The Premier League gave us a ton of heroes this weekend. Sky Sports will select the best performers who have produced outstanding moments.
Pickford makes season save in defeat to Newcastle
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Jordan Pickford brilliantly saved Sandro Tonali’s powerful volley in stoppage time.
Jordan Pickford loves a self-indulgent celebration. After making a big save, the camera flashes and the audience roars. In this case, muscle flexing was justified, although not everyone likes it. It was a Newcastle fan’s worst nightmare. The Sunderland-born boy produced a game-changing moment against Everton when he denied a stoppage-time equaliser.
This stop will likely rank as a season saver, or at least be high on the list. Newcastle attempted a total of 10 shots from outside the box and drew four saves from Pickford, but none were as impressive as their 94th minute grandstand finale. Sandro Tonali could not have struck a better attack.
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Pickford also denied Joshua Zirkzee’s comments as Everton won 1-0 at Old Trafford.
England’s No. 1 has a knack for moments like this and can be particularly effective when his team are behind. It reminded me of something else from this season’s highlight reel. For denying Joshua Zirkzee a win against Manchester United in November.
His all-out save at St James’s Park on Saturday was as good as any he’s made in the past. According to him, “I have the best thing ever.”
Next match: Everton vs. Burnley, Tuesday – 7.30pm kick-off
Ekitike benefits from Liverpool’s new set-piece talent
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham
There were concerns surrounding Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike before kick-off against West Ham. The Frenchman did not score a goal in February and appeared to be without his most reliable supply line, Florian Wirths. The German playmaker was also absent at Anfield on Saturday, but Ekitike didn’t need help on that occasion.
It’s no surprise that Ekitike was the main contributor, considering Liverpool scored five goals. However, what was revealed was how the goal was considered despite neither of the forwards, valued at more than £100m, being injured. Seven of Liverpool’s last nine Premier League goals have come from set pieces, three of which came against the Hammers. Ekitike was directly or indirectly involved in all of them.
The advantage of set-pieces was not in Arne Slott’s strategy from the beginning, but he is gradually coming around to the idea. Ekitike’s 6-foot-3 frame and positioning are key to this. His movement in the opener was subtle but deliberate, holding space until Ryan Gravenbirch found him from the second phase of the corner.
Virgil van Dijk nodded in Liverpool’s second goal before Ekitike’s shot at the near post drew two defenders. And the way he buffered the ball to allow Alexis Mac Allister to score the third goal was brilliant. Serving from open play will likely require effort if Wirtz is unavailable, but if this latest evolution in dead-ball expertise holds up, it means it won’t matter as much.
Next match: Wolves vs Liverpool, Tuesday – 8.15pm kick-off
Semenyo eases Haaland’s burden
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Antoine Semenyo scores the winning goal as Man City beat Leeds
It no longer matters that Erling Haaland does not play for Manchester City, they are finding a way to win anyway. Antoine Semenyo is someone who can directly take the burden off Haaland’s overworked shoulders. Only the Norwegian himself (22) and Brentford’s Igor Thiago (18) can surpass Semenyo’s 14 goals for the season.
His six goal contributions so far this year have only been achieved by three different players, none more important than his latest effort to pick up three points at Elland Road. Semenyo will be grateful to the two Rayan players, Ait Nouri and Cherki, for their roles in this game, and he will also applaud his centrality in a game where City lacked space and creative thinking.
Semenyo was hardly bothered by the lack of players, taking just three touches in the opponent’s box throughout the match, but still won as many duels as Rodri (seven). He’ll keep working until he gets his chance, and when he gets his chance, he’ll definitely be there until the end. As a result, Man City’s attempt to corner Arsenal continues.
Next match: Man City vs Nottingham Forest, Wednesday – 7.30pm kick-off
Fernandes’ divine qualities shine again
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace
One player who will contribute more goals than Semenyo in 2026 is Bruno Fernandes. Yes, I will talk about him again. No, this is not a fan page dedicated to Fernandes. But that’s to be expected.
Really, it’s only worth analyzing his late performance in another game where Manchester United were forced to summon their resilience. Michael Carrick’s side have avoided defeat in all five of their Premier League games this year, thanks largely to their captain’s ingenuity.
With a greater sense of freedom under coach Carrick, Fernandes’ free form blossomed. Fernandes pops in and out of games, almost always delivering a divine moment. In the game against Crystal Palace, we were two points behind.
The pass to Mateus Cunha, who drew a foul and earned a penalty, and the cross that set up Benjamin Sesco for the winning goal were actions that only he could have pulled off. Casemiro should have headed Fernandes’ free-kick on target in the first half, but that’s beside the point. It’s not a new or novel concept to point out how important the playmaker is to Carrick’s cause, but Europe’s best chance creator is starting to exceed even his own lofty standards.
Next match: Newcastle vs Man United, Wednesday – 8.15pm kick-off
Raya saves the best until last
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Relive David Raya’s best saves for Arsenal in the Premier League this season.
With Emirates in a corner after a tough battle against Chelsea, it was David Raya who stepped up again. Ever since that turmoil at Wolves, he needed a moment to claim he was the hero of the piece. He scored in stoppage time denying Alejandro Garnacho.
Arsenal made some important saves thanks to their goalkeeper, with four in total, more saves than Roberto Sanchez made at the other end. And this will not be the last time his services will be needed before a campaign built on minimal profits begins.
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David Raya makes a great late save to keep Arsenal ahead against Chelsea
Mikel Arteta said after the match: “My heart almost stopped, but David’s hand was there and brought it back to life.” Arsenal’s challenge for their first title in over 20 years is still without a chance, but I would like to thank Raya, who continues to lead from the front and is our last defender.
Next match: Brighton vs Arsenal, Wednesday – 7.30pm kick-off
