Matchday 13 saw some breathtaking action and edge-of-the-seat stuff as a number of matches saw a plethora of goals, especially late ones which resulted in a couple of classic Premier League encounters. Swansea City vs Crystal Palace stands out in this regard as the topsy-turvy match ended 5-4 in relegation-threatened Swansea’s favour. There was late drama at the King Power also where the Champions grabbed a late equaliser and saved themselves the blushes of losing to newly promoted Middlesbrough at home.
The action-packed matches came to an end with Chelsea leading the pack with Liverpool and City in tow, let us briefly take a look at the standout attackers this week.
FERNANDO LLORENTE (SWANSEA CITY)
There was a fair amount of trepidation when Swansea City ruled out any move for a replacement of their talismanic captain Ashley Williams and instead went on to smash their transfer record twice to sign Fernando Llorente and Borja Baston. The pair failed spectacularly to settle and show any sort of effect on proceeding as Swansea spiralled into the relegation spots. But afforded 25 minutes against the Eagles, the Lion King burst into life and how! He scored twice and set up another goal as he played the most pivotal part in the victory which might shape their season henceforth.
ALVARO NEGREDO (MIDDLESBROUGH)
Another player who has disappointed after an encouraging start. Previously having strutted his stuff with Manchester City, he came in with a lot of fanfare and immediately got on the score-sheet which doubled the expectations. But a dry run followed, which was glossed over due to the collective performance of the team.
Against Leicester, the likes of Traore and Ramirez were expected to lead the attack but it Alvaro Negredo who put his hand up and pushed Leicester almost to a brink of an embarrassing defeat. Two goals away at King Power has restored his confidence and Boro will now be more confident heading into the coming fixtures with the Beast back amongst the goals.
ALEXIS SANCHEZ (ARSENAL)
Arsenal have been fairly consistent over the season but contrary to early assumptions have not looked the finished article yet. There have been matches they have slogged through, while some matches where the usually dependable backline has looked vulnerable and sometimes it was luck which carried them through.
Wenger’s experiment of going with Sanchez as the lone striker, which worked wonders initially slowly started losing its sheen. But just when there were the loudest noises of disapproval, the Chilean came up a match-winning performance and scored a brace and lead his team to an important 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
