Gameweek 19 officially marked the halfway point of the 2024/25 PREMIER League season and it produced some characteristically eye-catching results.
Liverpool continued their hunt for a second PREMIER League title by demolishing West Ham United but Arsenal maintained the pressure on the table toppers with a similarly important victory at Brentford.
Things didn’t go so swimmingly for Chelsea and Manchester United, who both tasted frustrating defeats, while Manchester City finally returned to winning ways by pouring more misery on struggling Leicester City.
There were plenty of notable performances up and down the country but here are the seven players who shone brightest.
The PREMIER League’s youngest-ever player has been offering glimpses of his brilliance in the cup competitions and from the bench this season, but Friday saw him start for the first time in the English top flight. It was an opportunity he took with aplomb.
Nwaneri had a sizeable hand in both of Arsenal’s second-half strikes in the 3-1 win over Brentford, whipping in a fierce corner that forced Mikel Merino’s effort and producing a similarly teasing cross that caused issues for the home defence as Gabriel Martinelli put the game beyond doubt.
Mikel Arteta’s decision to hand Nwaneri a starting berth was justified at the Gtech Community Stadium and it was a performance that proved he’s capable of mixing it with Arsenal’s stars.
Newcastle United won four PREMIER League games on the spin to close out 2024 and Joelinton’s recent displays have been key to some impressive results. The Brazilian starred in Gameweek 18 with a goal and assist, continuing his impressive form at Old Trafford last time out.
Another commanding display helped Newcastle overrun a helpless Man Utd midfield, with Joelinton overpowering the diminutive Lisandro Martinez to double Newcastle’s lead during a rampant first half.
It was a mightily convincing performance both offensively and defensively from the gritty South American, who had help from fellow midfielders Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes as Newcastle eased to an impressive victory.
Jhon Duran’s suspension saw Ollie Watkins lead Aston Villa from the start for the first time in three games last Monday. The England international had been sat in the shadows over recent weeks but returned with a bang during the 2-2 draw at Villa Park.
Watkins converted from the penalty spot to draw level against the Seagulls and provided the assist that allowed Morgan Rogers to fire Villa in front, consistently causing issues for the Brighton backline.
No player had more touches in the opposition box (12) or managed more shots on target (three) than Watkins on his return to the XI, with his only frustration being that he didn’t add to his tally against Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
Savinho has been all sizzle and no steak at the beginning of his Man City career but he finally opened his account for the reigning PREMIER League champions last Sunday.
Reacting quickest to Phil Foden’s parried effort during a 2-0 win over Leicester City, the Brazilian winger produced a clinical finish to put Man City ahead, while he also provided an assist following a pinpoint floated delivery which landed on Erling Haaland’s head.
Savinho was consistently a bright spark at the King Power Stadium and provided some much-needed energy in the final third for the misfiring Cityzens.
Real Madrid appear to have made Trent Alexander-Arnold their number one priority in January and his recent performance during Liverpool’s 5-0 win at the London Stadium exemplifies exactly why.
A clean sheet and deflected goal catch the eye but his underlying numbers against West Ham were exceptional. He had 15 more touches than any other player on the pitch, created three chances and made 14 passes into the final third.
He was defensively sound too up against some tricky West Ham forwards, making three clearances, two tackles and 11 recoveries. An all-round masterclass from the right-back.
Another who grabbed a goal and assist during his final outing of the calendar year, Liam Delap offered another dazzling performance as Ipswich Town claimed their first Portman Road victory since their PREMIER League return.
The summer signing bullied Chelsea’s defenders during a memorable 2-0 triumph, using his sheer size and physicality to wreak havoc. After hammering home an emphatic penalty, the bulky striker then set up Omari Hutchinson, who doubled Ipswich’s advantage against his former employers.
Delap finished up with four shots on target, seven touches in the opposition box and an aerial duel win rate of 75%. The battering ram could not be stopped.
It’s hardly surprising to see Mohamed Salah grace the top spot in our rankings – something he has done often this season. The Egyptian was once again instrumental in the thrashing of West Ham, scoring and producing two assists as Liverpool ran riot.
A smart near-post finish caught Alphonse Areola off guard during the first half and Salah proved his effectiveness as a provider in the closing stages as he raced clear on the break and supplied Diogo Jota with the perfect pass at the perfect moment.
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 staggering.
