Premier League Matchweek 32 Awards
This has certainly been a busy week in the Premier League. Last weekend, then midweek, then weekend games again. The race to the finish line feels more and more like a gallop, especially between the three teams vying for the crown.
However, while Arsenal and Manchester City went on to register wins yet again, Liverpool dropped two potentially vital points in their 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. Since we probably have not seen the last twist in this title race, we are looking forward to what the next set of fixtures will bring at the weekend.
There were plenty of talking points from these 10 games, like how Chelsea can’t muster any momentum to push for Europe, how Spurs leapfrogged Villa into fourth, or how Luton should consider further investment into their home ground to prepare for another EPL season after they beat Bournemouth.
In this article, we will not be able to talk about everything, but that’s what our match reports are for. Instead, we will present our awards for this matchweek’s best (and maybe worst).
Best Player
Scoring his 100th goal for last season’s treble winners lands Kevin De Bruyne our Best Player award this week.
He found the net twice at Selhurst Park, and was again at his imperious best after overcoming injury issues earlier in the season.
Naturally, Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his Belgian superstar: “He is one of the best players in the history of Man City. The goals, assists, the lot. What can I say? The first goal is unbelievable and so is the assist for Erling.”
Best XI
GK – Martin Dubravka (Newcastle United)
RB – Rico Lewis (Manchester City)
CB – Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)
CB – Micky van de Ven (Tottenham)
LB – Sergio Reguilon (Brentford)
CM – Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
CM – Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
CM – Jordan Clark (Luton)
FW – Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
FW – Kai Havertz (Arsenal)
FW – Jack Grealish (Manchester City)
Best Goal
Since we spoke about it earlier, let’s mention it again. De Bruyne’s first goal against Crystal Palace was definitely one of the most satisfying strikes we’ve seen all season.
Here it is again, in all its glory.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1776929160730235219
Best Game
It would be easy to make a case for Villa vs Brentford or Palace vs Manchester City winning this category. Those games had more goals.
But it’s always about more than goals, right? It’s about tempo, emotion, and how captivating a game is. That is why this award goes to Manchester United vs Liverpool.
Apart from potentially having a big hand in determining the destination of this year’s title, this game was full of determination, and it had the twists and turns that we have come to expect from big Premier League games.
Liverpool dominated the first half in a way that the Old Trafford faithful have rarely seen. But the Reds’ inability to kill the game off, somehow leading by only one goal at halftime, prodded United into action. Midway through the second half it was the Red Devils who took the lead, and could have even kept it until the final whistle had it not been for Wan-Bissaka conceding a penalty.
It was fun, and impossible to take your eyes off of. That’s enough for us.
Best Stats
Chelsea are struggling for consistency but, in the case of their younger stars, it’s not for lack of trying. 14 goals have been scored AND assisted by Chelsea players both 22 years old or younger. Only Leeds United, back in 1999-2000 have managed more, with 20 such goals.
Chris Wood has managed his 12th Premier League goal of the season against Spurs, with an average of a goal every 113 minutes. He trails only behind Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland, with 112 and 111 respectively.
Arsenal have kept 5 away clean sheets in a row, against West Ham, Burnley, Sheffield United, Manchester City and now Brighton.
Liverpool had 28 shots in their game at Old Trafford. Combined with 34 at Anfield in December, it means that Manchester United have faced 62 Liverpool shots this season, more than any EPL team against a single opponent in one season (since Opta records began in 2003). And yet both games ended in draws.
Best/Worst VAR Decision
Once again VAR did not stand out, for good or for bad. Sure, there will always be some discussion, such as for the penalty Harvey Elliott received for Liverpool, but it’s all about ‘clear and obvious’, so we can not fault VAR for not chiming in on this one.
Best Substitution
Last week we were so spoilt for choice for this category that we gave two awards, to Kluivert and Robertson.
This weekend offered slim pickings, but we will go with Mikel Arteta sending Leandro Trossard on against Burnley and the Belgian repaying his manager’s faith with a comforting third goal for the Gunners in the closing stages.
Funniest Moment
While he might not appreciate our sense of humour, Cody Gakpo will simply have to put up with the ignominy of being dribbled past by the opposition’s goalie.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1777303063327379859