Rasmus Hojlund scored twice in seven minutes for Man United, Pascal Gross broke a club record against Sheffield United and Callum Hudson-Odoi is still in red hot form… but who takes top spot in this week’s POWER RANKINGS?
There were plenty of talking points from another weekend of Premier League action.
Rasmus Hojlund scored twice in the opening seven minutes on Manchester United’s clash with Luton on Sunday. The Red Devils did well to withstand a spirited fightback to hang on for a 2-1 win away from home and a fourth straight Premier League victory.
Meanwhile, Manchester City managed to avoid a first defeat of 2024 after Rodri’s deflected effort salvaged a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.
The midfielder’s 83rd-minute goal extended the defending champions’ unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 games. But the draw at Etihad Stadium saw City lose ground on league leader Liverpool and second-placed Arsenal, both winners earlier.
Ollie Watkins scored twice as Aston Villa held off a late fightback from Fulham to move into the top four of the Premier League with a 2-1 away win on Saturday. The England striker, who had the ball in the net inside two minutes but was offside, scored either side of half-time to take his tally in the league this season to 13 goals.
Who did enough to earn themselves a place in this week’s Power Rankings? Mail Sport rank the 10 best players from the Premier League over the weekend
Nottingham Forest secured their first Premier League win since December – sending them five points clear of the relegation zone as West Ham, who remain winless this year, suffered their third loss in a row.
A late Simon Adingra double capped a 5-0 win for Brighton & Hove Albion at bottom side Sheffield United, who played most of Sunday’s Premier League match with 10 men after Mason Holgate was sent off.
But, who did enough to earn themselves a place in this week’s Power Rankings? Mail Sport rank the 10 best players from the Premier League over the weekend.
10. Pascal Gross (new entry)
Pascal Gross has made his way into this week’s Power Rankings after an impressive performance against Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon.
Gross created eight chances, completed 110 passes, and had a 97.3 per cent passing accuracy during the Premier League clash at Bramall Lane.
As a result, Gross first player on record (from 2003-04) to create that many chances, while also completing 100+ passes with an accuracy of over 90 per cent.
Additionally, Gross has made nine assists in the Premier League this season – which is the outright most by a Brighton player in a single campaign in the competition.
Pascal Gross has made his way into this week’s Power Rankings after an impressive performance against Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon
9. Joao Gomes (new entry)
Another new entry, Joao Gomes. The Wolves midfielder deserves a place in this week’s Power Rankings after scoring two goals to see his side not only beat Spurs but nudge them out of the Premier League’s top four.
During the game on Saturday afternoon, Gomes registered 41 touches and two shots on target before winning seven ground duels and six tackles.
Joao Gomes deserves a place in this week’s Power Rankings after scoring two goals to see his side not only beat Spurs but nudge them out of the Premier League’s top four
8. Callum Hudson-Odoi (new entry)
Nottingham Forest moved five points clear of the Premier League relegation zone after beating West Ham 2-0 on Sunday afternoon. The two goals of the game came from Taiwo Awoniyi and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
As a result, Hudson-Odoi has now scored in three consecutive games.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given was full of praise when he spoke about Hudson-Odoi on Match of the Day.
He said: ‘I think they were very strong down the left side with Nuno Tavares and Callum Hudson-Odoi, they were on fire. Coufal and Bowen couldn’t deal with these guys.
‘They were super fast on the left side. Tavares is a really offensive full-back and he’s got this partnership going with Hudson-Odoi, who looks like he’s really enjoying his football at the moment.
‘He’s back to where Chelsea fans think he should be. They were super positive, on the front foot and getting their shots off.
‘The manager Nuno Espirito Santo deserves credit as well though, he’s telling his players to commit bodies forward.’
Callum Hudson-Odoi has now scored in three consecutive games for Nottingham Forest
7. Mo Salah (new entry)
Liverpool‘s game against Brentford marked the return of Mohamed Salah… although, it remains to be seen how long he will be fit for given the recent concerns over his fitness.
Nevertheless, the Egypt international was back with a bang. He scored and registered an assist during Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Brentford after coming off the bench in the 44th minute.
As a result, he scored and assisted in 30 different Premier League games, only Wayne Rooney (36), Thierry Henry (32) and Alan Shearer (31) have done so more times in the competition’s history.
Salah’s contribution also saw Liverpool land themselves in the record books. They have become just the second team in Premier League history to have two substitutes both score and assist in a single game after Arsenal vs Fulham in October 2018 (Aubameyang & Ramsey).
Liverpool ‘s game against Brentford marked the return of Mohamed Salah… although, it remains to be seen how long he will be fit for given the recent concerns over his fitness
6. Kobbie Mainoo (new entry)
Kobbie Mainoo has been an integral part of Erik ten Hag’s squad after coming into the side and scored his first Premier League goal in a 4-3 win over Wolves earlier this month.
Mainoo made his way into this week’s Power Ranking after excelling for Manchester United on the weekend. He may not have provided the matchwinner on Sunday but the midfielder once again stood out for his poise and ease in possession as the Hatters’ pressed for an equaliser for the majority of the second half.
The 18-year-old starlet completed six dribbles against Luton; the most by a Manchester United player in a Premier League game since Paul Pogba in April 2022 (7 v Norwich).
Mainoo’s total of six was also more than all of his team-mates combined during the game on Sunday afternoon – highlighting his importance to the team going forwards.
Mainoo has also shown he is adaptable and reliable. He played alongside different midfielder partners against the newly-promoted side; beginning the afternoon with veteran Casemiro before the Brazilian was replaced due to fears he could be sent off.
Scott McTominay took up the role after the break, yet, despite the Scot’s eagerness to join attacks, Mainoo remained in control of the centre of the park.
Mainoo has been an integral part of Erik ten Hag’s squad after excelling in recent matches
5. Erling Haaland (down two)
Erling Haaland has dropped two places in this week’s Power Ranking’s after a disappointing performance against Chelsea.
The Manchester City striker missed nine chances when playing against Mauricio Pochettino’s side on Saturday afternoon.
As a result, he became the first City player since Sergio Aguero in 2017 to fail to find the back of the net from that many shots.
The poor return in front of goal saw Haaland’s Expected Goals total jump to it’s highest without scoring, 1.71.
Haaland was furious and pushed the camera away from his face as he stormed off after the full-time whistle.
Erling Haaland has dropped two places in this week’s Power Ranking’s after a disappointing performance against Chelsea
4. Ollie Watkins (new entry)
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery called Ollie Watkins ‘clinical’ and ‘amazing’ after he bagged a brace at Fulham to help his side return to the Premier League’s top four.
Mail Sport couldn’t agree more with Emery’s comments about Watkins and the stats are there to support such an argument.
Watkins has been involved in 23 Premier League goals for Villa this season (13 goals, 10 assists) – a remarkable feat that has only been beaten by Dwight Yorke in 1995-96.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery called Ollie Watkins ‘clinical’ and ‘amazing’ after he bagged a brace at Fulham to help his side return to the Premier League’s top four
3. Rasmus Hojlund (Up six places)
Rasmus Hojlund is more than deserving of a place in the top three for this week’s Power Rankings. At just 21 years and 14 days old, Hojlund became the youngest player ever to score in six successive Premier League appearances, surpassing Joe Willock’s record (21 years and 272 days old).
Hojlund scored twice in Manchester United’s clash with Luton at Kenilworth Road. He found the back of the net for the first time after Amari’i Bell’s error put him through on goal.
Thomas Kaminski narrowed the angle but the striker, full of confidence, simply rounded the goalkeeper and slotted into the ball into the empty net after just 40 seconds of action.
Hojlund extended Manchester United’s lead just six minutes later, deflecting Alejandro Garnacho’s attempted volley home.
As a result, Hojlund scored United’s earliest ever Premier League away goal (37 seconds), and has given them their fastest ever 2-0 lead in an away Premier League game (7th min).
Hojlund became the youngest player ever to score in six successive Premier League outings
2. Declan Rice
There is no denying Rice is on exceptional form. He dominated the midfield during Arsenal’s clash with Burnley and pushed the Gunners forwards, playing several penetrative passes.
So, it comes as no surprise that Rice will be staying put in our Power Rankings. He broken into the line-up last week after excelling against his former side, West Ham.
The England international provided to exquisite deliveries before scoring a stunner to twist the knife into his former side.
Speaking after Arsenal’s victory over West Ham, the Spaniard said: Arteta said: ‘I’m really happy with him (Rice). I know that it was an emotional day for him because he loves West Ham so much.
‘But he had to focus on the task and what he had to deliver. Set-pieces were one of those because when we have certain players on the pitch, he is a better threat outside the box than inside the box.
‘It’s always difficult to come back to your old club. The fans were really good to him (Rice). When he went to take the corner they clapped him, so it’s great to see that kind of reception.
‘He loves this club so much and I know what it meant to him to play today.’
There is no denying Rice is on exceptional form. He dominated the midfield during Arsenal’s clash with Burnley and pushed the Gunners forwards, playing several penetrative passes
1. Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka took top spot last time out after an impressive performance against West Ham.
The England international bagged a brace – the second coming after a trademark mazy shimmy inside before a pinpoint finish.
He was successful with 50 per cent of his dribbles, completed 47 of 51 passes and also won five of his eight ground duels.
Bukayo Saka bagged a brace, with his first goal of the game coming from the penalty spot in the 41st minute
He continued to excel during Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Burnley. He bagged a brace, with his first goal of the game coming from the penalty spot in the 41st minute.
Saka secured his second goal of the game just after the break – latching onto the end of Odegaard’s pass before cutting inside and firing the ball into the top corner.
