Just in case you needed further proof, Gameweek 20 was here to show that nothing is taken for granted in the Premier League.
After title hopefuls Arsenal and Chelsea dropped points away from home on Saturday, the world predicted a Liverpool massacre as they welcome a struggling Manchester United side – potentially the worst in the Premier League era – to Anfield on Super Sunday.
However, Ruben Amorim’s side offered more than mere ability on Merseyside. Their sharp improvement may have caught the league leaders off guard as they pestered, pestered and tormented Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 2-2 draw.
Opening Premier League The 2025 weekend certainly did not disappoint, and there were outstanding performances across the division. Here are six of the best.
Jimenez was quick to dismiss the importance of the point after the game, but the Cottagers would bowed out at home to relegation-threatened Ipswich Town if it wasn’t for him.
The hosts were frustrated by stubborn Ipswich blocking and some questionable officiating, but found a way back into the contest when Harry Wilson was brought down by Sam Morsy in the box. Jimenez converted from the spot with aplomb.
An instant reaction from Ipswich meant Fulham went into the closing stages staring defeat in the face, but Jimenez was on hand to salvage a draw. The forward outwitted Leif Davis to win another penalty and his second spot-kick was delivered with even more conviction.
The Mexican has now taken ten penalties in the Premier League without a miss – the third best perfect result in the history of the competition.
Manchester CityA long-term illness at the end of 2024 saw Haaland’s once-stunning FPL ownership cut to 30.4%, with managers turning to midfielder Mohamed Salah as their most valuable asset.
However, with Haaland back among the goals and City threatened with a resurgence, there is no doubt that a few people will reconsider bringing back the Nordic machine.
After scoring against Leicester, Haaland scored his first Premier League brace since September City beat West Ham 4-1. As is often the case, Haaland’s performance was defined by the quality of his finishing.
The towering forward headed home with confidence from a wicked cross to double the Cityzens’ first-half lead before scoring a signature effort over Alphonse Areola in his second half – a sequence straight from his record-breaking 2022/23 campaign.
Liverpool They were caught off guard by Man Utd on Sunday, with the Red Devils benefiting from a six-day break between games. A change of staff in midfield and a concerted effort by United’s centre-backs to meet Liverpool’s midfielders between the lines meant that the Reds’ top engine room did not have it all their own way.
Arne Slot’s side never seemed to be in full control of the contest, even when they dominated territory in the first half and took the lead in the second. Many players failed to find their peak, but Mac Allister played at the level we expected from him.
The Argentine provided calm amid the chaos, with his subtle brilliance on the ball manifesting itself through crisp, first-time passes to change the dynamics of Liverpool’s attacks and open up United’s stubborn defensive structure. His metronomic work with the ball is complemented by an astute interpretation of space and a relentless effort from possession.
He enjoyed battling another South American, Manuel Ugarte, in the middle of the park.
Although he is capable of demonic ball-carrying and undoubtedly a shrewd operator in the penalty area, Haaland is not a striker who creates openings for himself. Like many of the all-time greats, the Norwegian killer is only as good as his serve allows.
Against West Ham on Saturday, Haaland was the recipient of an outstanding performance from Savinho.
The Brazilian was mainly used in a reverse role down the right at the start of his City career, but Pep Guardiola decided to switch tactics and deploy Savinha on his ‘natural’ flank in the last two games. The winger shone on Girona’s left last season and Guardiola’s change brings out the best in the 20-year-old.
After tying Vladimir Coufal in knots and viciously feeding Haaland who pounced to score, Savinho scored the Norwegian’s second goal after receiving the ball in midfield. The Brazilian’s pass from behind was accurate, allowing his striker to finish.
The winger has only offered glimpses in sky blue so far, but this was arguably his best performance on English shores to date.
Bruno Fernandes is suspended for United‘s sloppy display against Newcastle and initially struggled to find his groove after returning to the starting 11 on Sunday.
The Red Devils captain was used as a key enabler in United’s front line and played a major role in ensuring the visitors kept getting in behind from the left. However, there was a bit of hesitation when he entered the final third – a frustrating aspect of his performance that disappeared after he equalized Lisandro Martinez’s opener with a sweet reverse pass.
After that, Fernandes was in complete command. Amid the chaos, United’s playmaker operated at his own pace and dictated proceedings in tandem with Mac Allister.
The Portuguese star hasn’t always turned up at the big events for the Red Devils of late, but this was a monster performance in the toughest of circumstances – especially in the second half. No Man Utd player created more chances in the Premier League an outing at Anfield of Fernandes’ four since 2003/04.
Bryan Mbeum’s evolution from Robin to Batman at Brentford saw the Frenchman enjoy a career goalscoring year in 2024/25.
The Bees have been hampered by a poor run of results away from home this term, but Mbeumo and partner Yoane Wissa were on hand to ensure Thomas Frank’s side secured their first Premier League win on their travels at Southampton.
Brentford led the rebellions on the south coast thanks to another productive Mbeumo display. The versatile forward created five chances and was rewarded with a late assist as he scored twice himself to take his league tally for the season to 13.
This Mbeumo x Wissa partnership will be the talk of the streets for years to come.
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