Gameweek 19 officially marked the halfway point of the 2024/25 Premier League season. and produced some characteristically attractive results.
Liverpool continued the hunt for a second Premier League title by demolishing West Ham United, but Arsenal continued their pressure at the top of the table with a similarly important one win at Brentford.
Things didn’t go so smoothly for Chelsea and Manchester United, who both suffered frustrating defeats, while Manchester City finally got back to winning ways by pouring more misery on struggling Leicester City.
There have been plenty of notable performances across the country, but here are seven players who shone the brightest.
The Premier LeagueThe youngest player this season has offered glimpses of his brilliance in cup competitions from the bench, but on Friday he made his first start in the English league. It was an opportunity he accepted with aplomb.
Nwaneri played a significant role in both Arsenal‘s second half hits u Victory over Brentford 3-1whipping in a fierce corner that forced Mikel Merino into an effort and produced a similarly teasing cross that caused problems for the home defense as Gabriel Martinelli put the game beyond doubt.
Mikel Arteta’s decision to hand Nwaneri a starting spot was vindicated at the Gtech Community Stadium and it was a performance that proved he is capable of mixing with Arsenal’s stars.
Newcastle United have won four Premier League games in a row to close out 2024 and Joelinton’s recent performances have been key to some impressive results. The Brazilian starred in Gameweek 18 with a goal and an assistcontinuing his impressive form at Old Trafford last time out.
Another superb display helped Newcastle overwhelm a helpless Man Utd midfield, with Joelinton beating the diminutive Lisandro Martinez to double Newcastle’s lead during a rampant first half.
It was a hugely convincing performance in attack and defense from the hard-nosed South American, who had help from fellow midfielders Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes as Newcastle cruised to an impressive victory.
Suspension of Jhon Duran saw Ollie Watkins lead Aston Villa from the start for the first time in three games last Monday. The England international has been in the shadows in recent weeks but returned with a bang during the 2-2 draw at Villa Park.
Watkins converted a penalty to equalize against the Seagulls and provided the assist to allow Morgan Rogers to fire Villa in front, constantly causing problems for Brighton’s backline.
No player had more touches in the opposition box (12) or managed more shots on goal (three) than Watkins on his return to the XI, and his only frustration was not adding to his tally against Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
Savinho initially sizzled and had no chops Man City career, but last Sunday he finally opened his account for the reigning Premier League champions.
Reacting quickest to Phil Foden’s parried effort during a A 2-0 win over Leicester Citythe Brazilian winger produced a clinical finish to give Man City the lead, while also providing an assist after a pinpoint strike fell onto Erling Haaland’s head.
Savinho has consistently been a bright spark at the King Power Stadium and provided much-needed energy in the final third for the Cityzens who were losing fire.
Real Madrid seem to have made Trent Alexander-Arnold theirs priority number one in January and his recent performance during Liverpool’s 5-0 win at the London Stadium shows exactly why.
A clean sheet and a disallowed goal catch the eye, but his underlying numbers against West Ham were exceptional. He had 15 touches more than any other player on the pitch, created three chances and made 14 passes in the final third.
He was too good defensively against some wily West Ham forwards, making three clearances, two tackles and 11 recoveries. A comprehensive right-back master class.
Another to score and assist during his final appearance of the calendar year, Liam Delap produced another scintillating performance as Ipswich Town claimed their first win at Portman Road since their return to the Premier League.
The summer signing bullied Chelsea’s defenders throughout an unforgettable 2-0 triumphusing his size and physicality to wreak havoc. After taking the penalty, the hulking striker teed up Omari Hutchinson, who doubled Ipswich’s lead against his former employers.
Delap finished with four shots on target, seven touches in the opposition box and an aerial duel win rate of 75%. Aries could not stop.
It’s no surprise to see Mohamed Salah at the top of our rankings – something he’s done often this season. The Egyptian was again key smashing West Hamscoring two assists as well Liverpool started riots.
A smart near-post finish caught Alphonse Areola off guard during the first half and Salah proved his effectiveness as a provider in the finish as he raced clear to the break and provided Diogo Jota with the perfect pass at the perfect time.
The relentless 32-year-old has now scored 11 times and managed eight assists in his last ten appearances for Liverpool in all competitions. Simply stunning.
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