Matchday 22 saw Chelsea strengthen their hold on the top spot and with Liverpool’s loss against Swansea City and Tottenham’s draw at Etihad, the Blues are 8 points clear at the top.
Chelsea have been scintillating for most parts but there is a feeling that they will drop points this season. But the travesty is that the rest of the challengers will drop even more. The clinching factor at the end of the season will be the consistency and not just talent.
Amongst the highlights, Manchester City being absolutely slain by the refereeing standard stood out while Stoke City’s 2nd 1-1 draw against Manchester United saw the Red Devils stuck in the 6th spot. Liverpool’s shock home loss against relegation contenders Swansea City laid bare their fragile insides which the glossy attacking outfit has always covered up.
Let us take a look at the top player in each position this week.
LEE GRANT
The Stoke City custodian stood up once again and after his heroics at Old Trafford had put him on the proverbial map, he came up another stellar display and although he was beaten in the last minute by a record-breaking Rooney free-kick, his 7 saves ensured another invaluable point for the Potters. Showing the actual influence of having a goalkeeper who can save shots. Shoutout to a team in the top 5.
GARY CAHILL
He was the other part of a sickening and unfortunate clash with Ryan Mason. The Hull City midfielder had to be hospitalised and subsequently underwent an operation for a fractured skull. Cahill, however, carried on and was immense in defence. He even scored a goal at the end to ease a few nerves. Top display from the former Bolton man.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE
The Belgian has not performed anywhere the levels we know he can for a couple of months now. His passing radar hasn’t been at the best and he has surprisingly looked shorn of confidence in the final third which his actually his forte. But he was almost back to his best against Tottenham Hotspur.
Running the show along with David Silva from midfield, his through balls and crosses were precise and telling and although he was still circumspect in front of the goal, a stroke of good fortune got him a goal as well.
FERNANDO LLORENTE
Swansea City have struggled this season but for Llorente on a personal level, England hasn’t been the worst. He took time to settle but he is the in-form striker now and has even been linked to the likes of Chelsea. He scored an invaluable brace at Anfield and the win which followed might have huge repercussions at the bottom of the table.
