The start of the second half of the Premier League season saw a lot of changes in the League table. A record 9 teams have now held the pole position with Manchester City emerging as the latest leaders.
The Citizens’ great run continues as they are a point clear on top with a game in hand. Manchester United failed to take advantage of the struggling Sheffield United as they fell to a shock defeat to their opponent’s 2nd win of the season.
Leicester City and Everton played an entertaining draw as they both fight for the top spot. Chelsea also played a dull yet dominating goalless draw against Wolves in what was Thomas Tuchel’s first game as The Blues’ manager.
Burnley incredibly came back from behind to stun the underdogs Aston Villa in a 5-goal thriller match. West Ham was another surprising team that barged into the top-5 after they defeated Crystal Palace.
Liverpool finally scored goals and registered a win in 2021 as they defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-1. Jurgen Klopp was thrilled with his team’s performance and claimed that the old Liverpool was back.
PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE WEEK:
GOALKEEPER:
NICK POPE (BURNLEY)
The Burnley showstopper made some brilliant saves for his team yet again as they came back from behind to defeat Aston Villa. Nick is the only goalkeeper who has been consistent throughout this season.
DEFENDERS:
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD (RB, LIVERPOOL)
Trent was victimized by many as he was giving poor performances week over week. But yesterday’s display showed that his dip was only temporary. He was at his best as he grabbed a goal and an assist in Liverpool’s victory over Tottenham.
LEWIS DUNK (CB, BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION)
All thanks to him for saving his team from a bitter defeat. A massive chance at death from Ruben Loftus-Cheek was cleared on the line by the defender as both the team grabbed a point in the goalless match.
PHIL JAGIELKA (CB, SHEFFIELD UNITED)
Sheffield United’s upset over Manchester United was the surprising match of the week. But it wasn’t easy. The defence performed brilliantly and prevented their opponents from creating any chances. Phil Jagielka put his body on the line with crucial clearances and tackles.
JOAO CANCELLO (RB, MANCHESTER CITY)
There is no way any team can break the defensive wall City has put up. They have only conceded 1 goal in their previous 12 matches. Despite that, the defenders are scoring goals like forwards. Joao Cancello was also on the scoresheet as City thrashed West Brom 5-0.
MIDFIELDERS:
ILKAY GUNDOGAN (CM, MANCHESTER CITY)
The German midfielder scored a brace in City’s riot over West Brom. He has been crucial for the team and is making sure Kevin de Bruyne’s absence is not felt.
THOMAS SOUCEK (CDM, WEST HAM UNITED)
West Ham’s fairytale run continues as they are now 5th in the Premier League. The Defensive midfielder scored a decisive brace as his team came from behind after conceding an early goal to grab the win.
BUKAYO SAKA (CAM, ARSENAL)
The young prodigy is the one who is carrying Arsenal’s midfield. He grabbed a goal and an assist as his team earned a deserving and crucial win that took them on level terms with Chelsea.
FORWARDS:
SADIO MANE (LW, LIVERPOOL)
Liverpool is hopefully out of their slump form as they put up a huge display as they keep their title defence hopes alive. Sadio Mane also regained his form after not scoring in 4 Premier League matches. He scored a goal as well as grabbed an assist.
RIYAD MAHREZ (RW, MANCHESTER CITY)
Another City player who contributed in the riot over West Brom. He also grabbed a goal and an assist to his name. He had taken the center forward role for the day.
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE (ST, ARSENAL)
Arsenal has clawed their way back in the top half and Lacazette has been equally involved in the rise. He also scored a goal and provided an assist.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Many players put up a great performance, but the better ones made the list. Finally, the player who made an impact individually to earn the Player of the Week mantle is Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
His display against Tottenham was really important. He not only had to get his team back on track but also had to prove himself. He made the perfect comeback with a brilliant display over Tottenham and landed a goal and an assist to his name.
