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A Pulse Sports XI of the most outstanding players from the Premier League game week 24
Arsenal survived a scare at Villa Park to move back to the Premier League summit. Manchester City faltered and Manchester United continued their March with a comfortable 3-0 win over Leicester City.
There were also vital wins for Southampton, Everton and Bournemouth in the relegation zone.
Goalkeeper - Bernd Leno (Fulham) vs Brighton
Leno was in sparking form against Brighton as he repelled shot after shot to keep Fulham in the game.
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He made six saves from inside the box and formed the basis of Fulham’s hard-fought win despite being under pressure for most of the game.
Right-back - Seamus Coleman (Everton) vs Leeds
Everton bounced back with a crucial win after their merseyside derby defeat earlier in the week.
No one would have backed Coleman to get on the scoresheet but the Irishman strode forward powerfully before unleashing a strike that flew past the flat footed Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
He also made three tackles, won three ground duels and three aerial duels as Sean Dyche’s side bagged a clean sheet and all three points.
Centre-back - Felipe (Nottingham Forest) vs Man City
Felipe was a major part of Nottingham Forest not being blown away by Man City. He blocked, tackled and generally played like his life depended on it.
Several last ditch interceptions, key headers and the confidence he has brought to this Forest backline is clear for all to see.
Centre-back - Lisandro Martinez (Man United) vs Leicester
Martinez has been excellent since arriving from Ajax in the summer. In this clash, he rarely put a foot wrong and deserves huge credit for shutting down the Leicester attack.
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Martinez made three blocks, three tackles, won five of his seven ground duels and both of his aerial duels, while also coming close to netting his second goal for the club, only to see his header come back off the bar.
Left-back - Romain Perraud (Southampton) vs Chelsea
Southampton put together a defensive masterclass against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Perraud played a big role.
The Frenchman won six of his 12 duels, made six tackles, and three clearances, including one off the line to deny Raheem Sterling a certain goal.
Central midfield - James Ward-Prowse (Southampton) vs Chelsea
Since the 2018/19 season, Ward-Prowse has got 75% of his direct free-kicks on target, with a whopping 54.2% of his efforts finding the back of the net. Incredible numbers.
He scored another beauty against Chelsea from 25 yards, earning a vital three points for the Saints and condemning the Blues to a second defeat of the week.
Central Midfield - Martin Odegaard (Arsenal) vs Aston Villa
Odegaard pushed Arsenal forward after a lackluster second half at Villa Park. He was a hub of creativity, with seven key passes and at 2-1 down, he set up Oleksandr Zinchenko to score the equaliser.
The Arsenal captain continues to improve game after game and this was another top performance.
Central Midfield - Bruno Fernandes (Man United) vs Leicester
Bruno Fernandes is having a storming second half of the season under Erik ten Hag. He was once again in terrific form. He set up two of United’s three goals and was at his creative best throughout.
The 28-year-old played nine key passes and created three big chances, and while he only finished the game with a 62% pass accuracy, his high risk, high reward style will be appreciated by United fans all over
Right-wing - Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) vs Aston Villa
Bukayo Saka was once again at his effervescent best for Arsenal. He scored an excellent equaliser on the half-volley and was a constant threat down the Gunners’ right side.
Saka was increasingly targeted by some rather hard tackles but he got up and continued to deliver as Arsenal came back to snatch a late win.
Left-wing - Marcus Rashford (Man United) vs Leicester
What else can we say about Rashford? What a season he is having. 16 goals since returning from the World Cup. Countless assists and big moments. Against Leicester he was once again decisiv, showcasing his impressive finishing.
His brace against the Foxes took his tally for the season to 24, two goals more than his best scoring season.
Centre forward- Darwin Nunez (Liverpool) vs Newcastle
Perhaps a slightly more surprising inclusion in our team of the week but Nunez was very good against Newcastle. He has endured huge criticism since his arrival in the Premier League but has put on much improved performances in recent weeks.
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Liverpool’s recent upturn in form has coincided with Nunez being given a stable run at the point of the attack. He led from the front and took his goal excellently against Newcastle in a tough away ground.
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