Up: Alex Iwobi
What a week for 19-year-old winger Alex Iwobi.
Having played just 12 games for Arsenal after their disappointing FA Cup exit to Watford last weekend, Iwobi was handed his first Champions League start in midweek at the Nou Camp against the might of Barcelona and then his first Premier League start against Everton in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
Not only did the teenager mark this big game with a crucial win and a fabulous personal performance, but he also grabbed a first Premier League goal with an excellent finish between the legs of Joel Robles.
With big names like Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud failing to fire in recent weeks, the emergence of Iwobi could be vital in getting them back in the title race.
Up: Harry Kane
Things keep getting better for Tottenham’s masked man.
After Leicester City went eight points clear of Spurs with a plucky victory at Selhurst Park, the pressure was on Tottenham, and their striker Kane, to deliver against Bournemouth and keep the title race alive.
Thanks to Kane, they did just that. Just 44 seconds in, he smartly turned in Kyle Walker’s cross to settle any Spurs nerves, before adding another just 15 minutes later which effectively killed the game as a contest. Not only did their win keep Tottenham right in the title mix, but it also took the Englishman to the top of the Premier League scoring charts with 21 goals.
He is definitely England’s number one striker.
Up: Sadio Mane
It has been a funny old season for Sadio Mane. After being courted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs this summer, the Senegalese attacking midfielder appeared to take his eye of the boil, and has had a fairly torrid second half to the Premier League campaign.
This looked set to continue when Simon Mignolet saved his penalty with Southampton 2-0 down at home to Liverpool, but the half-time substitute did not give up, scoring twice in a remarkable Saints turnaround.
After such poor form and a difficult set-back, Mane deserves a lot of praise for getting on with the game and winning the match for Southampton. Good on him.
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