Gameweek 19 officially marked the halfway point of the 2024/25 Premier League season and produced some characteristically eye-catching results.
Liverpool continued their hunt for a second Premier League title by destroying West Ham United, but Arsenal kept the pressure on the table leaders with an equally important game win at Brentford.
Things didn't go so well for Chelsea and Manchester United, who both enjoyed frustrating defeats, while Manchester City finally got back to winning ways by pouring more misery into the struggle against Leicester City.
There were plenty of notable performances up and down the country, but here are the seven players who shone the most.
of Premier LeagueThe youngest player in his history has offered excellent displays in cup competitions and from the bench this season, but Friday saw him start for the first time in the English top flight. It was an opportunity he took boldly.
Nwaneri had a significant hand in both ArsenalAttacks of the second part of 3-1 win over Brentfordwhipping in a fierce corner that forced Mikel Merino's effort and producing a similarly teasing cross that caused problems for the home defense after Gabriel Martinelli put the game beyond doubt.
Mikel Arteta's decision to hand Nwaneri a starting position was vindicated at the Gtech Community Stadium and it was a performance that proved he is capable of mixing it with Arsenal's stars.
Newcastle United won four Premier League games to end 2024 and Joelinton's recent performances have been key to some impressive results. The Brazilian played in Week 18 with a goal and an assistcontinuing his impressive form at Old Trafford last time out.
Another commanding performance helped Newcastle overcome a helpless Man Utd midfield, with Joelinton beating the diminutive Lisandro Martinez to double Newcastle's lead during a rampant first half.
It was a hugely convincing performance in both attack and defense from the tough South American, who had the help of fellow midfielders Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, as Newcastle eased to an impressive victory.
John Duran's suspension saw Ollie Watkins lead Aston Villa from the start for the first time in three games last Monday. The England international had been in the shadows in recent weeks but returned with a bang during the 2-2 draw at Villa Park.
Watkins converted from the penalty spot to equalize against the Seagulls and provided the assist that allowed Morgan Rogers to fire Villa forward, repeatedly causing Brighton's backline problems.
No player had more tackles in the opposition area (12) or had more shots on goal (three) than Watkins in his return to the XI, with his only disappointment that he did not add to his tally against Fabian Hurzeler's team.
Savinho has been all sizzle and no steak in his early days Man City career, but he finally opened his account for the reigning Premier League champions last Sunday.
Reacting quicker to Phil Foden's failed efforts during one 2-0 win over Leicester Citythe Brazilian winger produced a clinical finish to put Man City ahead, while he also provided an assist after a pinpoint delivery that landed on Erling Haaland's head.
Savinho was consistently a bright spark at the King Power Stadium and provided much-needed energy in the final third for the struggling Cityzens.
Real Madrid seem to have made Trent Alexander-Arnold theirs number one priority in January and his latest performance during Liverpool's 5-0 win at the London Stadium illustrates exactly why.
A clean sheet and a deflected goal stand out, but his underlying numbers against West Ham were outstanding. He had 15 more touches than any other player on the pitch, created three chances and made 14 passes in the final third.
He was very strong defensively against some tricky West Ham forwards, making three clearances, two tackles and 11 recoveries. An all-round masterclass from the right-back.
Another to grab a goal and assist in his final outing of the calendar year, Liam Delap produced another dazzling performance as Ipswich Town earned their first win at Portman Road since their return to the Premier League.
The summer signing teased Chelsea defenders for a long time an unforgettable 2-0 triumphusing his sheer size and physique to wreak havoc. After slotting home an emphatic penalty, the hulking forward then set up Omari Hutchinson, who doubled Ipswich's lead against his former employers.
Delap finished with four shots on goal, seven touches in the opposition zone and an aerial duel win rate of 75%. The battering ram could not be stopped.
It's not surprising to see Mohamed Salah at the top of our rankings – something he's done often this season. The Egyptian was once again important in the West Ham strikescoring and producing two assists as well Liverpool ran riot.
A clever near-post finish caught Alphonse Areola off-guard during the first half and Salah proved his effectiveness as a provider in the closing stages as he raced clear on the break and delivered the perfect pass to Diogo Jota at the perfect moment.
The relentless 32-year-old has now scored 11 times and provided eight assists in his last ten appearances for Liverpool in all competitions. Just shocking.