On a dramatic weekend of Premier League football, these were the eleven men who truly distinguished themselves.
GK - Fraser Forster
Whatever he whispered to James Milner and whatever voodoo he performed on that Anfield penalty spot made a massive difference as Southampton drew Liverpool. Forster's brilliant second half penalty save on James Milner prevented Liverpool from winning a game they badly needed. He was pretty chuffed afterwards.
What a display from @FraserForster! 🙌
We spoke with the #SaintsFC keeper after the 0-0 draw at #LFC: pic.twitter.com/t9fBFe2xZq— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 7, 2017
D - Billy Jones
Sunderland's fate may be sealed but there's still time for the likes of Billy Jones to play himself out of the Championship. The 30-year-old took flight to score his second Sunderland goal yesterday.
Is it a bird? 🐦
Is it a plane? 🛩️
No, it's Billy Jones! 🤜
He flies through the air to put #SAFC ahead#HULSUN 📻 https://t.co/NI1sjtGRxI pic.twitter.com/7uJkYJHpOj— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) May 6, 2017
D - Laurent Koscielny
Manchester United were terrible today but Koscielny provided a sense of calm and stability in a defense that featured that hardly-assuring presence of Rob Holding. He also helped secure a very important Arsenal cleansheet as Wenger continues to dream of the Top 4.
Laurent Koscielny stats against Man United. #AFCvMUFC pic.twitter.com/ANxcaiqJ6h
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) May 7, 2017
D - Alfie Mawson
Mawson hoovered in the plaudits after Swansea held Everton scoreless yesterday and reignited their dream of Premier League survival. John Hartson predicted he'd be playing for England soon and on the back of yesterday's performance, it's likely that some big offers will be coming in for Mawson this summer.
"It's so important" - MOTM Alfie Mawson & Fernando Llorente spoke to @DesKellyBTS after Swansea moved out of the relegation zone. #SWAEVE pic.twitter.com/vzZoaSSR9y
— eir Sport (@eirSport) May 6, 2017
MF -Wilf Ndidi
The Nigerian midfielder scored again for Leicester yesterday as the Foxes romped home to defeat Watford 3-0. Ndidi's been a revelation in the Leicester midfield in the latter part of the season.
MF - Aaron Ramsey
Sky's Man of the Match in Arsenal's definitive win over Manchester United, Ramsey seemed reborn yesterday in the new-look Arsenal midfield.
That's the third time Aaron Ramsey's got in with that run. No one else really gives Arsenal that edge. Such a good player.
— Jack Pitt-Brooke (@JackPittBrooke) May 7, 2017
MF - Manuel Lanzini
The Argentinian scored a pivotal goal during Friday night football to assure that Chelsea have the league all but won.
MF - Kevin de Bruyne
De Bruyne has been in ridiculous form of late and made the Palace defenders look silly at the Etihad yesterday. The baby-faced Belgian scored a perfect 10 on the WhoScored stat market and now leads the Premier League in assists.
Man of the Match, @ManCity's Kevin De Bruyne
1 goal & 2 assists
7 chances created
10 crosses
Most assists in PL this season (15)#PL pic.twitter.com/ylVda3TA0r— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) May 6, 2017
MF - David Silva
Silva scored City's fine opener and cut the Palace defence to shreds time after time. The stats prove that Silva is one of the best Premier League players of this decade.
David Silva has now been involved in more Premier League goals since 2011/12 than any other midfielder.
34 goals ⚽️
57 assists 🅰️
💫 pic.twitter.com/VoWOo01rK7— Squawka (@Squawka) May 6, 2017
F - Danny Welbeck
Welbz scored his third goal against Manchester United in an Arsenal shirt with an Henry-esque header and it assured defeat for Mourinho and co.
Photos: Danny Welbeck's header vs. Man United today & Thierry Henry's header vs. Man United in 2007. Resemblance. [@priceyd101] #afc pic.twitter.com/OsgUdSKl0z
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) May 7, 2017
F - Sam Vokes
The once-bearded Welshman added two goals to his season tally to leave Irish fans nervous that he has stumbled onto form with Wales's trip to Belgrade looming.
