Davies in the 71st minute and Kane’s late winner was particularly cruel after an excellent performance.
Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham
Liverpool 4-1 West Ham – Mohamed Salah
Who else? From the first attack of the game it was clear to see Salah’s high level had not been affected by a mini-break of matches for Liverpool. He struck a post with a fine low effort early on and was a constant menace down the right-wing before capping his display with a clever low finish to double Liverpool’s advantage.
Special mention should also go to Arnautovic for West Ham, whose play was dripping in quality throughout and was unlucky not to score.
Liverpool 4-1 West Ham
Bournemouth 2-2 Newcastle – Jonjo Shelvey
It was an assured performance from Shelvey at the Vitality Stadium, especially in the first half where Newcastle looked very comfortable.
He had a hand in setting up Gayle’s opening goal with a superb pass over the top, and produced a few more although they did not prove as fruitful. He also put a shift in when taking advantage of some sloppy Bournemouth play and showed off what a talent he can be.
Bournemouth 2-2 Newcastle
Brighton 4-1 Swansea – Glenn Murray
The striker was once again in red-hot form in front of goal for Brighton on Saturday, with his two efforts either side of the break sending his team well on their way to a huge three points.
He has now netted 10 times in the league this campaign, with only three other Englishmen having scored more – Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane, Man City’s Raheem Sterling and Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy.
Not only that, though, but the in-form Murray has also now scored five goals with his last six shots on target in the Premier League.
Brighton 4-1 Swansea
West Brom 1-2 Huddersfield – Rajiv van La Parra
In a tightly-contested game, it was Van La Parra and Pritchard’s willingness to take the game to West Brom after the break which ultimately put the game beyond the hosts.
And while Pritchard got himself an assist, it was Van La Parra who scored the vital opener, adding to the goal he scored in the 1-0 win when the teams met back in November.
The Dutchman could have had a second later on, only to be denied by the feet of Foster, while a match-high six tackles shows it wasn’t just in attack where Van La Parra flourished. Victory will feel extra sweet for the former Wolves player.
West Brom 1-2 Huddersfield
Burnley 1-1 Southampton – Oriel Romeu
Romeu won a lot of the battles in midfield and kept Burnley at bay when they overloaded the flanks. He was very rarely beaten on the floor or in the air and was unlucky to be withdrawn as Southampton chased a draw late on.
Burnley 1-1 Southampton
Watford 1-0 Everton – Troy Deeney
There were not many performances of note at Vicarage Road so Deeney gets the nod for producing the moment of quality that one the game.
Picked out in the penalty area by Okaka, Deeney’s turn and finish was brilliant – a strike worthy of winning any game.
Watford 1-0 Everton
Leicester 1-1 Stoke – Xherdan Shaqiri
In a game which offered little in terms of attacking threat, Stoke’s attacking maestro rose to the occasion. His goal was sublime and his overall performance, ensuring Stoke had an out ball as Leicester applied the pressure, were vital in securing a point. How vital it will be for the Potters’ season remains to be seen.
Leicester 1-1 Stoke
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