As the Premier League reached game week 11 the talking points showed no signs in slowing down, with dramatic late goals, red cards and of course non-stop VAR controversy.
Here’s who stood out in the Premier League during matchday 11…
Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
For 86 minutes of the game it looked as though Liverpool were not only going to drop points against newly-promoted Aston Villa but in fact lose, thanks to Trezeguet’s 21st minute strike for the hosts. However, this Liverpool side never know when they’re beaten and produced a remarkable comeback to steal the three points.
The catalyst for Liverpool’s fightback came through one of the most in form players in the league right now in Sadio Mane. The Senegalese international produced a superb flighted ball on his weaker foot to the back post for Andy Robertson to equalise in the 87th minute. Mane and his teammates weren’t done there though and in injury time he stooped to head a corner at the near post into the far corner to clinch the three points for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Mane may have been the main talking point after the game due to Pep Guardiola’s comments about his ‘diving’, but his ability on the pitch is one of the main reasons that Liverpool remain top of the table with an unbeaten record so far this season.
94th minute.
Sadio Mane.
Dramatic winner.? HUGE GOAL ? pic.twitter.com/GzGy3WblBq
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 2, 2019
Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle United)
Newcastle United provided the surprise result of the weekend as they recorded a 3-2 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium.
If you asked anyone before the weekend’s games few would’ve predicted that the highest scoring encounter would involve a Newcastle side who had only scored six goals coming into the game. In truth Newcastle could and probably should have been further ahead than just the three goals before West Ham attempted a late fightback.
Steve Bruce described the first half performance as the best he has seen his side play since his appointment, and it is clear to see why. Newcastle’s pace on the counter attack gave West Ham’s defence major problems with the tricky Allan Saint-Maximin catching the eye with several break away runs which should have seen him open his account for the Magpies.
Saint-Maximin is a new signing at Newcastle and has taken his time to make his way into the side due to injury problems. Now he is clear of injury he looks a real threat and can carry the ball at pace. His trickery caused Pablo Zabaleta issues throughout the match.
John Lundstram (Sheffield United)
Sheffield United continued their impressive return to top flight football with a comfortable 3-0 win over Burnley at Bramall Lane.
The star of the show for Sheffield United was midfielder John Lundstram who grabbed a double to please not only his manager Chris Wilder but also the 39% of managers who have him in their Fantasy Premier League team.
Lundstram showed great goalscoring instincts arriving at the right time in the box to slot home in the 17th minute to open the scoring. He then grabbed his and Sheffield United’s second in 43rd minute, arriving at the back post after a cross was initially flicked on by Lys Mousset. John Fleck then completed the scoring with a low drive before half time.
Many people would have had Sheffield United as certainties to go down before the season, but they have surprised everyone with not only their results but also the quality of their football. Wilder deserves immense credit and their performances has seen his side rise to 6th in the league.
SEE ALSO: Chris Wilder ‘one of the best young managers in England’
Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Like Liverpool it seemed as though Manchester City were heading to defeat until a late fightback saw them take all three points against a battling Southampton side.
City were dominant throughout the game but found themselves behind after James Ward Prowse reacted quickest to an Ederson fumble in the 13th minute.
City may have finished the game with 75% possession and 26 attempts, but they were struggling to test Alex McCarthy in the Southampton goal. That was until the 70th minute when Kyle Walker composed himself and struck a low cross into the Southampton box which was diverted into the net by Sergio Aguero who equalised with their first shot on target.
Walker wasn’t done there and found himself the unlikeliest of heroes when Angelino’s cross was not cleared. Walker was the player who gambled and was there to fire home the loose ball to win the game for the reigning champions in the 86th minute.
Both Liverpool and City grabbing late wins makes next week’s match between the two even more important – with City able to close the gap to just three points with a win at Anfield. Betway Football make champions Manchester City very marginal favourites to win the game.
Had to dig deep to turn that around. You owe me some assists @aguerosergiokun, killing my top scorer chances! ? pic.twitter.com/oWZzIZ2eMn
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) November 2, 2019
It was a bad week for…
Unai Emery (Arsenal)
After seeing his side draw at home to Crystal Palace and then exit the Carabao Cup on penalties to Liverpool, what Unai Emery needed was for his Arsenal side to win at home to Wolves to ease the ever-increasing pressure on his position.
Emery though saw his side once again fail to hold onto a lead with a 1-1 draw the eventual result at the Emirates. Wolves were also the side who had the most shots on goal with the visitors recording 24 attempts, over double the amount of Arsenal.
Emery had to eat humble pie as he restored Mesut Ozil to the side but was again criticised for his substitutions which saw club record signing Nicolas Pepe remain on the bench despite the game being level.
? "When you have the opportunity, you need to take it. We didn't."@UnaiEmery_ reflects on #ARSWOL ?
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 2, 2019
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The post John Lundstram, Sadio Mane, Emery… Names of the Premier League, week 11 appeared first on Just Football.