It was the first midweek matchday in the Premier League this season and it was quite an entertainer. We saw as many as 21 goals being scored on Tuesday and Wednesday. A lot of players impressed while many flattered to deceive. Here are the top five of the midweek.
Keeper- Tom Heaton
The 30-year-old is in the form of his life right now. He has certainly been the best keeper in the Premier League this season and this midweek, he once again stole the show. Even though Burnley lost 1-0 to West Ham United in the battle of the Clarets and the Blues, Heaton tried his best to save Sean Dyche’s side.
He denied Mark Noble from the spot but eventually was beaten by the rebound. Apart from that, the English international made as many as six saves throughout the game.
Defender- Pablo Zabaleta
Manchester City have struggled defensively this season and were on the back of a 4-2 loss against Leicester City before their game against Watford at Etihad on Wednesday. Manchester City badly needed a strong defensive showing and Watford are a strong team when it comes to attacking.
Pablo Zabaleta had a brilliant game against Watford as his team kept a clean sheet and he opened the scoring for the Sky Blues. Pep’s side went on to win the game 2-0 and Zabaleta was the stellar performer for them in defence.
Midfielder- Adam Lallana
We saw a flawless performance from Liverpool’s Adam Lallana in the midweek as the Reds won 3-0 against a resolute Middlesbrough team. The former Southampton skipper opened the scoring and finished the scoring as well as setting up another goal.
He was all around the pitch with his energy and pressing and stole the show. Liverpool needed the win badly after losing five points in their last two games and Lallana was a pivotal player in that.
Striker- Jose Salomon Rondon
What a game Rondon had on Wednesday night against Swansea City as Tony Pulis’ side kept up their impressive season. The Venezuela international was brilliant and decisive against the Swans and scored all three goals. The 27-year-old won as many as 5 aerial duels and had four shots on target. His link up play was also impressive.
Manager- Jürgen Klopp
The best manager of the midweek has to be Klopp. He showed how good his man-management is when he dropped the errant Karius for Mignolet but still defended the German in the press conference.
Boro have proved to be a menace for the big clubs this season and their games are based on solid defending but Klopp changed his tactics to break down Karanka’s defence time and time again. Liverpool won the game 3-0 but it could have easily been much worse for the Teessiders.
