The title race and the battle to avoid relegation took new turns this past weekend after another dramatic round of Premier League fixtures.
Following Manchester City's comfortable 4-1 win at bottom side Southampton on Saturday evening, Arsenal were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Liverpool 24 hours later, which places the destiny of the trophy in City's hands.
Defending champions City now trail Arsenal by six points with a game in hand, while Pep Guardiola's side host the Gunners later this month. If either side wins the remainder of their games, they will win the title.
The weekend began with Manchester United claiming a 2-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford, before Newcastle United continued their top-four push with a 2-1 win at Brentford.
Also on Saturday afternoon, Tottenham rode their luck to beat Brighton and Hove Albion 2-1, Chelsea's first game in Frank Lampard's second, albeit interim, spell ended in a 1-0 defeat at Wolves, and Bournemouth and West Ham each produced 1-0 away wins against Leicester City and Fulham respectively.
Prior to the Anfield thriller, Sunday got underway with Crystal Palace thrashing Leeds United 5-1 at Elland Road.
With another Premier League round in the books, check out Jon Turner's team of the week below. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or swipe if using a mobile device.
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PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE WEEK: GK: Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal). Delivered a big-game performance when his team needed him most as the England goalkeeper produced three sensational saves, including two at the death, to earn Arsenal a point at Liverpool in a game-of-the-season contender. Reuters -
RB: Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United). Another stellar display from the Newcastle captain, who started the move for his team’s first goal in the 2-1 win at Brentford. The Magpies are well on track for the top four and Trippier is at the centre of their fine form. AFP -
CB: Craig Dawson (Wolves). Led his defence to a clean sheet and a vital 1-0 win against Chelsea to ease Wolves' relegation concerns. The centre-back produced a fine block on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to preserve Wolves’ lead. AP -
CB: Kurt Zouma (West Ham). After the 5-1 demolition by Newcastle, West Ham responded with a 1-0 win over Fulham to boost their survival hopes, and Zouma was at the heart of a fine defensive display. AP -
LB: Nathan Ake (Manchester City). Pep Guardiola described the fullback as “undroppable”, and on the evidence of his performance against Southampton, it’s easy to see why. Ake was excellent on the ball and solid in defence, using his pace and intelligence to prevent Kamaldeen Sulemana scoring on the counterattack. EPA -
CM: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United). Deployed in a deeper midfield role, Fernandes dictated the game against Everton, and constantly split open the defence with balls over the top. The Portuguese star was a key factor in the 2-0 win. Reuters -
CM: Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace). Started and finished Crystal Palace’s third goal in the 5-1 thrashing of Leeds. The midfielder dominated with his energy and movement. Looks back to his best following last season’s long-term injury. Getty -
CM: Philip Billing (Bournemouth). Scorer of vital goals, the Denmark international pounced on an error to fire home the only goal of the game as Bournemouth defeated relegation rivals Leicester at the King Power Stadium. Had earlier chances to get on the scoresheet with a free-kick just wide of the post, before forcing a good save from Daniel Iversen. Getty -
LF: Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal). The Brazilian winger continued his superb season by opening the scoring for Arsenal against Liverpool before assisting Gabriel Jesus with a cross for his team’s second. That is now 14 goals and four assists for Martinelli. Reuters -
RF: Michael Olise (Crystal Palace). Ran the show for Palace against Leeds with a hat-trick of assists, setting up the second, third, and fourth goals as Roy Hodgson made it successive wins on his return to the dugout. Reuters -
CF: Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Reached a remarkable 30 goals for the season with a double against Southampton. The first was Haaland at his predatory best, using his power to head home a Kevin de Bruyne cross. His second, though, was pure class as the Norwegian fired home a bicycle kick for his 41st goal in all competitions. EPA
