There was plenty of action in the Premier League in the final weekend before the January international break, with Manchester United securing a late winner to get past West Ham at home, while Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City all dropped points in the race for top four and the title.
Here is our Man’s Life Premier League Team of the Week.
GK: Nick Pope (Burnley)
Nick Pope made five crucial saves – including one stunning intervention to keep out Emile Smith Rowe’s shot from a corner – to help Burnley earn a pivotal point at the Emirates in their race for survival.
CB: Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
Thiago Silva continues to age like a fine wine, as the 37-year-old produced another masterclass in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Tottenham. The Brazilian helped the Blues defence keep Antonio Conte’s men quiet for the 90 minutes while also getting on the scoresheet in the second half to make it 2-0.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil Van Dijk opened the scoring for Liverpool with a bullet header from an Andy Robertson corner, and the Dutchman’s distribution and leadership was instrumental in the Reds’ 3-1 win over the Eagles.
CB: Mohammed Salisu (Southampton)
Mohammed Salisu produced a man of the match performance in Southampton’s valiant draw against league-leaders Manchester City, finishing the game with 14 clearances, 5 tackles and three blocks.
RWB: Kyle Walker-Peters (Liverpool)
Kyle Walker-Peters managed an excellent finish with the outside of his boot to score his maiden Premier League goal against the champions, and the right-back defended resolutely in the second half to help the Saints steal a 1-1 draw.
CM: Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle United)
Jonjo Shelvey produced a fine all-round performance for Newcastle United at Elland Road and capped off his excellent display with the winning goal in the second half from a free-kick.
CM: Joao Moutinho (Wolves)
Joao Moutinho fired a stunning strike into the bottom corner to finish off a lovely team goal before teeing up his midfield partner Ruben Neves in the second half in an outstanding performance for Wolves at Brentford.
LWB: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Andrew Robertson delivered two assists for Liverpool in their 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, taking his league tally to eight for the season.
RW: Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea)
Hakim Ziyech scored the goal of the weekend to open the scoring in the London derby against Tottenham, firing the ball into the top corner from outside the box to leave goalkeeper Hugo Lloris stranded on his line.
ST: Josh Sargent (Norwich City)
Josh Sargent bagged a spectacular brace on Friday night at Vicarage Road to help Norwich City earn a huge 3-0 win over relegation rivals Watford.
LW: Emiliano Buendia (Aston Villa)
Philippe Coutinho’s arrival has also spurred on Emiliano Buendia at Aston Villa, with the Argentinian international scoring an excellent looping header to give Steven Gerrard’s side a 1-0 win over Everton.
Manager of the week: Eddie Howe (Newcastle United)
Eddie Howe secured his second victory since taking the Newcastle job on Matchday 23 away at Leeds United to take the Magpies just one point from safety in the Premier League.
Shivaan Shah