The final Premier League team of the weekend

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Matchday 38 saw Abdoulaye Doucoure’s wonder-goal secure Everton’s survival, while Brentford ended the season on a high with victory over Premier League champions Manchester City. 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’s clean sheet, in most likely his final game for Brentford, against Manchester City was the perfect way for the Bees to end off yet another successful season. City managed 17 shots but were unable to truly challenge the Spaniard.

Defenders:

Pedro Porro – Tottenham Hotspur

Pedro Porro has been one of the few positives in an underwhelming and inconsistent Spurs season. The fullback has brought energy and an attacking threat down the right flank and was rewarded with a goal against Leeds United.  His form since his arrival in January should be promising for a full campaign next season.

Ethan Pinnock – Brentford

Ethan Pinnock had a week to remember with the Jamaican international putting pen to paper on a four-year contract extension and scoring the winning goal against Manchester City. Pinnock has been an immense figure in Thomas Frank’s side and will be looking for yet another European push next season.

Jakub Kiwior – Arsenal

Another piece of shrewd business from the Arsenal hierarchy looks to be a success, with Jakub Kiwior looking more than worth his 21-million-pound fee. Kiwior scored the fifth and final goal of Arsenal’s victory over Wolves, and his comfort in possession and role in their build-up points toward a successful career with the Gunners.

Midfielders:

Abdoulaye Doucoure – Everton

Abdoulaye Doucoure has fought back from his fall out under Frank Lampard that saw him frozen out of the squad, to one of Sean Dyche’s first names on the team sheet. The Frenchman’s contribution on the final day repaid Dyche’s loyalty, with an outside the box half volley thundering into the right side of the goal, securing Leicester City’s relegation and more importantly Everton’s survival.

Granit Xhaka – Arsenal

Granit Xhaka is another player than has seen a complete turnaround at their club, with the Gunners midfielder developing into an Emirates fan favourite. Xhaka’s farewell could not have been better with the Swiss international’s brace the perfect departing gift to Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal faithful.

Kamaldeen Sulemana – Southampton

Southampton’s future may have been sealed weeks ago but this was not enough to break the Saints who clearly wanted to go out with a bang.  Kamaldeen Sulemana gave the fans something to remember with a spectacular double in their 4-4 draw against Liverpool.  The Ghanaian looks to be a serious talent that will tear up the Championship if he decides to stay at St Mary’s.

Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes sealed Manchester United’s third place finish with yet another goal.  The Portuguese has been a driving force behind Erik Ten Hag’s revolution and despite coming under fire for his attitude at times has played the most games for the Red Devils this season showcasing his importance to his team and the backing of his manager.

Diogo Jota – Liverpool

Diogo Jota’s brace against Southampton came in clutch as the Reds blew an early two goal lead to go down 4-2.  Jota opened the scoring after intercepting a poor back-pass from Romeo Lavia, then began the comeback with a sensational finish in the top right corner in the second half.  Jota’s form has clearly put his year long goal drought to bed.

Forwards:

Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspurs

Mr Reliable, Harry Kane was the only consistent feature of a terrible Tottenham campaign.  Kane scored 30 goals, coming in second place in the golden boot race after Erling Haaland. Kane scoring 30 in this Spurs side is probably one of his greatest individual achievements, with so many below par teammates and managerial drama. Next season he may seek a trophy challenging future elsewhere.

Roberto Firmino – Liverpool

Bobby Firmino ended his last ever Premier League game with grace, scoring his 11th goal of the season in classic Firmino style.  Receiving the ball at the edge of the box, he danced his way toward goal, sitting down two Southampton defenders and then finished with a shot between goalkeeper McCarthy’s legs. Liverpool and the Premier League will both miss the highest scoring Brazilian in Premier League history.

Photo: Twitter @AnfieldEdition

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Dylan Johnson