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Matchday 22 of the Premier League season produced its fair share of drama and standout results, as Liverpool continued their unbeaten start to the 2019-20 season. The Reds registered a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur and in doing so, became the first team in the history of Europe's top five leagues to register 20 wins out of 21 to start a league season.
Manchester City, on the other hand, put 6 past a hapless Aston Villa side as Dean Smith's side slipped into the relegation zone. In stark contrast, Watford continued their recent resurgence under Nigel Pearson as they moved out of the drop zone at the expense of Bournemouth, who are in danger of dropping down to the Championship after a series of underwhelming results.
That said, here are 5 standout performers from the Premier League weekend.
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#5 Gini Wijnaldum
As Liverpool took another step towards their coronation at the end of the season, Gini Wijnaldum was in the thick of the action as he produced a commanding display in the centre of the park. The Dutchman, who has developed a reputation of popping up with key moments in big games, was at his brilliant best as he controlled the midfield with his guile and tenacity on the ball.
Known for his work rate, strength, ability to retain the ball and wriggle his way out of tight situations with relative ease, Wijnaldum ran the Spurs midfield ragged as he produced a Man of the Match display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The experienced midfielder is one of the first names on Jurgen Klopp's team sheet when fit and proved his importance to his side once again, as he produced an assured performance against a fellow top-six side.
Wijnaldum completed 100% of his dribbles with a pass completion rate of 93% and topped the charts for most successful ball recoveries (12) and take ons (5) to cap off a stunning showing for the reigning European champions.
#4 Riyad Mahrez
Starting in place of Raheem Sterling, who was rested for the trip to Villa Park, Riyad Mahrez produced a stunning display away from home as he capped off a fine performance with 2 goals and an assist to his name. The Algerian international completed 100% of his dribbles and had a pass success rate of 90%, as he combined with Sergio Aguero to devastating effect.
Manchester City dominated proceedings right from the get-go with Mahrez in the thick of the action, as he scored twice in the opening exchanges of the game to put the reigning champions on their way to a big victory. While Aguero stole the spotlight with his record-breaking hattrick, the former Leicester man was at the top of his game, as the Cityzens registered yet another victory in the Premier League.
#3 Abdoulaye Doucoure
After an underwhelming start to the season that saw them rooted to the foot of the Premier League standings, Watford have undergone a renaissance of sorts under new manager Nigel Pearson, as the Hornets have climbed out of the relegation zone against all odds.
In what was viewed as a relegation six-pointer at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth were put to the sword by the away side, as Watford registered a stunning 3-0 victory, with Abdoulaye Doucoure in the thick of the action. The dynamic midfielder has been one of the standout players under Pearson and enhanced his reputation further with an industrious performance in the centre of the park, as he registered a goal and an assist.
With an 80% pass success rate, Doucoure also completed 75% of his tackles and aerial duels as he contributed to both phases of play to devastating effect. Doucoure is one of Watford's prized assets and his form will be crucial if Watford are to extend their stay in the Premier League.
#2 Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has been Manchester United's talisman this season and the Englishman was at the top of his game once again, as the Red Devils put 4 goals past a hapless Norwich City side at Old Trafford. The 22-year-old, making his 200th appearance for the club, marked the occasion with goals either side of half time as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side returned to winning ways after two deflating defeats against Arsenal and Manchester City.
Rashford took his tally up to 18 goals in all competitions this season, with 14 of those coming in the Premier League and he is currently the joint second highest goal scorer in England, only behind compatriot Jamie Vardy. The youngster has been one of the bright sparks in an otherwise underwhelming season for the record English champions and his form will be crucial, if the club are to secure UEFA Champions League football for next season.
#1 Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero made headlines once again, as his stunning hattrick propelled Manchester City to a stunning 6-1 victory against Aston Villa. The Argentinian striker made Premier League history, as he became the first player in top-flight history 12 hattricks.
Starting alongside Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva, Aguero moved ahead of Thierry Henry in the all-time Premier League goalscorers chart by virtue of his treble and is currently the joint fourth-highest goalscorer in the history of the competition, alongside Frank Lampard. The veteran striker, now in the twilight years of his career, has aged like fine wine and is going strong at the age of 32, a startling example of his quality and eye for goal.
With Raheem Sterling on the bench, the onus was on the Argentine to deliver and he did so in some style, as Aston Villa dropped into the relegation zone. Aguero is currently the highest scoring overseas player in Premier League history with 177 goals and it remains to be seen if he adds to his tally between now and the end of the season to usurp Andy Cole, who has 187 league goals to his name.
