Premier League Awards – Highlighting the Best and the Worst
Each week, we take a closer look at the Premier League’s most notable performances, celebrating the exceptional and sometimes questioning the less stellar. This week, we honor Crystal Palace’s returning conductor Adam Wharton and Justin Kluivert’s spectacular goal, while also acknowledging the managerial brilliance of Oliver Glasner and the heroic efforts of Aaron Ramsdale. Let’s dive into the details.
Player of the Week: Adam Wharton – Back like He’s Never Been Away
Adam Wharton made a triumphant return to the Crystal Palace lineup, starting his first league match since October. The 21-year-old midfielder was the standout performer in Crystal Palace’s 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa at Selhurst Park. Wharton’s performance was nothing short of a masterclass, playing a crucial role in the first three goals of the match. Aston Villa simply couldn’t keep up with Wharton’s ability to find space, read the game, and distribute the ball intelligently. His presence on the field was a clear reminder of why Palace is eager to retain such a talented young player. As Thomas Tuchel prepares his first England squad in March, it wouldn’t be surprising if he takes a keen interest in Wharton’s continued rise.
Goal of the Week: Justin Kluivert’s Golazo
Despite Bournemouth’s tough night at Brighton, Justin Kluivert’s equalizer at The Amex will be etched in the memory of the traveling fans. The Dutch forward’s 12th goal of the Premier League campaign was a stunning long-range blast that left the Brighton defense and goalkeeper helpless. After a nomadic early career that saw him move between clubs, Kluivert has found a comfortable home on the south coast. His form this season is certainly turning heads, and a call-up to the Netherlands national team seems inevitable as the month progresses.
Manager of the Week: Oliver Glasner’s Turnaround
Crystal Palace’s start to the season was marked by a staggering eight-game winless run, which raised many eyebrows and prompted concerns about their future. However, under the guidance of Oliver Glasner, the Eagles have turned their fortunes around and are now comfortably clear of relegation trouble. Their recent 4-1 victory over Aston Villa is just the latest highlight in an impressive run of five wins in seven league games. Glasner’s tactical acumen and ability to galvanize his team have been nothing short of sensational. Despite losing key players like Olise and Andersen during the summer, and with Wharton missing for most of the season, Glasner has managed to keep the team’s spirits high and performance consistent. A win against Ipswich followed by another against Southampton could see Palace slotting into the European qualification race, a testament to the manager’s ongoing success.
Save of the Week: Aaron Ramsdale’s Heroics
When Aaron Ramsdale moved from Arsenal to Southampton last summer, he likely expected a challenging season. But even he might not have anticipated how busy he would be. The Saints suffered a 4-0 defeat at Chelsea in midweek and have conceded an alarming 65 goals so far. Despite these setbacks, Ramsdale’s incredible save from Cole Palmer was a standout moment. It wasn’t the first time Ramsdale has made a crucial intervention to prevent a scoreline from becoming even more embarrassing. His performance highlights the resilience and skill required to succeed in the Premier League, even when the odds are stacked against him.
Quote of the Week: Brutal Honesty from Nuno Espirito Santo
Nottingham Forest’s boss, Nuno Espirito Santo, wasn’t shy about his thoughts following their match against Arsenal. Martin Keown’s question about Forest’s decision not to use three center-backs against a strikerless Arsenal was met with a blunt and honest response from Santo. While the statement might sting Arsenal fans, it underscores Santo’s determination to stick to his game plan and his confidence in his team’s ability to execute it. The match, which saw Arsenal’s title dreams falter, provided a moment of reflection and a dose of reality for both sides.
Stat of the Week: Erling Haaland’s Remarkable Consistency
Erling Haaland continues to astound with his incredible goal-scoring form. According to OptaJoe, the Manchester City striker is only the second player in Premier League history to score 20+ goals in each of his first three seasons, joining the exclusive club of Ruud van Nistelrooy. Haaland’s achievement puts him in the same conversation as some of the league’s greatest strikers, including Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Sergio Aguero, and Mohamed Salah. His consistency and efficiency are a testament to his skill and the impact he has had on the Premier League since his arrival. Haaland’s performance is a reminder of why he is considered one of the most lethal forwards in the world today.
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