Manchester City closed the gap at the top of the Premier League as the Gunners played out a pulsating draw with Liverpool at Anfield, with the hosts coming from two goals down to snatch a point.
Elsewhere, Chelsea’s woes continued, while Bournemouth picked up a much-needed win to continue their push away from relegation.
Manchester United and Newcastle continued their push for a top 4 finish with victories over Everton and Brentford respectively, while Nottingham Forest continued to sink as they were beaten by Aston Villa.
Here’s who we think stood out from the latest weekend of action.
📰 Table Of Contents
- 1 GK: Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
- 2 RB: Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
- 3 CB: Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
- 4 CB: Gabriel (Arsenal)
- 5 LB: Nathan Ake (Manchester City)
- 6 RM: Matheus Nunes (Wolves)
- 7 CM: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
- 8 CM: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
- 9 LM: Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)
- 10 ST: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- 11 ST: Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
GK: Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Just how important could his performance at Anfield prove in the title race.
In a game that Arsenal really should have lost, the England shot-stopper made three epic saves to rescue a point, including a scarcely believable goalline stop in the dying seconds.
Aaron Ramsdale with two world-class saves in stoppage time to keep Arsenal in the game 🤯 pic.twitter.com/9YhZNov3Xn
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 9, 2023
RB: Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
The defender put in plenty of tough tackles and ensured that, especially in the second half, the Reds could put the squeeze on the Premier League leaders.
Unlucky not to win the game for his side at the end, the Frenchman continued to stand tall as his side struggle this season.
Ibrahima Konaté for Liverpool vs. Arsenal:
◉ Most duels won (8)
◉ Most possession won (8)
◉ Most tackles (5)
◉ Most interceptions (3)Phenomenal 🧱 pic.twitter.com/hUw6mg8U6v
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) April 9, 2023
CB: Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
His first Premier League goal and what a time to get it.
The Crystal Palace defender grabbed a stroppage time equaliser at Elland Road in the first half, setting up a second half in which his side ran riot and scored another 4.
Though not the most elegant goal, it was vital in the context of the game.
The wait is over for Marc Guehi!#BBCFootball #LEECRY pic.twitter.com/8RgBagdHNw
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) April 9, 2023
CB: Gabriel (Arsenal)
Like Konate at the other end, Gabriel was offered very little help by his fullback as he had to deal with the dangerous duo of Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Blossoming into one of the best defenders in the Premier League, the Brazilian had the spotlight firmly on him in the absence of usual partner William Saliba, and rose to the occasion.
Gabriel Magalhães vs. Liverpool:
2 tackles
7 clearances
3 interceptions
10 recoveries
3/5 ground duels won
2/4 aerial duels won
3 passes into the final third
1 successful dribble
0x dribbled past[@StatATM] #afc pic.twitter.com/R30KMrCoSp
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) April 9, 2023
LB: Nathan Ake (Manchester City)
Nathan Ake continues to wow in the Manchester City defence, this time making a key tackle in the first half.
Faced with the pacey Kamaldeen Sulemana in the first half, he tracked the Ghanaian 60 yards before preventing any effort on goal, further underlining just how impressive he has been this campaign.
RM: Matheus Nunes (Wolves)
Welcome back, Frank Lampard.
Chelsea’s odd decision to welcome back their manager from two years ago, even on a temporary basis, backfired as they fell to yet another defeat on the road this season.
Central to that was Matheus Nunes, who produced perhaps the only moment of magic in a game otherwise devoid of any quality, and handed Wolves a vital three points in their relegation battle.
STOP SCROLLING and watch Matheus Nunes’ incredible strike from all angles 🤤 pic.twitter.com/v2KPLN4uIL
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 9, 2023
CM: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Played in a more conservative role by Erik ten Hag, Fernandes excelled for the Red Devils, dictating the play from deep in a quarterback-esque performance to help them beat a shoddy Everton side.
Though the game only finished 2-0, it could have been plenty more, and Fernandes was central to the impressive Red Devils.
Bruno Fernandes Vs. Everton :
• 93 minutes
• 118 touches
• 87 most passes
• 87% accurate passes
• 8 most chances created
• 2 most big chances created
• 8 long balls
• 2 clearance
• 7 recoveriesJust how good is this man pic.twitter.com/AyISwixkBa
— Pryde (@utdmotion) April 8, 2023
CM: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Ever since Guardiola’s put down of the Belgian, De Bruyne seems to have returned to something like his best.
The midfielder registered an excellent assist against Southampton, re-instating his telepathic connection with Erling Haaland and joining the exclusive 100 assist club during an excellent all-round performance.
Kevin De Bruyne reaches 100 assists in the Premier League.
No player has done it in fewer games (237) 🎁 pic.twitter.com/zLR9vuEmAU
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 8, 2023
LM: Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)
Roy Hodgson’s return to Crystal Palace has coincided with a massive upturn in form and performances, and Olise sparkled as they blew Leeds United away to all but secure Premier League survival.
The Palace winger registered three assists with his wand of a left foot, and looks to be beginning to deliver on his massive potential.
Michael Olise (3) created more big chances than Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham combined this weekend (2).
And he became just the third player to provide 3+ assists in a Premier League game this season. 🎩 pic.twitter.com/sWwGqZO68k
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 9, 2023
ST: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Who else?
Returning from injury, Erling Haaland had quite a quiet game by his own high standards, but still walked away with two excellently taken goals.
With the Norweigian now on the verge of breaking just about every Premier League scoring record, if he keeps scoring it is hard to see them not overtaking the Gunners at the top of the Premier League.
WHAT. A. GOAL. 😲
Erling Haaland that is MAGIC! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Ub6aFLT0WC
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 8, 2023
ST: Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
Newcastle came through a tough test against Brentford thanks to Alexander Isak and a whole lot of luck.
Holding the ball up excellently all game, the Swede continued to prove his worth to the Magpies by firing in an excellent winner against the Bees, and leave Newcastle leading the way for Champions League football next season.
Alexander Isak! 😮💨
🎥 @NUFC
— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) April 8, 2023
