Our weekly Premier League awards honour the best – and worst – of the football action from the weekend.
Moment of the Week
There were questions being asked on both sides of the Mancunian divide ahead of the Manchester Derby this weekend, with United failing to convince under Ralf Rangnick and City having seen their lead at the top of the Premier League slashed to just three points.
City had lost each of their past three home meetings with their cross-town rivals, but issued an emphatic statement of intent in this season’s Premier League title race.
United had began positively in a frenetic opening to the clash, though the gap in class between the teams shone through as the game progressed.
A merciless Manchester Derby! ????#ManCity pic.twitter.com/pqylEXRBT3
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 6, 2022
Pep Guardiola’s side secured a 4-1 win in a derby demolition, their second-half dominance outlining the chasm between the two rivals at present.
City had 79% of the possession and 14 shots on goal after the half-time break, with United failing to register a single effort on goal in an embarrassment at the Etihad.
Liverpool might be within striking distance of the defending champions but make no mistake, City remain the team to beat this season.
An honourable mention goes to Brandon Williams‘ and his hilarious reaction to his tangle with Christian Eriksen.
The Norwich left-back looked ready to rumble after being hauled down to the ground, before realising his challenger was the returning Eriksen and opting for a heartwarming hug instead!
Wholesome content alert ????
Brandon Williams gave Christian Eriksen a warm welcome back to the Premier League, giving the Brentford man a hug after the players fell to the floor after a challenge ❤️ pic.twitter.com/86lAQ5qAjR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 6, 2022
Player of the Week
Kevin De Bruyne is back to his breathtaking best with the Manchester City midfielder the toast of the city after his devastating derby performance.
De Bruyne scored twice and created another, his goal to open the scoring his 50th in the Premier League.
Goal no. 5️⃣0️⃣ in the @premierleague for @DeBruyneKev! ????✨#ManCity pic.twitter.com/QMOf14xENm
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 6, 2022
United’s midfield could not cope as City monopolised possession with De Bruyne at the centre of their dominance, controlling proceedings and causing problems with his driving runs forward into the final third.
At his best there are few who can live with the brilliant Belgian and Paul Scholes was among those to lavish praise on the midfielder following his latest star performance.
“He’s the best midfielder in the Premier League, probably the best in the world,” Scholes told Premier League productions.
“I can’t think of anybody else who touches him. He does everything. It’s alright when these footballers are great passes and keep possession well, but this lad, scores goals, he makes goals, he defends, his passes are brilliant.
“He’s got absolutely everything you want in a top-class midfielder.”
Goal of the Week
Arsenal’s 3-2 win at Watford was a game packed full of brilliant goals, both sides scoring some memorable efforts in an entertaining clash at Vicarage Road.
It was the beaten Hornets who perhaps produced the best of the lot, however, as Cucho Hernandez’s acrobatic effort equalised for Roy Hodgson’s side in the first half.
Hernandez’s glorious goal was not enough to secure much-needed points for the Hornets, but being awarded our Goal of the Week accolade should provide some consolation.
A goal that deserves to be seen from all angles ????
Cucho Hernandez ???? pic.twitter.com/M9tHCMtr3m
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 6, 2022
Riyad Mahrez’s volleyed effort from a wonderful corner-kick route during the Manchester Derby and a well-worked team goal for Aston Villa, finished off by Ollie Watkins, deserve honourable mentions.
Miss of the Week
West Ham had their chances during the club’s 1-0 defeat at Liverpool, some poor decisions and finishing in the final third seeing the Hammers lose at Anfield.
Manuel Lanzini was perhaps guilty of spurning their best opportunity, blazing high over the bar when it appeared easier to score.
What a chance this was for West Ham to level things up! ????
Manuel Lanzini looks like he did everything right but can't keep his shot down! pic.twitter.com/1F12ef1H6b
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 5, 2022
The Argentina midfielder had done well to work the chance and it sat up invitingly with just Alisson to beat, but his wayward effort contributed to defeat and a blow to West Ham’s hopes of a top four finish.
Stat of the Week
Virgil van Dijk continued his incredible record at Anfield this weekend, with the Dutch defender having never been on the losing side for Liverpool in a home league fixture.
Jurgen Klopp’s side beat West Ham 1-0 in the Premier League, a result which maintained their challenge at the top and saw Van Dijk set a new record for most home games for single club without losing.
Van Dijk is now unbeaten in 60 games on Merseyside, winning a huge 52 of those fixtures.
60 – Virgil van Dijk has never been on the losing side for Liverpool in 60 Premier League games at Anfield, setting a new record for most home games for a single club without ever losing in the competition (W52 D8). Imperious. pic.twitter.com/3WAjoBSrBO
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 5, 2022
Quote of the Week
Steven Gerrard was full of praise for Philippe Coutinho following his starring performance in Aston Villa’s 4-0 win over Southampton, the on-loan midfielder scoring one and creating another in Villa’s best performance of the Premier League campaign.
Gerrard believes Villa are beginning to see the best from his former Liverpool teammate, joking afterwards that Coutinho’s silky skills in training were a contributor to his retirement.
Philippe Coutinho ended Steven Gerrard's career? ???? pic.twitter.com/CSGQLzsAFJ
— GOAL (@goal) March 6, 2022
Donkey of the Week
Dean Smith could not contain his disappointment after Norwich’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford at Carrow Road, admitting the loss was a huge blow to their survival hopes as the Bees earned three points to pull clear of the relegation places.
The Canaries’ chances were not aided by a nightmare afternoon for Ben Gibson, whose sh*t-show of a performance included conceding two penalties.
The centre-back’s rashness in the area was twice penalised, first for a high foot before a senseless lunge on Ivan Toney.
Toney was the grateful recipient of Gibson’s gaffes at Carrow Road, confidently slamming home both penalties to provide Brentford with breathing room down at the bottom.
Read – Premier League Team of the Week – Gameweek 28
Read Also – Ranking the ten best Premier League players aged 21 or under
Subscribe to our social channels:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
