dHousework returns with a vengeance this weekend while Manchester City hosts Arsenal in what could prove to be a decisive clash in the Premier League title race. Just a point separates the two at the top of the table and, with Liverpool playing Brighton earlier on Sunday, neither team can afford to drop points at the Etihad.
Ahead of this weekend's big games, WhoScored has taken a look at the players who have shined in recent weeks. To qualify, players must have participated in two of their team's last three games and six of the last eight. Ratings are also weighted chronologically, with recency bias coming into effect.
10) Bruno Fernandez, Manchester United
While Manchester United have not been in great form in recent weeks, losing two of their last three league games, Fernandes has been doing everything he can to help his team in the final third. The United captain has scored one goal and provided two assists in his last six games. The latter figure should be higher, however, as Fernandes made 23 of United's 75 key passes (30.7%) in that time. Classification: 7.52
9) Phil Foden, Manchester City
Foden is enjoying his best season to date and the hope is that he can continue his excellent campaign when City host Arsenal. Foden has scored three goals in his last three games, including a brace. in the Manchester derbybut below average viewing on the 1-1 draw with Liverpool Last time out, his third-lowest rating of the season, it affected his form rating. Classification: 7.60
8) Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal
The first of five Arsenal players to be in the top 10. Martinelli has directly contributed to 10 goals in the league this season, but four of them have come in his last six games. The winger has scored two goals in that streak, including a decisive goal in the 3-1 victory over Liverpool, and the best of the campaign came in their last game when Arsenal defeated Sheffield United. He scored the winning goal in the home win over Manchester City in October and fans will be hoping for a repeat of that this weekend. Classification: 7.61
7) Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool
Mac Allister has been excellent in recent weeks for Liverpool, taking his opportunity to move forward and play with more freedom. The Argentine did not disappoint in the contender's role, but Wataru Endo's emergence as a key man in Liverpool's midfield has helped the World Cup winner thrive. Mac Allister has been directly involved in a goal in each of his last four league games, scoring two and providing three assists, to justify Jürgen Klopp's decision to encourage the former Brighton striker. Classification: 7.66
6) Cole Palmer, Chelsea
Palmer's move from city of manchester It came as a surprise, but he has proven to be an impressive signing for Chelsea. It was a rare win for the club given their transfer deals since Todd Boehly took over at Stamford Bridge. Palmer has been directly involved in six goals in his last six league games, assisting four times in that run, which included a winning display in the recent 3-2 win over Newcastle. Classification: 7.67
5) Rodrigo Muñiz, Fulham
Muñiz has taken advantage of Raúl Jiménez's absence at Fulham, scoring his sixth and seventh league goals of the season in the 3-0 win over Tottenham before the international break. The Brazilian has scored six goals in his last six league games, with his performance against Spurs being the highest-rated in the league this season. Classification: 7.70
4) Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal
The first four positions in the form ranking are occupied by all Arsenal players. The Norwegian, like many of his teammates, returned from winter break with great success, with two of his six goals and three of his six assists in his last five games. Ødegaard's three best performances of the campaign came in that same period. Classification: 7.92
3) Bukayo Saka, Arsenal
Saka has been in sensational form in 2024. The Arsenal winger has been directly involved in a goal in all but one of their last six league games, only failing to score or assist in the 2-1 win over Brentford at early this month. Three of his four highest-rated appearances in the league this season have come in his last five appearances, as he has shone in comfortable victories over West Ham, Newcastle and Burnley. Classification: 8.01
2) Kai Havertz, Arsenal
While many mocked Arsenal's decision to spend big money on Havertz this summer, the German is shining in Mikel Arteta's team. He may have joined to replace the outgoing Granit Xhaka in midfield, but Havertz has been exceptional in leading the team's charge, having scored in each of their last four league games. Two additional assists in that period have propelled the 24-year-old into second place in our rankings. Classification: 8.07
1) Declan Rice, Arsenal
Rice has proven to be a revolutionary addition to Arsenal's midfield, both on and off the ball, and is getting better and better. Of the 11 goals Rice has scored or assisted this season, six have come in his last five appearances, including a goal and two assists in the emphatic victory at his former club, West Ham, last month. The 25-year-old also contributed 12 combined tackles and interceptions, and 12 key passes. Not only is he in good shape for his club, but he will go to City on Sunday having captained his country. Classification: 8.15
