Declan Rice (Arsenal): If Declan Rice never scored another goal in his life but managed to lift the title in his first season with Arsenal, I’ve no doubt he would make the sacrifice in a heartbeat. That’s the impression you get when you watch the England international. In every match he plays he seems to put himself on the line for his team.
Even when he doesn’t have a great game, you know he’s given his best. His goal against Bournemouth put Arsenal four points clear at the top of the table for a few hours and sealed a performance that suggests Manchester City are going to have to win all their remaining games to be certain of retaining the title.
However, with Manchester United away and Everton at home still left to play, both those teams have history and they would be more than delighted to ruin the party for Arsenal just for the sheer hell of it.
Harvey Elliott (Liverpool): Whatever happened last week between Mohamed Salah and Jurgen Klopp on the touchline at West Ham seems to have fired the player up somewhat. Salah looked as sharp as a razor and keen to prove a point against a Tottenham team that seem to have lost their way.
At no stage did Spurs look like they were going to get anything out of this match and by the time Harvey Elliott had hit an absolute belter from just outside the box the game was all over. Spurs rallied but it was in vain.
Elliott has had an excellent season and proved he has a future at Anfield. Not bad for a kid who was turned down at Chelsea because he was too small. I’m amazed football clubs in England still think in those terms.
Martin Odegaard (Arsenal): The same team for the third consecutive game suggests Mikel Arteta has got nothing to lose by sticking his big guns in for the remainder. After all, Manchester City are in the driving seat with a game in hand and only one point behind. Arsenal look like they won’t be getting any favours from them.
However, that background noise failed to stop Odegaard from producing another stellar performance against a hard done by Bournemouth side. Odegaard has had an exceptional season and is in my running for the footballer of the year award.
He is a throwback to the days of old when the captain of the team wasn’t just one of the best players but also commanded respect, displayed a maturity, and conducted himself well. The Norway international possesses all of those qualities with loads to spare. A model professional if ever I saw one.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea): I’ve been very reluctant to say this as I don’t want to put any more pressure on the lad than already exists but I think Cole Palmer is the best talent this country has produced since Glenn Hoddle.
Palmer scored his 24th goal of the season like it was a training exercise and plays his game with such ease he never seems stretched. He sees the pass well before anyone else has seen it and then cuts the opposition in half with it.
The ball for Nicolas Jackson, whose mis-control landed at the feet of Conor Gallagher to score, was so good and precise it startled him. He then clipped the most glorious throughball for Mykhailo Mudryk, who squandered the chance but by this time it didn’t matter as the game was well beyond the Hammers.
Manchester City’s Phil Foden is talented but Cole Palmer is gifted. My hope is the England manager makes the most of these players. History suggests the national team has struggled with talent like this in the past.