With so much at stake, it’s no surprise that last weekend players – both expected and unexpected – delivered big performances.
Did anyone predict that Jhon Duran would come off the bench to score two goals to rescue a point for Aston Villa against Liverpool?
Or how about Josko Gvardiol, on the verge of becoming the first ever Premier League defender to score a hat-trick… only to humbly pass up the opportunity?
Both Manchester City and Arsenal won as they continued their battle and battle heading into the final day, while Burnley’s relegation was confirmed and Luton are on the brink.
From the weekend’s action and Monday night – that’s right, we wrapped up Tuesday for this pick – here are the latest power rankings.
10) Jhon Duran (new entry)
For you to step up and score two late goals against Liverpool to save your side from a point in the hunt for the top four – which Aston Villa have now achieved – is to be commended.
Duran saved the day with a neatly executed strike from outside the box and then a deflection he knew nothing about until it went over Alisson.
He clearly stole the headlines of the day, but Duran doesn’t get higher than 10th because, as evidenced by the last few games, this is a flash in the pan.
Duran has played just 24 minutes off the bench in Villa’s last five games combined, so he needs a more consistent run if he wants to move up the ranks.
Jhon Duran’s two goals as a substitute against Liverpool put him in the top ten
9) Alexander Isak (three down)
The Swede has been the star of Newcastle’s season with 24 goals and his recent prolific form deserves his place in the top 10.
He had scored in seven straight home games, drawing 1-1 against Brighton, but he wasn’t quick enough against the Seagulls.
As Eddie Howe said after the match: ‘You could see Alex wasn’t at full strength today. He just wasn’t feeling quite 100 percent. You notice it when a player of his caliber is not quite where he should be.’
Perhaps they advised him to have a quiet week just to deter any potential suitors…
Alexander Isak was the star of Newcastle’s season but had a frustrating game against Brighton
8) Harvey Elliott (up one)
Elliott has returned to the first team in recent weeks with a series of class performances. His work ethic and technical ability justify his place, especially with other midfielders dragging their feet.
His better game was against Spurs when he scored that scorching goal, but he was still influential in the 3-3 draw against Villa, assisting Jarell Quansah for Liverpool’s third match.
His cross forced Emi Martinez’s bizarre own goal early in Liverpool’s match against Villa.
If there is a call for Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton to get a place in the England squad for Euro 2024, then the same conversation needs to be had about Elliott.
He has only stepped up in the past few games as teammates dropped and is now an established player.
Harvey Elliott has made himself an important figure for Liverpool in the second half of the season
7) Moussa Diaby (new item)
Moussa Diaby was named man of the match for his sparkling role in Vila’s draw against Liverpool.
The defense struggled to contain him all night as he switched sides and he also set up Duran for his accidental second goal with a crisp pass.
Despite his big role in Villa’s top-four qualification, he hasn’t paid much attention to our power rankings, so he deserves some points for his patience here.
Lewis Steele of Mail Sport gave Diaby an eight and man of the match for his performance against the Reds and that sealed the deal.
Moussa Diaby was a thorn in Liverpool’s side all evening and set up Duran for his second goal
6) Bernardo Silva (new entry)
The Portuguese topped Fulham, scoring two assists in City’s 4-1 win.
City’s second goal was the result of his skillful inside run from the right flank, as he whipped in a beautiful cross for Gvardiol for City’s third goal.
In August he signed a new contract with City until 2026 and they hope no Saudi Arabian clubs visit in the summer.
His creative energy and quality on the ball have come to the fore again this campaign and he is ever present.
Bernardo Silva created two of Manchester City’s goals in the 4-1 win over Fulham
5) Josko Gvardiol (new entry)
Who needs Erling Haaland when you have Josko Gvardiol?
The City left-back has scored five goals in his last seven games and had the chance to become the first defender in Premier League history to score a hat-trick in the 4-1 win over Fulham.
Instead, he allowed Julian Alvarez to unselfishly take the penalty, with goal difference potentially playing a crucial role in City’s title challenge.
It’s a compliment to your skills and the trust your teammates have in you when Jeremy Doku is forced to cover your raids.
Josko Gvardiol has become an unlikely goalscoring hero with five goals in seven games
4) Declan Rice (one down)
The Englishman was not his usual self in Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford, but Manchester United were not having much fun in midfield and he was part of the suppression.
A reckless back pass in the early exchanges caused a scare, but he grew into the match.
Rice has been impressive for Mikel Arteta this season and, one senses, has in some ways filled a missing piece of the cog.
With the title race on the line, his calm head and ability to dictate the game will be crucial as Arsenal look to take their destiny into their own hands.
Declan Rice has featured prominently for Arsenal this season and played a crucial role in the title challenge
3) Bukayo Saka (one down)
Saka put in a subdued performance against United and suffered a late injury scare.
He had crashed into the billboards after sliding down Old Trafford’s infamous slope, but Arteta insisted he would ‘be fine’.
Considering he scored in the previous games against Tottenham and Bournemouth, Saka has done enough in the past few games to remain high on this list.
It shows his character after a dry spell of one goal in seven previous games.
Bukayo Saka was more subdued against Manchester United but has scored important goals of late
2) Erling Haaland (one down)
It was always going to be difficult to repeat four goals against Wolves.
Haaland had a decent game against Fulham and caused Calvin Bassey a lot of worries, but also squandered a good one-on-one chance by curling high and wide from scratch in the second half.
People have been looking for chinks in his armor to criticize this season, but even if he hasn’t yet reached the heights of his debut season at Etihad, he has still scored 27 league goals.
Please note: His two goals against Tottenham on Tuesday night do not count towards this matchday power rankings.
Erling Haaland was a handful for Fulham all afternoon but could not find the back of the net
1) Michael Olise (three higher)
Michael Olise is in devastating form.
At this rate, Crystal Palace would be wise to reconsider their £60m asking price for the 22-year-old as he looks more and more like a top player every week.
Improving a double in a 4-0 win against Manchester United would be difficult, but against Wolves Olise pulled out all the stops.
He scored a sumptuous left-foot strike from 20 yards out to open the scoring and put Eberechi Eze ahead for Palace’s third.
Olise has returned to his pre-injury form under Oliver Glasner. He has scored four times and provided two assists in his last five games. Five wins out of six for Palace? It’s no coincidence.
Michael Olise has been fantastic for Crystal Palace of late and has earned his place at the top of the pyramid