Ayoze Perez was amongst the star names included in this edition of WhoScored’s team of the week courtesy of a hat-trick against Southampton at the weekend which sealed all three points for Newcastle.
The striker is in good company, with Eden Hazard, Virgil Van Dijk and Christian Benteke all putting in world-class performances this weekend for their clubs. But it was Perez who scored the highest mark of any player last weekend.
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Here is the team in full and their ratings:
Sergio Rico (8.1) - Fulham
The Spanish shot-stopper kept a second successive clean sheet in a row at the weekend for the first time this season, and with Rico’s loan coming to an end, he’s stated that he wants to potentially return to the Premier League next year.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (7.8) - Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold has been a revelation at full-back for Liverpool since returning from injury, and he helped his side overcome a tricky test at Cardiff to put his side back on top of the pile.
Virgil Van Dijk (8.0) - Liverpool
The Dutch centre-back is integral to Jurgen Klopp’s side’s title hopes and he delivered a stunning performance at the back where he marshalled his defence and kept Liverpool sturdy throughout.
Ben Mee (7.7) - Burnley
Burnley grabbed an ecstatic 2-2 draw at home to Europe-chasing Chelsea on Monday night, and Mee fantastic bicycle kick clearance on the goal-line was one of the highlights of a wonderful game.
Lucas Digne (8.9) - Everton
Bagged an outrageous strike on the half volley against Man United at the weekend and continues to be one of Everton’s shining lights this season with that wand of a left foot.
Ayoze Perez (9.6) - Newcastle
One of Newcastle’s hardest workers on the day and claimed a fantastic hat-trick to gift his side a 3-1 victory over Southampton at St James Park. Fully deserved after three sweet finishes.
Gylfi Sigurdsson (8.8) - Everton
Arguably the architect of the Toffees’ best victory this season, the Icelandic midfielder slotted an absolute beauty into the top corner from range and assisted Walcott for Everton’s fourth goal of the afternoon.
Giorginio Wijnaldum (8.4) - Liverpool
Finding it tricky to break down a stubborn Cardiff side, Wijnaldum tried his luck with a thumping effort from a corner to finally give Liverpool the lead. What an afternoon for the Dutchman.
Eden Hazard (8.1) - Chelsea
Although Chelsea slumped to a 2-2 draw away to Burnley, Hazard was once again the shining light - who, at times, looks to carry his whole team on his back and win games himself.
Christian Benteke (8.6) - Crystal Palace
A fantastic night for the Belgian, who scored his first Premier League goal in 358 days and put one on a plate for his team-mate.
Gerard Deulofeu (8.6) - Watford
The former Everton man didn’t fail to impress - dragging his side to victory with two elegant finishes in Watford’s 2-1 win against Huddersfield.
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