Premier League team of the weekend

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Matchday 37 saw Casemiro bolster Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League future, while Nottingham Forrest cemented their survival with a victory over the Gunners. Take a look at SoccerMag’s best 11 performers from the weekend.

We used buildlineup.com to put our team onto paper, but our selections are explained below.

Goalkeeper:

David Raya – Brentford

David Raya had a superb performance in goal as Brentford came back from one goal down to beat Tottenham away from home.  A crucial save from a Heung-Min Son effort showed the Brentford fans that Raya continues to fight for the badge despite his inevitable exit at the end of the season.

Defenders:

Renan Lodi – Nottingham Forrest

Renan Lodi was immense at fullback in Nottingham Forrest’s surprising victory over Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.  The Brazilian manged to lockdown Bukayo Saka for most of the game.  This was an emotional result, with the three points securing Forrest’s future in the Premier League.

Yerry Mina – Everton

Yerry Mina scored a late equalizer to keep Everton’s hopes of Premier League survival.  Mina has been the Toffee’s best defender this season despite being side-lined with injury multiple times this season.  With one more game to go, Sean Dyche will need the Colombian more than ever.

Joel Ward – Crystal Palace

Joel Ward came to the rescue with a late equalizer as Palace came back from 2-1 down to Fulham at Craven Cottage.  Ward’s contract is set to expire at the end of season, with the veteran hoping an offer will have his stay in South London extended to 12 seasons.

Midfielders:

Douglas Luiz – Aston Villa

The first of a few players to feature for the second week in a row, Douglas Luiz was a general in midfield as Aston Villa destroyed Liverpool’s Champions League dreams at Anfield.  Luiz was aggressive out of possession and was instrumental in Villa’s goal with a cross to the back post converted by Jacob Ramsey.

Casemiro – Manchester United

Casemiro scored arguably his most important goal in a Manchester United shirt with the Brazilian’s acrobatic finish – similar to Ilkay Gundogan’s one week prior – all but securing UEFA Champions League football for Erik Ten Hag’s Red Devils next season.

Jarrod Bowen – West Ham United

West Ham continued their late season revival after securing their first European final since 1976.  Bowen assisted Declan Rice for the opener in the first half before getting on the scoresheet himself in the 72nd minute.  Their victory against Leeds has moved them into 14th place.

Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford

Cameroonian international Bryan Mbeumo had yet another incredible game week, with the Brentford winger completing their comeback against Tottenham Hotspurs.  Mbeumo’s brace and an assist took all the headlines off suspended teammate Ivan Toney.  Brentford have comfortably secured their place in the top half of the table, a well-deserved finish for an incredible season.

Forwards:

Roberto Firmino – Liverpool

Roberto Firmino’s emotional Anfield exit after eight years with the Reds may not have gone to plan, but the Brazilian came in clutch once again to secure a point against Villa.  Firmino’s late equalizer was a perfect way for the Anfield faithful to repay arguably the most influential player of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool career.

Aleksandar Mitrovic – Fulham

Aleksandar Mitrovic’s return to Craven Cottage was inevitably partnered by goals with the Serbian scoring a brace in Fulham’s 2-2 draw to Crystal Palace.  A top ten finish for the Cottagers can be seen as a huge success, especially considering their star striker’s long-term ban.

Evan Ferguson – Brighton

Yet another example of the wonders of Brighton’s scouting department, 18-year-old Evan Ferguson looks to be the next Premier League star.  The Irishman scored two goals in Brighton’s victory over relegated Southampton.  15 goals and assists in all competitions is a spectacular return for such a young player in their debut season.

Photo: Twitter @TheAnfieldTalk

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Dylan Johnson