Matchday 28 saw Arsenal extend their lead to eight points at the top of the table and Spurs losing a 3-1 lead to Southampton. 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 – Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Emiliano Martinez had an overall solid display against AFC Bournemouth this weekend with the Argentinian goalkeeper the only keeper to keep a clean sheet this weekend.
Defenders
Luke Ayling (Leeds United)
Luke Ayling scored his first Premier League goal in exactly 365 days, finishing with a header at the back post. Ayling managed six clearances, four tackles and two successful clearances in an overall dominant display.
Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa)
Tyrone Mings was immense in Aston Villa’s 3-0 victory over Bournemouth. The English center back assisted Emi Buendia and prevented Dominic Solanke’s best opportunity to score, keeping the Cherries at a safe distance.
Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)
Pedro Porro may not be satisfied with Spurs final result but the Spaniard was one of their best performers on the day. Porro rocketed in Spurs opener off the crossbar after making a superb run to the back post.
Midfielders
Granit Xhaka (Arsenal)
Granit Xhaka’s perfromances this season continue to impress with the Swiss international’s consistency and maturity leading the Gunners from the middle of the park. Xhaka’s close range finish into the bottom left corner was the final nail in the coffin for managerless Crystal Palace.
James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
James Ward-Prowse continues to lead the Saints with his performances as they fight to stay in the Premier League. An extra-time penalty equalizer earned Southampton a valuable point, showing passion and desire after coming back from 3-1 down.
Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
Douglas Luiz had an outstanding performance for Aston Villa, scoring the opening goal against Bournemouth. The Brazilian completed all five of his attempted dribbles as well as creating three offensive chances.
Theo Walcott (Southampton)
This weekend saw a vintage Theo Walcott performance against his former Arsenal rivals Tottenham. Walcott began the Saints comeback with an assist before getting himself on the scoresheet giving Southampton the confidence they needed to push for their third goal.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal’s best player this season and this weekend was no different. Saka scored twice against Crystal Palace and took his overall Premier League tally to 12 goals and 10 assists. The Gunners Starboy is leading them to the title.
Attackers
Ellis Simms (Everton)
Ellis Simms scored his first Premier League goal for Everton as the Toffee’s secured a vital away point against Chelsea. Simms will hope this is the beginning of a good run of form as Everton fight for Premier League survival.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
Alexander Isak was sensational against Nottingham Forrest, securing a brace to keep the Magpies top four hopes alive. The Swedish striker showed composure to score the winning penalty in extra-time. Eddie Howe will now have a selection headache as Isak looks to have overtaken the trusted Callum Wilson.
