MY ACCOUNT
Manchester City thrashed Manchester United, Arsenal’s young Gunners proved the difference against Watford and Aston Villa thrashed Southampton in the Premier League this weekend.
There were plenty of standout performances in all three of those games, as well as the other seven matches.
But which players shone the brightest? We pick out the stars of Matchday 28.
Philippe Coutinho
Facing in-form Southampton, Aston Villa cruised to an unexpected 4-0 win thanks to an inspired display from Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazilian has hit the ground running at Villa Park and scored one goal, set another up and created two big chances on Saturday.
Boss Steven Gerrard would love to sign Coutinho, 29, but more displays like this and they will not be the only suitor.
Gerrard said: “We’ve got Phil [Coutinho] back fit and in a really good place — he was back to his Liverpool form today and he was a touch above. The other players have got a lift from him.
“When Phil is in the mood he is a world class player. He probably finished my career a couple of years early, he’s the reason I’ve got screws in my knees and groins!”
Ivan Toney
Plenty of plaudits went Christian Eriksen’s way after Brentford’s 3-1 win at Norwich, but it was Ivan Toney who made the biggest difference.
Toney’s first Premier League hat-trick was Brentford’s first top-flight treble since 1937 and came in arguably the Bees’ biggest game of the season.
On a run of seven defeats in eight games, Thomas Frank’s side desperately needed victory at Norwich to pull away from the drop zone.
Toney twice stepped up to net from the spot to complete his hat-trick after opening the scoring in the first half.
He has scored all 16 penalties he has taken for Brentford — it is no wonder Frank labelled him the best penalty taker in the world.
Ryan Fraser
It has been an incredible few weeks for Newcastle and Ryan Fraser has been central as they picked up their fifth win in six games.
The Magpies are now seven points clear of the drop zone thanks to the 2-1 win over Brighton, which saw Fraser score the first and set up the second.
On the back of a nomination for the Premier League player of the month in February, the 28-year-old Scot is thriving again under Eddie Howe.
Fraser said: “It’s been unbelievable. There was a lot of talk when I left Bournemouth, but we’ve always kept a really good relationship and the type of manager and person he is — he’s came in and changed everything.
“Honesty, I could keep you here for days to tell you what he’s changed and it’s been absolutely brilliant. And the lads have taken to it and not looked back really.”
Bukayo Saka
On commentary, ex-Arsenal striker Alan Smith said: “The best players make the game look easy and Bukayo Saka has done that today. He’s been absolutely superb. What a talent.”
In an entertaining game against Watford, it was Saka who shone the brightest at Vicarage Road.
Still only 20 years old, Saka set up Martin Odegaard’s opener before his wonderful finish restored Arsenal’s lead.
He has now scored eight goals and set up five this term, more than any under-21 player in the Premier League.
Jamie Redknapp added: “Saka was the outstanding player on show. Everything about his game was class.”
Kevin De Bruyne
For all of Kevin De Bruyne’s success as a Manchester City player, he has not always shone against neighbours United.
Prior to yesterday’s thrashing, he had scored only once and had no assists in 10 games against the Red Devils.
But two strikes and an assist yesterday quickly put that right as he orchestrated another memorable derby win at the Etihad.
He completed 38 of his 41 passes and had 64 touches, including six in United’s box. That led to creating five chances and having six shots, of which four were on target.
An impressive display from the Belgian sensation who has been involved in 89 goals (37 goals, 52 assists) in just 100 home league appearances for City.
