TOP 5
Sergio Agüero, Manchester City
Pep Guardiola decided to play Agüero and Gabriel Jesus together against Middlesbrough. The result? The Argentine scored from the penalty spot and set up Jesus’ late equaliser. The only downside was a late injury that may keep Agüero out of City’s next match against Crystal Palace.
Emre Can, Liverpool
With Philippe Coutinho injured and Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino subdued, Liverpool needed a more unlikely goalscorer against Watford. Step forward Emre Can with a sublime overhead kick into the top corner. It was one of the goals of the season and it gave The Reds a crucial victory.
Gary Cahill, Chelsea
Cahill made it two goals in two games with a lucky touch against Everton. Coupled with a cleansheet, it was another successful day at the office for the England defender. His form could continue at home to Middlesbrough.
Tom Heaton, Burnley
Burnley needed a win at Crystal Palace to guarantee Premier League survival. They took the lead early on and scored a late second to secure the win. In between, their England international goalkeeper pulled off a series of stunning saves to deny Damien Delaney and Luka Milivojevic. Next up, West Brom.
Artur Boruc, Bournemouth
Bournemouth beat Sunderland to send The Black Cats down to the Championship. Joshua King got the late winner but Boruc was the star man. The Polish goalkeeper kept out efforts from Jermain Defoe and Fabio Borini to grab a second consecutive cleansheet. He’ll look to make it a hat-trick against Stoke City.
BOTTOM 5
Gabriel Armando de Abreu, Arsenal
The Brazilian defender had a nightmare in the North London derby. Gabriel failed to stop Dele Alli for Tottenham’s first goal and then fouled Harry Kane to give away a penalty. To complete a torrid afternoon, he was later booked for a late foul on Alli. On this evidence, Arsene Wenger may not risk Gabriel against Manchester United.
Raheem Sterling, Manchester City
Sterling came on after 50 minutes against Middlesbrough, with City losing 1-0. Pep Guardiola was looking for better wide delivery in to Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Agüero. But the English winger wasted chances with clumsy touches and got a yellow card for a bad tackle on Adam Clayton. He’ll need to do better if he starts against Crystal Palace.
Steven Pienaar, Sunderland
Pienaar is one of several disappointing senior players at Sunderland this season. David Moyes handed him a rare start against Bournemouth and it may well be his last. The South African looked off the pace and was booked at the start of the second half. 10 minutes later, he was replaced. With Sunderland now relegated, Moyes should look to youth against Hull City.
Nacho Monreal, Arsenal
Asked to play on the left of a back three against Tottenham, Monreal did his best but it wasn’t good enough. He struggled against the power of Dele Alli and Harry Kane and was booked for his efforts. If Wenger continues with this formation against Manchester United, the Spaniard will need more protection.
Nicolás Otamendi, Manchester City
City’s defence has been leaky all season. Middlesbrough had only scored 24 goals in 34 games but they still scored twice against Otamendi and co. The Argentine defender couldn’t cope with Stewart Downing’s counter-attack and he later gave away the free-kick that led to Boro’s second goal.
