The Premier League returned in typically dramatic fashion after the last international break of 2019, delivering high-octane action by the barrelful across two white-knuckle days on Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday turned plenty of visitors into victors, with Tottenham, Burnley, Wolves, Liverpool, Leicester and Norwich all taking three crucial points from away day assignments.
Of the eight Saturday fixtures contested, Manchester City were the only home team to win maximum points when they edged out Chelsea 2-1 in a top of the table tussle at the Etihad Stadium.
On Sunday, Sheffield United and Manchester United played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Bramall Lane, with Chris Wilder’s impressive Blades emerging from the tie with more credit than their sub-par opponents.
Let’s take a look at the players that we thought put in the best individual performances of the weekend in our FST Premier League TOTW:
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Goalkeeper: Tim Krul (Norwich City)
Norwich City’s incredible 2-0 win at Goodison Park over Everton was the very definition of a smash and grab victory. The Toffees tested their visitors with a whopping 18 attempts on goal, with seven of those shots hitting their mark. Unfortunately for the hosts, Tim Krul was in inspired form, and the giant Dutch stopper kept all seven shots on target out.
Defence: Serge Aurier (Tottenham Hotspur)
Spurs’ much-maligned fullback Serge Aurier played a key role in helping new Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho to get off to a winning start at the club. Aurier grabbed an assist and completed more dibbles (five) than any other player on the pitch at the London Stadium in Spurs’ 3-2 win over West Ham – a result that saw Tottenham win their first Premier League away fixture since January.
Defence: James Tarkowski (Burnley)
Physically dominant centre-half James Tarkowski makes the TOTW for the second time in a row thanks to another impactful display for the Clarets. The centre-half won seven aerial duels and completed six clearances for Burnley in their 3-0 win at Watford, and Tarkowski made his presence felt at the other end too, scoring his team’s 3rd goal on 88 minutes.
Defence: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
On a testing afternoon for Liverpool at Selhurst Park, Virgil van Dijk was in imperious form at the heart of their backline. The Dutch international completed a game-high 10 clearances for the Reds, and van Dijk finished the contest with the highest pass completion rate (93%) out of all 22 players that started the game.
Midfield: Joao Moutinho (Wolves)
Creative Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho was at his innovative best for Wolves in the club’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday. The veteran schemer grabbed Wanderers’ first goal with a exquisite free-kick on 21 minutes, before carving open the Cherries’ defence with a pass that allowed Adama Traore to set up Raul Jimenez for Wolves’ second just ten minutes later.
Midfield: John Fleck (Sheffield United)
John Fleck enjoyed a memorable afternoon on Sunday in Sheffield United’s epic 3-3 draw with Manchester United at Bramall Lane. The Scottish midfielder finished the game with a goal and an assist for the Blades, and Fleck played more key passes overall (three) than any of his teammates.
Midfield: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur)
Dele Alli saved his best Premier League performance of the season for Jose Mourinho’s first game in the Spurs’ hotseat in Tottenham’s 3-2 win at West Ham on Saturday. Alli’s silky touch and clever movement caused headaches for the Hammers throughout, and the 23-year old notched his first Premier League assist of the season to set up Son for the game’s opener on 36 minutes.
Midfield: James Maddison (Leicester)
Foxes’ midfield dynamo and TOTW regular James Maddison maintained his sky-high standards with another superb performance for Leicester City on Saturday. The 23-year old was his usual creative self, playing more key passes (four) than any other player involved at the Amex Stadium, though Maddison also showed his combative side against Brighton, racking up more tackles (six) than any other player on the day.
Attack: Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal)
On what was another disappointing overall performance for Arsenal in the Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Southampton at the Emirates, French striker Alexandre Lacazette’s performance was one of very few positives. The 28-year old centre-forward scored both of Arsenal’s goals in North London, hitting the net twice from his only two attempts.
Attack: Son Heung-Min (Tottenham Hotspur)
South Korean attacker Son Heung-Min scored the first goal of the Jose Mourinho Tottenham Hotspur era in Spurs’ 3-2 triumph at West Ham, and the 27-year old was heavily involved in his team’s second too, crossing brilliantly for Lucas Moura to double the visitor’s lead.
Attack: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
Jamie Vardy secured his customary place in our Team of the Week selection with another match-defining performance for Leicester City in the Foxes’ 2-0 win at Brighton. Vardy set up Ayoze Perez for the deadlock-breaking goal, before netting himself late on from the spot to open up a two-goal cushion for in-form City.
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