Leicester have done it. Premier League Champions. Who would have thought it?
The fantastic Foxes secured the first top division title of their 132-year history on Monday, turning the footballing world as we know it upside down in what is surely one of the greatest sporting achievements of all time.
A well earned draw at Manchester United left Tottenham needing a win at Stamford Bridge – a feat they haven’t achieved in nearly two decades – to keep their faint title hopes alive.
History repeated itself however and a thrilling 2-2 draw in West London saw a fiery Spurs lose their last hope of a dramatic title comeback and concede Premier League victory to undoubtedly the year’s most outstanding team.
Other games may have gone under the radar amidst Leicester’s historic accomplishment, but there was plenty of excitement elsewhere. Just Football looks at who were the star players from the action in week 36…
Leicester City
Consistently doubted, but routinely excellent, Claudio Ranieri’s side deserve every accolade that has and will come their way this year – and their Premier League trophy.
Although there have been many outstanding individual performers this season for Leicester in Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and more, it is hard to name a player in their squad who hasn’t been magnificent this season.
Even with only 27 starting XI changes all year, every player in that now iconic 23-man squad has played their part. The Foxes have won the title not only because they have had the best performing players throughout, but more importantly because they have been the best team.
Leicester City. Champions of England. pic.twitter.com/WRwfysTn2N
— Leicester City (@LCFC) May 2, 2016
SEE ALSO: Twitter melts down in disbelief and amazement as Leicester City crowned Premier League champions
Eden Hazard, Chelsea
Last year’s PFA Player of the Year looked somewhat like his old self this weekend. Eden Hazard came on as a half time substitute with his side trailing Tottenham 2-0, and proceeded to do what he does best.
The 25-year-old was too much to handle for Spurs’ midfield during the second half, getting in behind both Eric Dier and Moussa Dembele on multiple occasions.
After Gary Cahill drew one back for the Blues, the stage was set for Hazard, who didn’t disappoint, firing in a superb goal after his jiving run through the heart of the midfield and quick 1-2 with frontman Diego Costa.
The former Lille man scored the goal that won his side the Premier League title last season, and in a strange twist of fate scored the goal that won Leicester City the title this time around. You couldn’t make it up.
Genuinely believe Hazard's goal is the goal of the season. The build up play, combination & finish. Just sublime! pic.twitter.com/hzX3fEndXg
— Whitehouse Address (@The_W_Address) May 3, 2016
Sadio Mane, Southampton
What a performance from this man. Sadio Mane’s Southampton side thumped a weakened Manchester City side 4-2 on Sunday.
Five shots, four on target and three goals from the Senegalese international took his total for the season to 13, and leaves Ronald Koeman and Co. very much in the fight for European football.
Sadio Mane, Man of the match
72 touches
11.27km covered
80 sprints
5 shots
2nd hat-trick for @SouthamptonFC pic.twitter.com/xiD1Ky4aN6— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) May 1, 2016
Even without his hat-trick, Mane would arguably still be making this list. The former Salzburg forward caused City problems down the right flank all afternoon, and had more touches than any other Southampton player.
Mane surprisingly made more tackles than any of his teammates during the victory – eight in total – in what was both a feisty and clinical performance from the St. Marys’ fan favourite.
SEE ALSO: EXCLUSIVE – Southampton captain: “I spoke to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain about Saints return”
Andre Ayew, Swansea City
According to the Daily Mail Andre Ayew offered his services to Liverpool free of charge this summer, in an attempt to fulfil a boyhood dream of playing at Anfield. Instead, the free agent signed for Swansea this year, and the former Marseille man has had a good first season in English football.
One of the Swans stand-out performers in what’s been a difficult year, the Ghanaian was at it again and scored twice to help secure his side a shock 3-1 victory over an in-form Liverpool.
An albeit scruffy brace put Ayew in double figures for the season and mathematically secured Francesco Guidolin’s side their sixth successive season in the Premier League.
How different the result might have been had Liverpool taken up Ayew’s offer of wage-free football until January.
Karl Darlow, Newcastle United
From Newcastle United’s goalkeeper crisis has emerged young Northamptonshire-born stopper Karl Darlow, and the former Aston Villa youth player was certainly the hero on Saturday.
In what was only his eighth appearance for the club after signing from Nottingham Forest in 2014, Darlow stepped up and produced a fine performance in the 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, producing a moment of magic to deny former Toon Yohan Cabaye from the penalty spot in the 70th minute.
The win drags Newcastle out of the bottom three and edges Rafa Benitez’s side one step closer to safety as they continue to fight against relegation.
With first and second choice keepers Tim Krul and Rob Elliott still injured, the 25-year-old Englishman may be an unlikely hero for the Magpies come the end of the season.
Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow: “When [your chance comes] you have to make sure you’re ready to go." pic.twitter.com/6d38tFl1Iv
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 30, 2016
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The post Eden Hazard, Sadio Mane, Leicester… Names of the Premier League, week 36 appeared first on Just Football.