MY ACCOUNT
England’s top tier was back with a bang this weekend following the recent international break.
Nine games produced 29 goals, including convincing 4-1 wins for frontrunners Arsenal and Manchester City.
Meanwhile, damaging defeats saw both Leicester and Chelsea opt to part ways with bosses Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter respectively.
Ahead of Everton and Tottenham’s final clash of Matchday 29, we pick out our five stars from the weekend action.
Jack Grealish (Manchester City)
City had to recover from an early Mohamed Salah strike to gain a precious victory over old foes Liverpool, with Jack Grealish inspiring a breathtaking comeback.
The ex-Aston Villa ace made a slow start to life with the English champions after his £100million move in summer 2021, though his recent performances have been eye-catching.
And he was the best player on the pitch in this crunch encounter, kicking off City’s revival when laying a pinpoint cross on a plate for Julian Alvarez to equalise.
Grealish tormented England team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold all afternoon and deservedly netted himself when exchanging passes with Kevin De Bruyne before firing into the bottom corner.
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)
Newcastle’s victory over United could prove a pivotal moment in this season’s top-four race.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies were worthy winners of a pulsating contest on Sunday afternoon and while several Toon players put in stellar shifts, none had the influence of Brazilian maestro Bruno Guimaraes.
The former Lyon star, 25, ran the midfield, completing over 90% of his 42 attempted passes, making four tackles and completing all three of his attempted take-ons.
With the Red Devils badly missing Casemiro’s presence in the middle of the park, it was Newcastle’s Selecao star who instead shone brightest.
John McGinn (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa’s 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge prompted Chelsea to finally give their beleaguered boss the chop yesterday.
While Potter’s Blues had their fair share of chances, Unai Emery’s Villans were significantly more ruthless and skipper John McGinn, 28, led by example.
A tireless presence in the visiting midfield, the Scottish international won four tackles, regained possession three times in the middle third and showcased magnificent shooting quality on two occasions.
After rattling Chelsea’s crossbar from 18 yards early on, Villa’s No7 ended his long goal drought by curling a 25-yard effort beyond a helpless Kepa — a strike worthy of any goal-of-the-season compilation.
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
A cruel injury halted Gabriel Jesus’ stunning maiden campaign with Arsenal last winter.
The Brazilian was spearheading the Gunners’ unlikely title charge before disaster struck at the Qatar World Cup — and he picked up where he left off with a double in his first start since recovering.
First, Jesus drew a penalty out of Luke Ayling and coolly converted it himself, before adding a second from open play after the break when slotting home Leandro Trossard’s cross.
Racking up an impressive 52 touches before being withdrawn on the hour mark, this was a reminder of how influential the No9 could be during the run-in.
Marcus Tavernier (Bournemouth)
Few would have forecasted Bournemouth’s late turnaround against high-flying Fulham, inspired by a Marcus Tavernier stunner.
If the Cherries are to survive, their hopes are likely to rest heavily on the ex-Middlesbrough star, who has featured just three times since November due to injury.
Remarkably though, Tavernier now has eight direct goal involvements in his last six Premier League outings — four strikes and four assists.
His strike here will live long in the memory, cutting onto his left foot from the right flank and unleashing a glorious dipping effort into the far corner.
