There was plenty of midweek mayhem as Gameweek 14 of the 2024/25 Premier League season entertained fans around the world.
More drama arrived in the title race as Liverpool dropped points ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea secured thrilling wins, while the bottom three of Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ipswich Town all suffered disappointing defeats to make their fight against relegation that little bit tougher.
There were plenty of star turns across the English top flight, but which players impressed the most in Gameweek 14?
There was a time when Manchester City they would be guaranteed players on this type of list after the week. Their troubles of late mean that hasn’t been the case in recent weeks, but they managed to put that behind them for now as they won a straight away 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Jeremy Doku is a player who has struggled for consistency but made an impressive impact on Wednesday night, doubling his tally in both Premier League goals and assists this season with one each at the Etihad Stadium.
The Belgian found Kevin De Bruyne in the box as City doubled their lead and completed a delightful evening’s work, cutting inside and curling in a delightful effort.
Alexander Isak is quickly developing a reputation as Newcastle Unitedplayer for the big occasion and stepped up again as the Magpies dealt a blow to Liverpool’s title hopes.
The home side had started strongly but Isak’s strike seemed to come out of nowhere, hitting the first goal from outside the box. The Swede then turned provider to set up Anthony Gordon as Newcastle went ahead again.
The points ended up being shared at St James’ Park but Isak’s performance lit up Tyneside.
Rodri’s absence has obviously been keenly felt by City during their recent dismal run, but Kevin De Bruyne’s inactivity has also played a big part in the slump.
There was indeed talk of a rift between the 33-year-old and Pep Guardiola before Forest’s visit, but there was little animosity between player and manager after his virtuoso display.
After making five substitute appearances following his return from injury, De Bruyne started, scored and assisted while splitting the visitors’ defense time and again with his precise passing.
It was one all-you-can-score buffet for Chelsea’s forwards at St Mary’s, although pressure will have been put on Christopher Nkunku’s shoulders ahead of kick-off. He has had few chances in the Premier League and has been handed over by Enzo Maresca to replace the in-form Nicolas Jackson.
Any anxiety the Frenchman may have had was eased by a self-destructive Southampton who had generously gifted the Blues a 3-1 lead and a man advantage by half-time.
Nkunku capitalized on the 17th minute strike and later teed up Cole Palmer to boost his claims for a league regular.
His off-field contract status it is more than threatening to become a sideshow LiverpoolIt’s the season, but it hasn’t affected Mohamed Salah’s ability to perform yet.
The Egyptian once again proved his importance to the Reds by assisting Curtis Jones’ equaliser, before putting his side ahead with a brace, making him the Premier League’s top scorer this season with 13 strikes.
Manager Arne Slot clearly adores Salah and who of the Liverpool persuasion wouldn’t at the moment? They will want the contract signed as soon as possible.
Arsenal they’re pretty good at compositions these days, in case you hadn’t seen it.
Key to their dead-ball expertise was defender Gabriel Magalhaes, but his absence meant the Gunners needed different specialists to deliver the goods. Manchester United visited North London.
William Saliba not only made it 2-0 from close range but secured it United he had almost no joy in attack with his clever positioning and mistimed just four of his 71 passes.
