Following the final international break of the season, Premier League football returned on matchday 31 to kickstart the business end of the season. While Liverpool and Manchester City took care of business on matchday 31, it was far from plain sailing for Chelsea and Arsenal, who suffered embarrassing 4-1 and 3-0 defeats in London derbies against Brentford and Crystal Palace.
There were some stunning performances from the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Harry Kane on matchday 31, and here is our Man’s Life Premier League Team of the Week.
GK: Jose Sa (Wolves)
Jose Sa produced another fine performance for Wolves as the Portugal international made four saves to help Bruno Lage’s side beat Aston Villa 2-1 and keep themselves in contention for a European spot this season.
RB: Joe Gomez (Liverpool)
Joe Gomez deputized excellently for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back in Liverpool’s comfortable 2-0 win over Watford. Despite playing out of position, Gomez comfortably dealt with the threat of Juan Hernandez and played a delicious Alexander-Arnold-esque cross to set up the opening goal for Diogo Jota.
CB: Cristian Romero (Tottenham)
Cristian Romero is the definition of a Rolls-Royce defender with the combination of his physicality and ability on the ball, and the Argentinian centre-back put in another dominant display for Tottenham in their thumping 5-1 win over Newcastle United.
CB: Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace)
Joachim Andersen enjoyed an excellent night out for Crystal Palace in their surprise 3-0 win over Arsenal with the Danish central defender setting up both of the Eagles’ opening two goals and comfortably dealing with the threat of striker Alexandre Lacazette.
LB: Matt Doherty (Tottenham)
Despite playing on his less-preferred side at left-back, Matt Doherty continued to make an impact for Antonio Conte’s Tottenham as they comfortably dispatched Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United 5-1 in North London.
CM: James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
James Ward-Prowse provided another reminder of why he is the best set-piece taker in world football as the Englishman scored another terrific free-kick for Southampton in their 1-1 draw at Elland Road against Leeds United.
CM: Vitaly Janelt (Brentford)
Vitaly Janelt was the architect of Brentford’s revival at Stamford Bridge, as the German midfielder bagged a brace to help the Bees make a stunning second-half turnaround against the European and World champions.
CM: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
Kevin de Bruyne’s hot streak for Manchester City continued on matchday 31 as the Belgian scored his tenth league goal for the Cityzens against Burnley to reach double figures for Pep Guardiola’s side in the Premier League for just the second time.
LW: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Raheem Sterling supplied the assists for both Manchester City goals in their 2-0 win at Burnley, with the English winger setting up Kevin de Bruyne’s opener with a lovely cushioned touch before providing the perfect delivery for Ilkay Gundogan’s strike.
RW: Christian Eriksen (Brentford)
Christian Eriksen’s heartwarming comeback story to the professional game has been nothing short of remarkable, and the Danish international showed glimpses of his former self for Brentford in their 4-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
ST: Harry Kane (Tottenham)
Harry Kane put on a passing masterclass for Tottenham in their 5-1 win over Newcastle United, with the English striker playing eye of the needle passes for the likes of Son and Kulusevski and recording his 40th assist in the Premier League.
Manager of the week: Thomas Frank (Brentford)
Thomas Frank completely outfoxed his German compatriot Tomas Tuchel in the London derby, as his Brentford side completed a remarkable second-half comeback to demolish Chelsea 4-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Shivaan Shah