EPL winners and losers as Sterling emerges as Man City hero but Lukaku costs United

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Raheem Sterling is being linked with a move to Real Madrid.

    Manchester City’s comfortable 3-1 victory over Watford and Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Burnley keeps Pep Guardiola’s side one point ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s men at the top of the Premier League table.

    Third placed Tottenham’s dreadful recent league form continued as they fell to a surprising defeat at the hands of relegation-threatened Southampton.

    Arsenal have moved into fourth place after overcoming top-four rivals Manchester United 2-0 at the Emirates, whilst Chelsea’s draw with Wolves sees them sit one point behind the fifth placed Red Devils.

    Leicester City’s victory over Fulham in Brendan Rodgers’ first home game in charge sees them move into tenth place, whilst Bournemouth’s easy win over Huddersfield takes them to within three points of the magic 40-point mark.

    Newcastle United’s incredible 3-2 comeback victory over Everton eases their relegation fears, whilst Brighton’s crucial win over rivals Crystal Palace sees both sides sit on 33 points.

    Cardiff’s spirited win over West Ham means they are only two points away from safety as the race to avoid relegation intensifies.

    But who stepped up when needed and who crumbled under the pressure? Here are our winners and losers.

    WINNERS

    James Ward-Prowse – Southampton

    Ward-Prowse has rejuvenated his career under the guidance of Ralph Hasenhuttl and he proved to be the difference maker against Spurs.

    With the score at 1-1, the Englishman curled in a delightful free-kick to send the home fans wild and secure a massive three points for the Saints.

    The midfielder has now scored direct free-kicks in consecutive league matches as he netted a superb set-piece last week against Manchester United.

    [inlinescritp1]

    Raheem Sterling – Manchester City

    After a frustrating first-half, City needed someone to inspire them to victory. Sterling was the man to do exactly that.

    The winger found the net three times in 13-minutes to put the game beyond Watford, who felt hard done by after controversy surrounding Sterling’s first goal.

    The Englishman now has 18 league goals this season and will certainly be in the running for the Player of the Season award.

    Sadio Mane – Liverpool

    Mane has single-handedly been inspiring Liverpool to victories in recent weeks and he was at it again at Anfield on Sunday.

    The former Southampton winger scored a brace, meaning he has scored in six consecutive home Premier League matches.

    If Liverpool want to win the title, then they’ll need Mane to stay in this sort of prolific form.

    LOSERS

    Jordan Pickford – Everton

    The Everton goalkeeper had a nightmare at St James’ Park as his individual errors helped the Magpies come from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

    Pickford did save a penalty from Matt Ritchie, but it was his poor handling that saw him concede the penalty as he rugby tackled Salomon Rondon, which surprisingly, didn’t see him sent off.

    He later parried a shot straight to Ayoze Perez, who gleefully tucked in to spur a remarkable comeback. Definitely a weekend to forget for Pickford.

    James Tomkins – Crystal Palace

    This is the business end of the season and players simply can’t afford to make mistakes. Unfortunately for Tomkins, he made a crucial error.

    The defender misjudged the flight of the ball and it bounced through to Glenn Murray, who finished expertly to give Brighton the lead at Selhurst Park.

    This was a game that the Eagles could not afford to lose and now they’re back in the relegation battle.

    Romelu Lukaku – Manchester United

    Lukaku has been in sparkling goalscoring form, scoring four goals in his last two league appearances.

    But he seemed to have forgot his shooting boots against Arsenal on Sunday. He missed three glorious opportunities for United, with the first cannoning back off the crossbar.

    Not a vintage finishing display from the Belgian, but he’ll be looking to make up for his misses when United face Wolves in the FA Cup.

    Recommended