Match day 24 saw things heating up at the top of the table as well as towards the end. Sunderland’s win over Palace saw them move closer to the rest of the teams. Although they are still bottom, the 4-0 away win at Selhurst Park will be a major statement to their fellow relegation strugglers. Leicester City are looking increasingly like they will be involved in a relegation dogfight after another dismal and heartless display saw them lose 0-3 to Manchester United at home. City went up to the 3rd spot leapfrogging Arsenal and Liverpool while Chelsea extended their lead at the top to 9 points.
With the Premier League now heading towards a crucial phase, players need to buckle up even more. Let us take a look at three defenders who put in impressive displays for their respective teams.
LAMINE KONE (SUNDERLAND)
It was looking all doom and gloom for Sunderland with doubts over whether David Moyes could string together a first 11 which could pose some sort of a challenge for their Premier League opponents. But it was a spellbinding first half which blew Crystal Palace away with a 4-goal burst.
Lamine Kone opened the scoring with a determined effort in the box after his header was parried away initially. His return from the AFCON has given them a boost and his availability is going to be crucial for the rest of the season. Their defence is lacking in personnel and quality and he makes up for quite a bit of that.
ANDREA RANOCCHIA (HULL CITY)
The Italian defensive enforcer jumped straight into the action with Liverpool the 2nd team he was facing after a match at Old Trafford. The 25-minute run-out served him well as he braced himself for a Liverpool onslaught. He played a vital role in the unexpected and potentially season-changing 2-0 win over Liverpool and will now be the undisputed leader of the Hull defence from here on in.
He made 1 interception, blocked 2 shots and made 16 clearances. His experience and undoubted quality will come into play and he has to make sure that he remains focused and invested in Hull’s fight till the end of the season.
MARCOS ALONSO (CHELSEA)
The former Bolton man has settled in beautifully at the Stamford Bridge and is an integral part of their set-up now. He was known for his defensive attributes but in recent weeks he has ramped up his attacking side of things and was on hand again to fire Chelsea into the lead against the Gunners. The goal was talked about due to the clash with Hector Bellerin but it also showed the left wingback’s willingness to commit himself to the cause of the team.
