The 2024/25 Premier League season reached its halfway point during Gameweek 19, and it did not disappoint. There were plenty of thrilling encounters, dramatic performances, and standout individual displays that have continued to shape the league’s title race.
Liverpool were the major winners of the weekend as they triumphed 5-0 over West Ham United, maintaining their pursuit of a second Premier League title. Arsenal also kept up the pressure on the league leaders with an important 3-1 victory over Brentford. Meanwhile, Manchester City bounced back to winning ways against a struggling Leicester City, while both Chelsea and Manchester United suffered disappointing 2-0 defeats.
In terms of individual performances, several players shone brightly during Gameweek 19. From young debutants to seasoned stars, these players put in some of the most influential performances of the week. Here are the seven best players of Premier League Gameweek 19.
7. Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) – A Star Is Born
Ethan Nwaneri made history earlier this season by becoming the youngest-ever player to appear in the Premier League, but it was in Gameweek 19 that he truly showed his talent on the big stage. The 17-year-old was handed his first start for Arsenal in their 3-1 victory over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, and he seized the opportunity with both hands.
Nwaneri had a direct hand in both of Arsenal’s second-half goals. His fierce corner in the 50th minute forced an own goal from Brentford’s Mikel Merino, and later in the game, he delivered a perfectly timed cross that caused chaos in the box, allowing Gabriel Martinelli to score the Gunners’ third. The teenager’s energy and composure on the ball were impressive, and manager Mikel Arteta will no doubt be encouraged by his performance. Nwaneri’s outing in this match proved that he is more than capable of contributing to a team of Arsenal’s caliber and has a bright future ahead of him.
6. Joelinton (Newcastle United) – A Midfield Marvel
Newcastle United’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United was one of the most dominant performances of Gameweek 19, and Joelinton’s display was central to their success. The Brazilian midfielder put in a commanding performance, both defensively and offensively, as the Magpies ran riot at Old Trafford.
Joelinton scored one of Newcastle’s goals, overpowering Manchester United’s diminutive central defender Lisandro Martinez to double the visitors’ lead in the first half. His physical presence and work rate in the middle of the park made it difficult for United to get a foothold in the game. Along with fellow midfielders Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, Joelinton helped Newcastle dominate possession and control the tempo, limiting Manchester United’s attacking threat.
Joelinton’s all-around performance was a perfect example of his importance to Newcastle, showcasing both his ability to break up opposition attacks and contribute going forward. It was a display that underlined why Eddie Howe continues to rely on the Brazilian in his starting XI.
5. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) – A Return to Form
Ollie Watkins’ season had somewhat been overshadowed by the recent performances of his teammates, but the English striker made his return to the spotlight with a superb showing in Aston Villa’s 2-2 draw against Brighton at Villa Park. With Jhon Duran suspended, Watkins was given the chance to lead the line, and he didn’t disappoint.
Watkins was directly involved in both of Villa’s goals. He converted a penalty to equalize against Brighton, before providing the assist for Morgan Rogers’ second goal, which briefly gave Villa the lead. Watkins was a constant threat to Brighton’s defense, getting into dangerous positions and consistently testing goalkeeper Jason Steele. His 12 touches in the opposition box were the most of any player in the match, while his three shots on target showed his clinical nature in front of goal. Although Watkins couldn’t find a winner for Villa, it was a stellar performance that demonstrated his importance to the team.
4. Savinho (Manchester City) – A Spark in Attack
Savinho had shown glimpses of his potential since arriving at Manchester City, but it was during their 2-0 victory over Leicester City that the Brazilian winger truly made his mark. The 22-year-old had been criticised for not yet living up to expectations, but his performance at the King Power Stadium proved he can be a key contributor for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Savinho opened the scoring in the first half, reacting quickest to a parried effort from Phil Foden and clinically finishing to give City the lead. He wasn’t finished there, though. The Brazilian then provided an assist, delivering a pinpoint cross that found Erling Haaland, who headed home for City’s second goal. Savinho’s energy, flair, and technical ability were evident throughout the match, and his contributions were crucial in securing all three points for City. This was the type of performance Guardiola had hoped for when he brought Savinho to the Etihad.
3. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) – A Defensive and Offensive Masterclass
It’s not every week that a right-back takes the spotlight, but Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance in Liverpool’s 5-0 thrashing of West Ham United was exceptional. The 26-year-old put in a performance that encapsulated everything he does so well: attacking intent, defensive solidity, and playmaking brilliance.
In addition to providing a deflected goal, Alexander-Arnold was key to Liverpool’s dominance in possession. He created three chances and made 14 passes into the final third, the most of any player on the pitch. Defensively, he was just as impressive, making three clearances, two tackles, and 11 recoveries while keeping West Ham’s tricky forwards quiet. His ability to control the tempo from right-back and contribute to both attacking and defensive phases of play makes him one of the best in his position worldwide. With Real Madrid reportedly eyeing his signature, performances like this only reinforce his standing as one of the Premier League’s finest players.
2. Liam Delap (Ipswich Town) – A Physical Force
Ipswich Town have been one of the feel-good stories of the season since their Premier League return, and Liam Delap has been one of the key reasons for their success. The striker, signed in the summer, was instrumental in Ipswich’s 2-0 victory over Chelsea, securing their first Portman Road win since returning to the top flight.
Delap’s performance was nothing short of dominant. He scored a penalty and was a physical presence throughout, bullying Chelsea’s defenders with his size and strength. Delap’s assist for Omari Hutchinson’s goal—his second of the match—showcased his creative ability, and he could have added more to his tally had it not been for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s strong saves. With four shots on target and an impressive aerial duel win rate of 75%, Delap’s performance was the perfect example of a striker’s all-around contribution. Ipswich fans will be hoping this is just the beginning for their talisman.
1. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – The Unstoppable Force
It comes as no surprise that Mohamed Salah claims the top spot in our rankings for Gameweek 19. The Egyptian forward continues to defy age and expectations, and his performance in Liverpool’s 5-0 win over West Ham United was a masterclass in attacking play.
Salah notched up a goal and two assists in the rout, playing a pivotal role in each of Liverpool’s goals. He opened the scoring with a smart finish at the near post, and then turned provider with a perfect pass to Diogo Jota for the fifth goal. Salah’s influence on the game was undeniable, with his intelligent movement, vision, and clinical finishing making him unplayable at times. With 11 goals and eight assists in his last ten appearances, Salah is showing no signs of slowing down and remains one of the Premier League’s most consistent and influential players. Liverpool’s title charge is firmly in his hands, and performances like this further solidify his status as one of the league’s all-time greats.
Conclusion
Gameweek 19 delivered some excellent individual performances that have kept the Premier League season as exciting as ever. From Ethan Nwaneri’s breakthrough at Arsenal to Mohamed Salah’s continued brilliance at Liverpool, it was a weekend full of talent. These seven players were the standout performers of the week, and their contributions were crucial in their teams’ respective successes. With the season now at its halfway point, the competition for top spot remains fierce, and performances like these will be key in determining who lifts the Premier League trophy come May.
