Gameweek 19
#3 Standout player: Andre Gray
Match: Burnley vs Sunderland
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Gray continued from where he left off against Boro, notching up an impressive hat-trick in a brilliant performance for the Clarets. It makes him Burnley’s first striker since 1975 to score a top-flight treble since Peter Noble.
His feat saw Burnley rake up 3 crucial points at the Turf Moor and most importantly, stick close to the middle of the league table. His first goal was a result of a well-timed run to take advantage of a botched clearance by John O’Shea.
The second showcased his strength and ability as he shook off Papy Djilobodji, who was clearly trying to impede him by tugging and pulling. His third resulted from a lovely ball by Ashley Barnes that cleared the Sunderland defence; Gray got on the end of it and faced with an empty net, scored to delirious applause from the home fans.
Honourable mentions: Dele Alli (vs Watford), Willian (vs Stoke City), Anthony Martial (vs Middlesbrough), Matt Philips (vs Southampton), Marc Albrighton (vs West Ham)
Gameweek 20
Standout player: Dele Alli
Match: Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea
He may be all of 20 years but is the man of the moment. After a smashing display on New Year’s day against the Hornets away, Dele Alli continued his marauding form and delivered on a big occasion.
With a brace against league leaders, Chelsea – two wonderful headers from sumptuous crosses courtesy of the superb Christian Eriksen – the English youngster announced his arrival in 2017.
The timing of his goals was perfect and the finishes commendable. For his second of the night, there were probably three Chelsea players close to his face but that didn’t deter or discourage the Spurs forward from jumping tallest to head in at the far post, well beyond Courtois.
Honourable mentions: Marcus Rashford (vs West Ham), Ross Barkley (vs Southampton), Gareth McAuley (vs Hull City), Alexis Sanchez (vs Bournemouth)
