The Premier League was packed with drama and excitement this weekend. Some of the top sides returned to their winning ways, particularly Liverpool and Arsenal following disappointments in midweek.
However, the teams stuck in the relegation zone were given a reality check.
All this was in no small amount to terrific individual performances by certain players. Here are the top five players in Round 18 of the Premier League:
Raheem Sterling
As if Manchester City needed another man to hit top form…Sterling was awesome for the Citizens against Tottenham Hotspur, scoring a brace in the last 15 minutes of the match.
City had a 2-0 lead prior to that occurring, but it did not end there. First, Sterling was on the receiving end of tap-in following a Leroy Sane low cross. Then, he completed his brace after an error from Tottenham defenders and a bit of luck in the area as the ball somehow slipped through the legs of goalkeeper Hugo Iloris who came out in bid to salvage the situation.
Sterling is the latest of a bunch of Light Blue players to hit top form as City continue to flourish in the course of the campaign.
Mesut Ozil
The talented midfielder made things happen for the Gunners on the day.
With the Gunners needing a win after poor results against United and away at Southampton and West Ham United, it was the German that infused them with life line from the middle, alongside Jack Wilshere and Alexander Iwobi.
Much to the enjoyment of the the Gooners, Ozil also netted a superb volley just before the half hour mark.
It was a goal that defined his performance and contribution to the Arsenal side on the night.
Newcastle rallied for a late comeback, but it was not to be – important three points for Arsenal.
Marcos Alonso
The Chelsea ace hit the ground running for the Blues against a sturdy Southampton. Antonio Conte had pulled out all tactical tricks in his book, but it was the Spaniard’s individual brilliance that settled the game at Stamford Bridge.
His game play and touches on the ball signaled his intent and he combined excellently with Willian in attack.
Terrific as Alonso was from free play, he secured Chelsea’s sole goal at the stroke of half time, curling a superb free-kick past the keeper.
Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian paid no homage to Bournemouth as he led Liverpool to a crucial win away from home after two successive draws at home.
The Reds were uninspired at home against Everton in the Merseyside Derby that ended 1-1 and they misery was followed by a goalless draw with West Bromwich Albion after some controversy. This time around, the Brazilian left nothing to chance.
He got the breakthrough for Liverpool in exceptional fashion and the playmaker was on hand to set up his compatriot Firmino for Liverpool’s fourth of the day. His class was evident on the day.
Ikay Gundogan
The Manchester City man proved how important he can be, if he can overcome some of his niggling injuries, for Guardiola’s plans in the long run.
The German replaced creative talent David Silva and delivered a top-notch performance in the dismantling of Spurs – 4-1 at the Etihad.
A goal and an assist for the German in this fixture – something that surely helped Pep sleep better than night.
