Throughout the 2016-17 Premier League campaign, we’ll pick out a handful of standout players after each matchday concludes based on five different categories: The Gamechanger (MVP), The Finisher (most important goal-scorer), The Playmaker (creator of goals/chances), The Protector (standout defender) and The Stopper (top goalkeeper).
Here are our five selections from Matchday 30, including an impressive display in the Merseyside derby and a stunning result at Stamford Bridge.
THE GAMECHANGER
Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool
In the 228th Merseyside derby, it was the Brazilian sparkplug who stole the show. Coutinho caused havoc for Everton, finishing the day with a goal and an assist as Liverpool claimed the city’s bragging rights for yet another season.
From splendid runs to deft touches to pinpoint passes, Coutinho, 24, put the Premier League on notice that he’s back in form after injury problems marred the start of his 2017.
It didn’t take long for Coutinho to make a mark on the game, freezing a pair of Everton defenders that allowed Sadio Mane the space to slot home Liverpool’s first goal in the eighth minute. Not long after, the Brazilian used some clever passing and scorching speed to create a glorious scoring chance that was initially saved by Joel Robles and cleared off the goal line by an Everton defender.
But just 12 minutes later, Coutinho would cash in thanks to a brilliant run and an unstoppable kick to restore the Reds’ lead just three minutes after Matthew Pennington’s equalizer.
Coutinho helped seal the win for Liverpool with more of the same mastery in setting up Divock Origi’s goal on the hour mark, ensuring the Reds’ domination of their Stanley Park neighbours continued.
THE FINISHER
Jamie Vardy, Leicester City
It’s quite possible that, prior to last month’s firing of Claudio Ranieri, no single player was having a more disappointing season than Jamie Vardy.
After scoring 24 goals in Leicester’s title-winning season, the English striker had just seven in 33 total games this campaign when his manager was sacked on Feb. 23.
Since? Vardy has five goals in his last seven games, including the Foxes’ second against Stoke over the weekend that helped Leicester move within a point of a top-10 spot in the table.
THE PLAYMAKER(S)
Wilfried Zaha/Christian Benteke, Crystal Palace
The wildest 11 minutes of the weekend took place at Stamford Bridge, where league leaders Chelsea were stunned by relegation-threatened Palace thanks to a pair of splendid goals from Zaha and Benteke.
The first came from Zaha just four minutes after Cesc Fabregas opened the scoring for Chelsea, as Palace capitalized on a pretty wretched clearing attempt to pull level. Benteke flicked a pass to Zaha near to top of the 18-yard box, and the Ivory Coast forward beat off four Chelsea defenders to slip a shot past Thibaut Courtois.
Just two minutes later the Palace tandem did it again, both flying down the pitch on a break toward the Chelsea goal. The played ended with Zaha finding Benteke 12 yards from the mouth of goal, and the Belgian showed patience and a bit of cheekiness to beat Courtois.
Not only did the duo earn Palace a crucial three points, they may have opened up a title race that had been deemed closed down.
THE PROTECTOR
Shkodran Mustafi, Arsenal
Sunday’s clash with Manchester City didn’t start well for the Gunners, but their German defender ensured the game wouldn’t end in more misery for Arsene Wenger.
Mustafi has drawn the ire of Arsenal fans recently (who hasn’t at this point?), but he has been a key part of the squad this season after arriving at the club during the summer transfer period. And while the 24-year-old was far from perfect Sunday, he played his part at the back versus Man City, especially after Laurent Koscielny exited the game just after half (normally the precursor to an Arsenal meltdown).
But it was his offensive contribution that was crucial to the Gunners on this day. Mustafi’s head had a part in both of Arsenal’s goals, first keeping in a potential clearance which fell to the feet of Theo Walcott for the first-half equalizer, then notching the game’s final goal from a 53rd-minute corner.
THE STOPPER
Wayne Hennessey, Crystal Palace
While Zaha, Benteke and the first 11 minutes of Saturday’s shocking win over Chelsea put Palace in front, it was the Eagles’ goalkeeper who kept them there.
The league leaders dominated the game with 73 percent possession and managed 11 shots on target. Hennessey stopped all but the first one.
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