It’s been a whirlwind few weeks of Premier League football. Since play resumed on June 17th, we’ve seen 41 games played at the time of writing and 117 goals scored over the last three weeks, with still another fortnight of football to come.
Many questioned whether the players would be able to hit the ground running at the start of the one the nine-game stretch to finish the 2019/20 season, and while some teams took a game or two to find their feet, the Premier League certainly hasn’t disappointed in terms of thrilling action.
Several players have stood out more than most, so we at Grosvenor Sport have put together a side of who we think have been the most impressive performers since the Premier League returned after lockdown.
Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio, Wolves
The Portuguese goalkeeper has certainly picked up where he left off prior to the league being suspended in March. Prior to the recent defeat at Arsenal, Patricio helped Wolves keep three clean sheets in a row where Wolves also picked up all three points in each of those games. If Wolves are to secure Cchampions League football next season, it will largely be down to the form of their star goalkeeper.
Right-back: Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea
You can make a case for slotting in Azpilicueta in either fullback spot, having played both positions for Chelsea in recent weeks. Frank Lampard’s side have won four of five Premier League games since the restart, with Azpilicueta’s leadership being key in a defence which has been chopped and changed. The Spaniard has also chipped in with three assists in the process.
Centre-back: Lewis Dunk, Brighton
Having resumed the season just two points above the relegation zone, Brighton have now all but secured their safety picking up seven points from their four games post-Lockdown, aided by the form of Lewis Dunk at the back. After scoring in their win over Arsenal, Dunk has helped Brighton keep a clean sheet in two of the three matches since as they now sit nine points clear of the drop.
Centre-back: Willy Boly, Wolves
Wolves fans will be wondering how much better off they would have been if Willy Boly was available for the whole season, despite occupying sixth place already. Since returning from injury in February, Boly has played every minute of all nine Premier League games since, a run of games which have seen Wolves lose just once and keep seven clean sheets, three of which post-Lockdown.
Left-back: Kieran Tierney, Arsenal
Tierney’s early season was blighted by injuries and he had yet to even play a game for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta prior to the league being suspended. Having recovered from a shoulder injury during Lockdown, Tierney has started all five of Arsenal’s Premier League games since the league resumed and has been a strong presence on the left-side of the defence, aiding Arsenal’s four-match unbeaten run in the league.
Central Midfield: Paul Pogba, Manchester United
Much was made of Paul Pogba’s absence from the Manchester United team throughout the Autumn and Winter but his return to the side post-Lockdown has seen United step it up a gear in the Premier League. His partnership with Bruno Fernandes is now one of the strongest in England, and while Fernandes has been making the headlines with his goals, Pogba’s influence on the side can’t be understated.
Central Midfield: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United
Not many knew just how well Bruno Fernandes would adapt to the Premier League, but he looks like a seasoned veteran of the league the way he’s playing at the moment. His six goal contributions – four goals and two assists – since the Premier League resumed three weeks ago is the most of any player in the league as he continues to fire United back into Champions League contention.
Right-wing: Mason Greenwood, Manchester United
Having made just four Premier League starts prior to Lockdown, Greenwood has been trusted by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of late with a regular role in the side, starting each of the last three league games, and he hasn’t disappointed. In those three games, United have won them all with Greenwood scoring three goals and laying on an assist in the process, taking his season’s tally to 15 goals and five assists across all competitions. Not bad for an 18-year-old.
Left-wing: Christian Pulisic, Chelsea
The American winger battled injuries in the first half of the season and hadn’t featured in the Premier League since New Year’s Day, but Lockdown appears to have given Pulisic time to heal and work on his game and he’s returned to something like the form he showed at Dortmund which prompted Chelsea to spend £60m on him. In the last five games, Pulisic has scored three goals and helped the Blues to four wins which has seen them move back into third.
Striker: Anthony Martial, Manchester United
Manchester United are unbeaten in their four Premier League games post-Lockdown, winning the last three and Anthony Martial has played a leading role in those games. The Frenchman, playing through the middle for United, has scored four goals in his last three league outings, including his first professional hat-trick in the 3-0 home win against Sheffield United.
Striker: Danny Ings, Southampton
Enjoying the best season of his career, Ings picked up where he left off in his pursuit of the Premier League Golden Boot, scoring three goals and providing an assist in Southampton’s four league games since play was resumed three weeks ago. Now on 18 for the season, Ings is closing in on his first top-flight 20-goal campaign.
What do you make of our side? Any of our selections you disagree with or players you feel we’ve overlooked? Let us know in the comments below!
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