Another entertaining Premier League matchweek ends with defending champions Manchester City dropping points. Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United won their games, but Liverpool were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by traditional rivals Manchester United at Anfield. Chelsea bounced back to winning ways against Sheffield United while Man City fell five points adrift of the top spot after drawing 2-2 with Crystal Palace at home.
On that note, let us take a look at the top five players from the 2023/24 Premier League matchweek 17.
#Lucas Paqueta
West Ham United beat Wolves 3-0 in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, with Mohammed Kudus scoring twice and Lucas Paqueta notching a hat-trick of assists.
It was a display of skill, artistry and tenacity from Paqueta, twice sending Kudus away to score in the first half. The Brazilian midfielder found Jarrod Bowen on the stroke of half-time, but while that shot came back off the post, the pair linked up brilliantly in the 74th minute to seal the deal for the Hammers. He was virtually unplayable against Wolves.
#Mohammed Kudus
David Moyes initially eased Mohammed Kudus in gently following his summer move from Ajax, but he has since started him in West Ham’s last eight league games.
Kudus seems to have found his feet in the Premier League, registering five-goal contributions in the last eight appearances. The Ghanaian’s blossoming partnership with Lucas Paqueta is yielding goals for West Ham, with the duo combining extremely well on Sunday again to demolish Wolves.
With his pace, trickery and direct running, the 23-year-old caused all kinds of chaos in the Wolves half and scored two fine goals to help West Ham beat Wolves.
#Guglielmo Vicario
Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at City Ground on Friday evening, moving to fifth on the table as a process. Spurs fans not only enjoyed their 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Friday evening but also some impressive individual displays. Among those was Guglielmo Vicario’s fine display in goal.
Vicario made a stunning goal-line save with his feet in the last minutes of the game, denying Forest wing-back Harry Toffolo a certain goal. Following Morgan Gibbs-White’s corner kick, Toffolo made a strong headed attempt on goal, which the Spurs shot-stopper miraculously kept out.
The Italian’s late save ensured that Spurs walked away with a clean sheet and three points from City Ground.
#Miguel Almiron
Newcastle United ended their four-game losing run in all competitions with a comprehensive 3-0 win over 10-man Fulham at St James’ Park on Saturday. They got back to winning ways thanks to goals from Lewis Miley, Miguel Almiron and Dan Burn.
When Newcastle have struggled with so many injury problems this season, Miguel Almiron hasn’t missed a single Premier League game. He continues to prove to be a key player for Eddie Howe, bagging five goals and an assist so far.
While the Paraguayan international may struggle with his decision making in the final third at times, his energy, commitment and work rate can never be questioned. Having set the tone for the Magpies’ high-pressing style of play, Almiron was a menace to the Fulham backline especially after they were reduced to 10 men in the first half. The 29-year-old also took his goal well, tapping in for his team’s second goal.
#Raphael Varane
Manchester United earned a point with their battling display against Liverpool at Anfield on in the Premier League. Liverpool’s record against Man United was amazingly in their favour – so all signs pointed to a Jurgen Klopp win. But Erik ten Hag’s side defended extremely well and blunted the Reds’ attacking force, and a lot of that can be put down to the Man of the Match—Raphael Varane.
Despite being virtually frozen out since the end of September, Varane responded to his rare start in place of the injured Harry Maguire with a colossal display at the back. He was proactive, won plenty of headers in the box and made 15 clearances during the game.
The Frenchman was rock solid throughout and was a major contributor, alongside his centre-back partner Jonny Evans, to the Red Devils securing an excellent point at Anfield.
