Premier League: Players who impressed this weekend

• Following the latest round of Premier League action we’ve picked out stars who impressed on Game Week Twelve.

Following the latest round of Premier League action we’ve picked out stars who impressed on Game Week Twelve.

Reece James – Chelsea

This weekend, Reece James had one of the hardest assignments in the Premier League right now, but the Chelsea captain persisted in his attempt to shut off Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku.

No player generated more chances than James, who made five tackles in the first half alone—just one fewer than the whole Manchester City team combined (2). The 23-year-old had a strong showing at both ends of the field, winning 7/9 of his duels and setting up Raheem Sterling’s goal.

Victor Lindelof – Manchester United

Manchester United celebrate Lindelof’s goal Photo/ The Busby Babe.

Just when the Manchester United manager needed one, Erik ten Hag’s unexpected hero appeared. Prior to this weekend, the Red Devils were under pressure following their Champions League loss in Copenhagen, but Lindelof’s strong performance gave them a much-needed 1-0 victory over Luton.

Manchester United had missed several opportunities due to a lackluster offensive display, but shortly before the hour, Lindelof scored a spectacular goal from inside the box. The Sweden international’s decision over Raphael Varane was well-founded, as the defender displayed confidence at center back and scored the game-winning goal. He made three clearances, won three aerial duels, and completed 94.7% of his passes.

Raheem Sterling – Chelsea

Sterling’s outstanding performance in Chelsea’s exciting tie with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge was the ideal answer to his most recent England rejection.

Former Manchester City teammate Kyle Walker, who can be unplayable at times, won’t face a more difficult opponent this season.

Walker has struggled against the sharpness and quickness of the Chelsea winger, who has been outstanding for the majority of the season. He maintained that form against his former team.

James Ward-Prowse – West Ham

James Ward-Prowse. Photo/ Bola.com.

James Ward-Prowse, who is vital to a much-needed victory for West Ham over Nottingham Forest, is making a mockery of his absence from England. Since joining the Irons from Southampton, the 29-year-old has been a great match, amassing nine assists and two goals in 15 outings across all competitions.

Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek benefited from Ward-Prowse’s deliveries to turn home, as his dead-ball skill caused Forest several issues. Since the 2020–21 season began, Ward-Prowse has now contributed 17 assists from set pieces, which is seven more than any other Premier League player during that same period.

But with his work rate and leadership in the West Ham engine room, he provides much more than just the attention-grabbing set pieces.

Pablo Sarabia – Wolves

Pablo Sarabia. Photo/Transfermkt

Pablo Sarabia had a game-changing cameo for Wolves this past weekend, and it takes something special to deliver an excellent performance after coming onto the field in the 87th minute. In only four minutes after joining the match against Spurs, the Spaniard leveled the score with a spectacular first-touch and volley combination.

Sarabia then went from being a goal scorer to a supplier as Wolves scored twice in stoppage time to steal a thrilling victory, with him setting up Mario Lemina’s late winner. Prior to scoring and providing an assist in the same game, Sarabia was the most recent Premier League player to be introduced.

Cole Palmer – Chelsea

Cole Palmer celebrates after scoring against City Photo/Independent.ie

The 21-year-old Cole Palmer gave Chelsea a late point against Manchester City, proving a point to his previous team. Palmer’s incredible start since leaving City in pursuit of regular first-team action last summer has continued, and he was outstanding once again.

In an epic 4–4 draw with the Premier League winners, a defence-splitting through pass assisted in setting up Chelsea’s second goal. Palmer then used his coolness to smack home a stoppage-time equalizer from the penalty spot against his former employers.

He has unquestionably seemed the part ever since joining Chelsea.

Mohamed Salah – Liverpool

With another well-executed brace, Salah‘s Premier League record of 15 games in a row with a goal or an assist was surpassed only by Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer. The Egyptian is having yet another fantastic season while wearing a red shirt; thus far this season, he has scored 10 goals in 12 league games.

Darwin Nunez slid in Salah for his first goal, demonstrating the good mutual understanding between the two players. Salah then scored his second goal with a superb header from Kostas Tsimikas’ cross. With 117 Premier League games for Liverpool at Anfield, Salah has now personally contributed to 118 goals, his 200th in English football in all competitions.