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The fifth gameweek of the 2021-22 English Premier League campaign had plenty of excitement in store. There were some exceptional performances by world-class individuals and interesting results that very few saw coming.
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea locked horns at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, with the visitors registering a convincing 3-0 win. Liverpool cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win against Crystal Palace, but defending champions Manchester City were held to a goalless draw at home by a struggling Southampton side.
As always, some players were a bit more impressive than others, and today, we will take a quick look at them. Now, without further ado, let us check out the five best performers of the fifth matchday of the 2021-22 English Premier League.
#5 Martin Odegaard - Arsenal
On matchday four, Arsenal registered their first win of the 2021-22 English Premier League campaign, thanks to a timely Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang strike. They recorded the same 1-0 scoreline against Burney last weekend, only this time it was Martin Odegaard who came to the Gunners’ rescue.
The former Real Madrid midfielder has been a spark of excellence in this often-dull Arsenal side. Operating down the middle of the pitch, Odegaard has a knack for picking out the right passes for his teammates. On Saturday, though, he took matters into his own hands and scored the only goal of the match from a free-kick.
Arsenal were awarded the free-kick just before the 30-minute mark. The Norway international stood over the ball and curled it into the top-right corner. The ball curled away from Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope and nestled into the back of the net. Apart from the free-kick, Odegaard also completed the most passes (52) in the match.
#4 James Milner - Liverpool
Naturally a central midfielder, James Milner has always been up for any role his coach deems fit for him. He started at right-back on Saturday against Crystal Palace and somehow emerged as Liverpool’s best player on the pitch.
Not only was Milner a rock at the back for Liverpool, but he also darted forward whenever the Reds needed him to. He completed the most passes (62) in the match and also made the highest number of interceptions (3) for the Anfield outfit.
Most of his long balls (3) were accurate, his positioning immaculate, and he even provided a key pass for his team. Jurgen Klopp’s trust in the 35-year-old paid dividends on Saturday and the Liverpool faithful expect plenty more from him over the Premier League campaign.
#3 Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace in his Premier League re-debut on matchday four against Newcastle United. He once again found the back of the net when Manchester United paid West Ham United a visit on Sunday afternoon. Ronaldo was full of ideas and intentions in London and opened the scoring for United 10 minutes before half-time.
Ronaldo's world-class off-the-ball movement took him past the opposition defenders, allowing him to convert from his countryman Bruno Fernandes’ cross. He came close to doubling his tally early in the second half, but Hammers custodian Lukasz Fabianski was up to the task at the time.
His goal at West Ham extended his scoring streak to three games in all competitions since joining the Red Devils from Juventus in the summer.
Ronaldo’s combination with Fernandes has become a thing of beauty in the Premier League. Expect the two Portugal internationals to headline United’s attack over the course of the 2021-22 campaign.
#2 Thiago Silva - Chelsea
Champions League holders Chelsea have become a force to be reckoned with in England and Europe. The Premier League leaders have grown strength to strength in almost every division over the last couple of seasons, posing serious trouble for others. On Sunday, Chelsea once again flexed their muscles, crushing Tottenham Hotspur in their own backyard.
The 3-0 win was shouldered by several impressive performances from Chelsea players, but veteran defender Thiago Silva still stood out for the shift he put in. Silva, 36, was deemed to become Tottenham’s favorite target on Sunday. Surprisingly, the Brazilian turned the prediction on its head and instead, became the best performer for Chelsea.
Despite being a known threat from set-pieces, Spurs failed to mark Silva, which resulted in Chelsea’s first goal in the 49th minute. At the back, the centre-back was as immaculate as ever, never putting a foot wrong. All in all, it was one of Silva’s best performances in a Chelsea shirt in the Premier League.
#1 David De Gea - Manchester United
Manchester United keeper David de Gea used to be one of Premier League’s best players until 2018. However, after the devastating World Cup campaign with Spain in 2018, De Gea started slipping down the pecking order. This season, much to the delight of Red Devils fans, the Spaniard seems to have started to find his way back.
On Sunday at West Ham United, De Gea made three important saves, with two of those shots coming from inside the box. More impressively, he saved a West Ham penalty in the 95th minute, winning the game for his team.
The 30-year-old leapt to his left to palm Mark Noble’s effort away from danger. The save marked De Gea’s first penalty save for United in the Premier League since 2014.
