MY ACCOUNT
The Premier League’s penultimate weekend saw some potentially pivotal results at the top and bottom of the table.
Manchester City fought back from two goals down to draw at West Ham, meaning their title battle with Liverpool looks set to go down to the final day.
In the relegation scrap, Everton suffered a damaging 3-2 home defeat to Brentford, while Leeds rescued a late point against Brighton.
Burnley were 1-0 losers at Tottenham, who leapfrogged Arsenal into the top four ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Newcastle tonight.
We have picked out the stars of a thrilling Sunday of top-flight action.
Hugo Lloris
The result was all that mattered in Tottenham’s win over Burnley as they looked to ramp up the pressure on Arsenal in the top-four race.
The spirited Clarets stifled Spurs for much of the game and the hosts’ job was made even harder by illness affecting several players — including goalkeeper Hugo Lloris — prior to kick-off.
But not only did the Lillywhites captain play the full 90 minutes, he kept a clean sheet to ensure Harry Kane’s penalty proved decisive.
Underlining the 35-year-old’s commitment to the cause, manager Antonio Conte said: “It wasn’t easy because yesterday morning the doctor sent me a message that a few players felt unwell with a stomach problem, vomiting and also a fever.
“Hugo had a fever, but there was no chance of missing an important game. They showed to be very professional and understood the importance of the moment. Hugo is our captain and he never wanted to miss the game.”
Flying Foxes
It has been a frustrating season plagued by injuries and inconsistency for Leicester.
But Sunday was a reminder of just how devastating the Foxes can be when at their best, with attacking trio James Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Jamie Vardy putting relegated Watford to the sword in a 5-1 win.
Having fallen behind at Vicarage Road, Maddison capitalised on a defensive mix-up to draw his side level before turning provider for Vardy’s header just four minutes later.
Winger Barnes then got in on the act, cushioning a volley home, threading Vardy through for Leicester’s fourth and then sliding in the fifth in a ruthless display.
While a rebuild could be on the cards at the King Power Stadium over the summer, manager Brendan Rodgers will hope his in-form trio will be staying put.
Jarrod Bowen
Though City eventually fought back to earn a draw at the London Stadium, that should take nothing away from another excellent Jarrod Bowen performance.
The 25-year-old netted his 11th and 12th Premier League goals of the season to leave Pep Guardiola’s men shell-shocked in their efforts to wrap up the title.
With 10 assists to go alongside his top-flight goal tally, the forward is undoubtedly one of England’s best-performing players yet to be capped, something Alan Shearer called to change after his showing against the Citizens.
The legendary striker said: “He has to have played himself into the England squad this summer considering the lack of form of other players in that position.”
Joe Gelhardt
Just when Leeds fans were beginning to give up hopes of survival, Pascal Struijk’s stoppage-time equaliser against Brighton sent Elland Road into bedlam and proved they are not done yet.
That draw, combined with Burnley’s loss at Spurs, lifted the West Yorkshire side out of the relegation zone and the crucial point was earned by a moment of brilliance by youngster Joe Gelhardt.
Receiving the ball on the byeline in the final moments, the 20-year-old somehow lofted the ball over Lewis Dunk with a sublime piece of skill before his cross allowed Struijk to head home.
Of the sumptuous assist, ex-Arsenal attacker Paul Merson said: “If Messi would have done it, you’d be going mad.
“Unbelievable by the kid under pressure. That is an unbelievable bit of play.”
Thomas Frank
On what looked like being the day Everton would secure their Premier League status, Thomas Frank’s bold tactics ensured Brentford were on hand to spoil the occasion.
With the Toffees leading 2-1 but down to 10 men following Jarrad Branthwaite’s red card, the Danish boss bravely substituted defender Mads Bech Sorensen for midfielder Vitaly Yanelt, allowing the Bees to dictate possession in the second half.
He later used the same trick as Kristoffer Ajer came off for Josh Dasilva and just five minutes after that change, the Bees were 3-2 up and well in control.
With the struggles Everton are suffering in complete contrast to Brentford’s fortunes in their maiden Premier League season, Frank showed why his Manager of the Season nomination is justly rewarded.
