In case you needed further proof, Gameweek 20 was on hand to prove that there’s nothing wrong with the Premier League.
After title contenders Arsenal and Chelsea dropped points away from home on Saturday, the world projected a Liverpool massacre when they host a slumping Manchester United side, potentially the worst of the Premier League era League, at Anfield on Super Sunday.
However, Ruben Amorim’s side provided more than mere competition on Merseyside. Their sharp improvement perhaps caught the league leaders off guard as they pestered, harassed and tortured Trent Alexander-Arnold in a more than just 2-2 draw.
The opening Premier League The 2025 weekend did not disappoint, with outstanding performances across the division. Here are six of the best.
Jimenez was quick to dismiss the importance of a point after the game, but the Cottagers should succumbed at home to relegation-threatened Ipswich Town if it wasn’t for him.
The hosts had been frustrated by stubborn Ipswich blocking and some questionable refereeing but found a route back into the contest when Harry Wilson was cut down in the box by Sam Morsy. Jiménez converted from the spot with aplomb.
Ipswich’s immediate response meant Fulham headed into the final stages staring defeat in the face, but Jimenez was on hand to rescue a draw. The forward outwitted Leif Davis to win another penalty, and his second shot was delivered with even more conviction.
The Mexican has now taken ten Premier League penalties without missing, the third best perfect record in the competition’s history.
Manchester CityProlonged malaise at the end of 2024 has seen Haaland’s once-stunning FPL ownership drop to 30.4%, with managers turning to midfielder Mohamed Salah as their most prized asset .
However, with Haaland back among the targets and City threatening a resurgence, there’s no doubt a couple of people will reconsider bringing the Nordic machine back.
After finding the net at Leicester, Haaland scored his first Premier League double since September City beat West Ham 4-1. As is usually the case, Haaland’s performance was defined by the quality of his finishes.
The big striker headed home with aplomb from a wicked cross to double the Cityzens’ lead in the first half before curling a trademark effort over Alphonse Areola for his second, a sequence that came off his record campaign 2022/23.
Liverpool Man Utd were caught off guard on Sunday, with the Red Devils benefiting from a six-day break between games. A midfield pivot change and a concerted effort by United’s centre-backs to meet Liverpool’s midfielders between the lines meant that the Reds’ excellent engine room did not have it all their own way.
Arne Slot’s side never seemed to be in full control of the game, even when they dominated territory in the first half and took the lead in the second. A lot of players couldn’t find their peak, but Mac Allister performed at the level we expect from him.
The Argentine provided composure amid the chaos, with his subtle brilliance on the ball manifesting itself through sharp first-time passing to change the dynamics of Liverpool’s attacks and open up United’s stubborn defensive structure. His metronomic work on the ball was complemented by astute interpretation of space and relentless effort out of possession.
He enjoyed the battle with fellow South American Manuel Ugarte in the middle of the park.
While capable of carrying the ball devilishly and certainly a canny operator in the box, Haaland is not a forward who creates openings for himself. Like many all-time greats, the Norwegian hitman is only as good as his serve.
against West Ham on Saturday, Haaland was the beneficiary of an outstanding performance from Savinho.
The Brazilian has been used primarily in an inverted role on the right at the start of his City career, but Pep Guardiola has opted to change course and deploy Savinho on his “natural” flank for the last two games. The winger shone on the left for Girona last season, and Guardiola’s switch is bringing out the best in the 20-year-old.
After tying Vladimir Coufal in knots and mis-crossing for Haaland to head home, Savinho scored the Norwegian’s second goal after receiving possession upfield on the halfway line. The Brazilian’s looping pass from behind was accurate, allowing his striker to finish.
The winger has only offered flashes in sky blue so far, but this was arguably his best performance on English shores to date.
Bruno Fernandes was penalized unitedDisorganized display against Newcastle and initially struggled to find his rhythm when he returned to the starting XI on Sunday.
The Red Devils captain was used as a key enabler in United’s front line, playing an important role in ensuring the visitors were constantly getting in behind down the left. However, there was some hesitation as he entered the final third, a frustrating aspect of his performance that dissipated after he set up Lisandro MartÃnez’s opener with a beautiful reverse pass.
After that, Fernandes was in total command. Amid the chaos, the United playmaker operated at his own pace and dictated proceedings alongside Mac Allister.
The Portuguese star hasn’t always turned up for the big occasion for the Red Devils of late, but this was a monstrous performance in the toughest of environments, especially in the second half. No Man Utd player has created more chances in a Premier League departure at Anfield than Fernandes’ four since 2003/04.
Bryan Mbeumo’s evolution from Robin to Batman at Brentford has seen the Frenchman enjoy a career year on the goalscoring front in 2024/25.
The Bees have been hit by a terrible traveling record this term, but Mbeumo and strike partner Yoane Wissa were on hand to ensure Thomas Frank’s side secured their first Premier League win League on their travels to Southampton.
Brentford rioted on the south coast thanks to another productive display from Mbeumo. The versatile striker created five chances and was rewarded with a late assist after scoring two goals himself to take his league tally for the season to 13.
The streets will be talking about this Mbeumo x Wissa partnership for years to come.
