Matchweek 23 of the Premier League once again produced some thrilling encounters all over the country. Manchester City and Leicester City failed to maintain the gap at the top of the table, dropping points in their league games while league leaders Liverpool managed a 2-0 win over arch-rivals Manchester United to take their lead to 16 points, with a game in hand.
Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea also failed to take all three points from the weekend while Watford and Norwich City managed to pick up crucial points in their scrap at the bottom of the table. There were a number of impressive individual performances in these games but who were the best in their role this weekend?
Here is the Premier League Team Of The Week for Matchweek 23
Formation (4-4-2)
GK – Nick Pope (Burnley)
With seven saves to his name, Pope frustrated Leicester City all night at Turf Moor, as he helped the Clarets to their first league win since Christmas. The penalty save from Jamie Vardy capped off a fine overall display.
RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
The fullback was hardly tested in a defensive sense but offensively, he was a constant threat to the United backline. He delivered the corner for Van Dijk’s goal and deserves a place in this side.
CB – Mason Holgate (Everton)
Everton needed a solid performance to take even a point from their trip to West Ham and it was Holgate’s heroics with a goal-line clearance that kept them in the game. He also picked up the assist for Everton’s goal and was one of the best defenders over the weekend.
CB – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
The Dutch star hardly broke a sweat against the travelling United side. He rose over Brandon Williams to give Liverpool a deserved first-half lead while shutting down Anthony Martial and Daniel James time and again to secure a clean sheet as well.
LB – Bernardo (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Bernardo finds himself in this team, thanks to a gritty performance against Villa, at left-back. Dealing with the likes of Trezeguet, the 24-year-old completed three dribbles and five tackles, also winning six aerial duels and was a major reason for his side holding onto a point at the weekend.
CM – Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool)
Though Jordan Henderson was also impressive, Wijnaldum was a busy man, breaking through the United midfield time and again. Scored a goal that was chalked off for off-side and also controlled the game in the middle of the park, helping his side to yet another comfortable win at Anfield.
CM – Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa’s best player, Grealish, once again came to the rescue as his 75th-minute equaliser was enough for them to steal a point from their trip to Amex. Grealish’s trickery was at times too hot to handle and he was probably the best playmaker on show in the league this matchweek.
RW – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Finally breaking his duck against Manchester United, the Egyptian superstar scored a late goal at Anfield but it was his strength and pace that spelt danger for United all throughout the game. He was the out ball for Liverpool at times and his performance certainly deserves a place in this XI.
LW – Adama Traore (Wolves)
Slowly finding some consistency, the energetic winger was all over the Southampton backline in the second half, picking up a couple of assists to help his side win the game, from 2-0 down at St Mary’s.
ST – Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Though he failed to win his side all three points, Aguero’s expertise in front of goal almost won City the game against Crystal Palace. The Eagles managed to find an equaliser late in the game but not before the Argentine found the back of the net with precision, twice in quick succession.
ST – Raul Jimenez (Wolves)
Probably the player of the weekend, Jimenez never gave up, even after a disappointing first half at St Mary’s. He dispatched a penalty coolly to equalize before showing nerves of steel in front of goal to bag his second and give Wolves yet another impressive comeback victory in the league this season.
Special mention: Newcastle United backline
The Magpies stuck to their task and ensured they keep their quota of upsets coming this season, beating Chelsea 1-0.
Here is how they line up:
