MY ACCOUNT
A pulsating Premier League Matchday 34 concluded with Arsenal claiming back top spot with a convincing win over Chelsea.
Bournemouth, Brighton and Crystal Palace recorded impressive victories while Newcastle strengthened their grip on a top-four place.
We pick out the five stars who shone the brightest as the English top flight edges closer to a thrilling conclusion.
Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
Palace’s blistering end to the season under returning boss Roy Hodgson continued with a 4-3 win over West Ham.
At the heart of the entertaining victory at Selhurst Park was Eberechi Eze, who capped off an influential display by netting his fourth goal in five games.
With 77 touches, four chances created and 25 final third passes completed, all eyes were on the 24-year-old Eagles playmaker as his reputation continues to reach new heights.
Pascal Gross (Brighton)
Eyebrows were raised when Roberto De Zerbi opted to rest four key players for Brighton’s home game against Wolves but Seagulls fans need not have worried as they hit six at the Amex.
While fellow goalscorers Deniz Undav and Danny Welbeck produced performances well worthy of being named a star of the week, it is Pascal Gross who takes the accolade.
The German midfielder’s cool finish made it 2-0 inside 13 minutes before a goal of the season contender soon after.
Gross superbly teed up Julio Enciso’s pass on the edge of the box before letting fly with an exquisitely struck volley past Jose Sa.
Jefferson Lerma (Bournemouth)
Bournemouth were also among the goals as they secured a 4-1 win over Leeds to take them to within touching distance of safety.
Colombian midfielder Jefferson Lerma set the Cherries on their way with a sumptuous side-footed finish from the edge of the box.
He crashed home his side’s second minutes later before further goals from Dominic Solanke and Antoine Semenyo sealed another impressive win for Gary O’Neil’s men.
Callum Wilson (Newcastle)
Newcastle ran out 3-1 winners over Southampton — but things could have been a lot different had it not been for Callum Wilson’s inspired display off the bench.
Trailing to the bottom side courtesy of Stuart Armstrong’s effort, the England striker levelled the game nine minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute before seeing a second ruled out for offside shortly after.
That did not stop the Toon No9 from making himself the hero though and after Theo Walcott’s own goal put the Magpies ahead, Wilson coolly rounded Alex McCarthy before tucking home his eighth goal in seven games.
Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Arsenal returned to the summit of the Premier League as another starring display from skipper Martin Odegaard put a dismal Chelsea to the sword in a 3-1 win.
The Norwegian playmaker netted a brace of clinical finishes to put the Gunners on their way to ending a four-game winless run before Gabriel Jesus tapped home a third before the break.
With Manchester City still firm favourites for the crown, Mikel Arteta knows he will need more key performances from his No8 if the North Londoners are to have any chance of pipping their rivals to top spot.
