Premier League Team of the Week: Palmer Ends Goal Drought as Brentford Stars Shine Bright

With the Premier League title decided and relegation battles concluded, the focus shifts to the European qualification race, showcasing several standout individual performances over the weekend.

Chelsea revitalised their Champions League aspirations with a 3-1 victory against the newly crowned champions Liverpool, while Manchester City and Aston Villa also bolstered their positions with narrow 1-0 wins.

All three teams benefitted from Newcastle’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Brighton, while Nottingham Forest managed an identical result at Crystal Palace.

In other matches, Arsenal faced a setback in their Champions League semi-final preparations, losing 2-1 at home to Bournemouth after squandering an early lead. Brentford, on the other hand, celebrated a thrilling 4-3 win over Manchester United, who are chasing the Europa League final.

Goalkeeper

Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) 7.3

Emiliano Martinez was instrumental in Aston Villa’s crucial 1-0 triumph over Fulham, helping to solidify their bid for a Champions League berth next season.

The Argentine keeper made three saves during the match at Villa Park, marking his sixth clean sheet of the season.

Defenders

Mats Wieffer (Brighton) 8.0

Playing as a right-back, Mats Wieffer had his hands full with Newcastle’s impressive winger, Harvey Barnes, as Brighton secured a 1-1 draw on home soil.

Wieffer’s contributions included a key pass that set up Brighton’s lone goal, with former Newcastle player Yankuba Minteh scoring a fantastic effort into the corner.

Murillo (Nottingham Forest) 8.3

Despite Nottingham Forest managing just a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, defender Murillo delivered a stellar performance, making 14 clearances and not being dribbled past once. He also scored an instinctive equaliser to secure a point for his side in a tough match.

Michael Kayode (Brentford) 8.5

Kayode played a crucial role for Brentford, driving the play forward with five successful dribbles and providing an assist by laying the ball off for Yoane Wissa to score Brentford’s fourth goal.

Midfield

Jordan Ayew (Leicester) 8.0

Jordan Ayew found the back of the net for Leicester in their 2-0 win over relegated Southampton, contributing decisively in this clash of bottom-placed teams.

After his initial free-kick was blocked, he seized the rebound and drilled a low shot into the corner to double Leicester’s lead.

Cole Palmer (Chelsea) 8.2

Ending a goal drought, Cole Palmer rediscovered his form in Chelsea’s significant win against Liverpool. The 23-year-old was a dynamo in midfield, creating four chances, winning seven duels, and making three interceptions before converting a late penalty to seal his performance.

John McGinn (Aston Villa) 8.1

Marking his 200th Premier League game, John McGinn’s hard work helped secure three vital points for Villa against Fulham. His pinpoint corner assisted in setting up the eventual match-winner, Youri Tielemans.

Julio Enciso (Ipswich) 8.1

Julio Enciso was Ipswich’s standout performer as they fought back to draw 2-2 at Everton. He scored a stunning long-range goal that hit the crossbar and went in, giving Ipswich a glimmer of hope.

Kevin Schade (Brentford) 8.4

Kevin Schade made a significant impact with two goals in Brentford’s victory over Manchester United, initially scoring with a well-placed header before doubling his tally with a similar effort from a cross by Bryan Mbeumo.

Forwards

Beto (Everton) 7.6

Beto opened the scoring for Everton with a classic striker’s header, finding the back of the net in the first half against Ipswich.

He held the line effectively for the Toffees until his substitution in the latter stages of the match, shortly before Ipswich equalised.

George Hirst (Ipswich) 7.6

Coming off the bench, George Hirst made a significant impact, scoring Ipswich’s equaliser at Everton with a well-placed header after a clever cross from Omari Hutchinson.