A fascinating Premier League title race will go down to the final day after Liverpool snatched a late win at Newcastle, whilst Cardiff will join relegated Fulham and Huddersfield in the Championship next season after their defeat to Crystal Palace.
Here, in a 4-4-2 formation, is the Football Faithful’s Premier League Team of the week…
Goalkeeper
Mark Travers – Bournemouth
The 19-year-old shot stopper was a surprise inclusion in Eddie Howe’s line up to face Tottenham, but the Irishman certainly enjoyed a debut to remember.
Bournemouth snatched a late win against 9-men Spurs but were under severe first-half pressure from the visitors before they had Son Heung-Min and Juan Foyth dismissed.
Travers enjoyed a solid debut, making smart saves from both Dele Alli and Lucas Moura. With neither Asmir Begovic or Artur Boruc having convinced for Bournemouth this season, Travers could well stake a claim to be the club’s permanent number one.
Right-Back
Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool
Liverpool stumbled over the line in their 3-2 win at Newcastle, in a performance that lacked their usual intensity.
Luckily for Jurgen Klopp, he has full-backs who can deliver quality service. It’s now 11 league assists each for Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, and it was the former who notched another two on Saturday evening.
Perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch after a goal-line handball prior to Christian Atsu’s goal, the academy graduate punished Newcastle with two pinpoint deliveries to assist both Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
Named in the PFA Team of the Year at just 20-years-old, the youngster has a long Premier League career ahead of him.
Centre-Back
Victor Wanyama – Tottenham
Brought on at half-time after Spurs were reduced to the 10-men against Bournemouth, the Kenyan was then made to play in an unfamiliar centre-back role after Juan Foyth’s senseless lunge left Mauricio Pochettino’s side with 9.
To his credit, the 27-year-old marshalled the in-form Callum Wilson well as Spurs nearly claimed a point. Nathan Ake’s late goal eventually secured the win for Bournemouth, but not for the want of trying from Wanyama and the other eight-men of Spurs who played almost an entire half two men down.
Centre-Back
Kurt Zouma – Everton
Everton boss Marco Silva has made it clear he wants to keep the on-loan Zouma at Goodison Park, and another commanding performance justified that desire.
It’s now six clean sheets in their past seven games for Silva’s side, who’s late season form has provided increased optimism for next season.
Keeping on-loan stars such as Zouma and Andre Gomes will be crucial, but with every performance the Frenchman may be increasing Chelsea’s asking price.
Left-Back
Ryan Fredericks – West Ham
Plugging a gap at left-back in our Team of the Week is Ryan Fredericks.
It’s back-to-back inclusions for West Ham’s flying full-back, who seems to have finally found his feet at the London Stadium.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side ran out convincing 3-0 winners against Southampton, with another industrious display from Fredericks rewarded with a first ever Premier League goal.
West Ham spent lavishly last summer as they bid to close the gap to the top six, but the free transfer of 26-year-old Fredericks from Fulham looks like some of their smartest business.
Right-wing
Andros Townsend – Crystal Palace
Whilst Wilfried Zaha takes most of the headlines for Palace, Andros Townsend remains a consistent and reliable contributor for Roy Hodgson’s side.
His goal against Cardiff was the winger at his finest, running from just inside his own half before cutting in onto his trusted left foot to fire home.
It’s a type of goal we’ve seen Townsend score many a time, but stopping it is another thing entirely.
Midfield
Mark Noble – West Ham
The West Ham captain enjoyed his afternoon against Southampton, dictating the play as Manuel Pellegrini’s side ran out convincing 3-0 winners.
The 31-year-old has been a dedicated servant for the Hammers, and continues to remain an important player for the club 15 years on from his debut as a teenager.
A fine passer, Noble demonstrated his quality with a perfectly weighted assist for Mark Arnautovic’s opener.
Midfield
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – Chelsea
Loftus-Cheek has a decision to make this summer. At 23, the England international is yet to command a regular starting position at Stamford Bridge, despite his obvious qualities.
Given his chance from the bench following N’Golo Kante’s early withdrawal, the midfielder proceeded to opener the scoring against Watford in what was a vital win for Chelsea.
His goal made it six for the season in the Premier League, despite only starting five times.
Blessed with all the attributes to be a top class midfielder, the academy graduate needs regular football if his career is not to stagnate.
Left-wing
Wilfried Zaha – Crystal Palace
Can Palace keep hold of Zaha this summer?
Teammate Andros Townsend says Zaha is the most ‘naturally talented’ player he has ever played with – high praise indeed.
The 26-year-old scored his 10th league goal of the season at Cardiff, with a fine turn and finish on the edge of the box.
Arsenal are believed to be tracking Zaha closely, with Unai Emery keen to sign a player full of pace and power.
Zaha has admitted he wants to play Champions League football, and few at Palace would begrudge a player of his ability that chance.
Forward
Salomon Rondon – Newcastle
The Venezuelan has established himself as a fan’s favourite at St James’ Park this season, with manager Rafa Benitez keen to secure the on-loan forward on a permanent basis.
Owner Mike Ashley has reservations about signing a player who turns 30 in September, but should reconsider after watching Rondon torment Liverpool on Saturday.
He gave Dejan Lovren a torrid time all evening and was unfortunate to be on the losing side.
His goal, a sweetly struck effort, was his 10th of the campaign and few have contributed more to Newcastle’s second half of the season revival.
Forward
Marko Arnautovic – West Ham
The Austrian has been out of sorts in recent months, but against Southampton, he was back in the mood.
When he’s on form, Arnautovic can be a star and he was back amongst the goals this weekend.
His first was a fine finish from Mark Noble’s through ball, before being rewarded for an all-action display with a close-range second.
A temperamental player, if West Ham can keep the 30-year-old happy at the London Stadium he could be a major part of their plans to challenge the top six next season.
