The Premier League Gameweek 17 was nothing short of thrilling, with drama and excitement pouring out of every fixture. From high-scoring affairs to solid defensive performances, this weekend had it all. As teams looked to close out the year on a high, several standout individual performances left their mark on the pitch. From Liverpool’s sensational victory over Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal’s attacking brilliance and Chelsea’s defensive resilience, Gameweek 17 proved to be a memorable one. As we head into the festive season, here’s a rundown of the six best players from Premier League Gameweek 17.
6. Robert Sanchez (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Everton wasn’t exactly a spectacle for the fans, but there were a few bright spots, and one of them was goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Despite the lack of goals, Chelsea’s shot-stopper played a key role in ensuring the game didn’t slip into defeat.
Sanchez, who has had his critics this season, stepped up when it mattered most. He made several crucial saves in the first half and after the break, keeping Everton at bay with impressive reflexes and strong shot-stopping ability. The clean sheet marked his fourth of the season and was a testament to his growing importance in the Chelsea setup.
The Blues had several moments where they could have conceded, but Sanchez stood firm. As Chelsea continues to struggle to find their rhythm in attack, performances like these from Sanchez become all the more vital. Though the game ended in a goalless stalemate, the goalkeeper’s performance earned him a nod in the rankings for his heroics between the posts.
5. Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s 5-1 thumping of Crystal Palace was a showcase of the Gunners’ attacking strength, and at the heart of that offensive display was Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian striker, who has been plagued by injury problems in the past year, has steadily been regaining his form, and Gameweek 17 was a perfect example of his growing confidence.
Jesus had been in fine goal-scoring form in the Carabao Cup, bagging a hat-trick in the quarter-final against Crystal Palace just days before their league meeting. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta showed trust in Jesus, starting him against Palace despite the striker’s recent injury troubles, and the forward repaid his manager’s faith in spectacular fashion.
Jesus scored twice in the opening 15 minutes, putting Arsenal in a commanding position early in the match. His first goal was a clinical finish, and the second was a well-executed strike that showed his quality in front of goal. This performance marked Jesus’ first Premier League goal in 11 months, and it helped propel Arsenal to a comfortable 5-1 victory.
After his Carabao Cup hat-trick and his double against Crystal Palace, Jesus is proving that he can be a crucial figure for Arsenal this season. His resurgence will be key to the Gunners’ hopes of maintaining their challenge for the Premier League title.
4. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City was one of the standout results of Gameweek 17, and Morgan Rogers played an instrumental role in his team’s triumph. The winger, who spent time at Manchester City’s academy before making his move to Villa, was the architect behind both of Villa’s goals in a highly competitive match.
Unai Emery, known for his calm and measured approach, was left in awe of Rogers’ performance. The Villa boss praised the winger, calling his display “fantastic” three times in under a minute, such was the quality of Rogers’ involvement in the game.
The 21-year-old was at the heart of Villa’s first goal, providing the assist for Jhon Duran’s opening strike with a well-timed pass. Rogers then capped off a brilliant individual performance by scoring the decisive second goal himself. Picking up the ball from inside his own half, Rogers embarked on a powerful run, weaving past City defenders before finishing off a move he started himself.
Rogers’ performance against his former club was a clear statement of his potential, and he continues to grow under the guidance of Emery. Aston Villa’s victory against Manchester City was a significant achievement, and Rogers was undoubtedly one of the stars of the show.
3. Luis Diaz (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s 6-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur was a thrilling encounter that showcased the attacking firepower of Jürgen Klopp’s side. While several players in red delivered standout performances, it was Luis Diaz who stood out for his clinical finishing and his crucial goals in this high-scoring affair.
Diaz’s contribution was especially sweet given his controversial disallowed goal at Tottenham’s ground last season. This time, there was no controversy, as the Colombia international scored twice in a scintillating display of attacking prowess. His first goal came after just a few minutes of the match, setting the tone for a whirlwind opening to the game. He then added a second goal in the latter stages to complete his brace, proving his value to Liverpool’s attacking lineup.
The victory over Spurs was cathartic for Diaz, as he was able to erase the memories of that frustrating disallowed goal from last season. His performance against Tottenham not only helped propel Liverpool to a memorable victory but also showcased the talent and composure that make him a vital part of the team.
Diaz’s ability to find the back of the net and his intelligent movement off the ball make him one of Liverpool’s most exciting players. As the team continues to chase the Premier League title, Diaz’s contributions will be crucial.
2. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
There are few players in world football who have been as consistent and influential as Mohamed Salah in recent years, and Gameweek 17 was no exception. In Liverpool’s thrilling 6-3 victory over Tottenham, Salah played a starring role, not only scoring twice but also providing two assists to help his team clinch all three points.
Salah’s display was nothing short of masterful. The Egyptian forward has always been one of the Premier League’s most lethal players, and his ability to influence games in multiple ways is what makes him so dangerous. Against Spurs, Salah became the first player in Premier League history to reach double digits for both goals and assists before Christmas in a given season, a remarkable achievement that showcases his all-around quality.
The two goals Salah scored were a testament to his clinical nature in front of goal, while his assists demonstrated his creativity and vision in the final third. Salah’s influence on Liverpool’s attack is undeniable, and his performance against Tottenham further solidified his status as one of the league’s best.
As Liverpool continue to challenge for top honors, Salah’s form will be key to their success. If he continues to perform at this level, it’s hard to see any team stopping Klopp’s side in their tracks.
1. Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
Newcastle United’s 4-0 demolition of Ipswich Town was an unforgettable performance, and at the heart of that victory was Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward had already shown flashes of brilliance during his time in the Premier League, but Gameweek 17 was the moment he truly announced himself as one of the league’s top strikers.
Isak completed his first-ever Premier League hat-trick during the win over Ipswich, with all three goals showcasing his predatory instincts and clinical finishing. The 25-year-old has been a consistent threat for Newcastle since joining the club, but his three-goal haul against Ipswich was the culmination of his hard work and dedication.
In his post-match interview, Isak admitted that the hat-trick had been a long time coming. Despite his prior performances, he had yet to claim a match ball in the Premier League, but his display against Ipswich proved that he is more than capable of leading the line for Newcastle. With Isak firing on all cylinders, Newcastle’s attack looks potent, and the team will be hoping that their star forward can continue his excellent form into the new year.
Gameweek 17 of the Premier League was packed with action, and these six players made significant contributions to their teams’ performances. From Salah’s record-breaking display to Isak’s hat-trick heroics, the weekend was a celebration of attacking brilliance, solid defensive work, and a few surprise performances along the way. As we approach the festive season, these players have certainly earned a spot on the nice list. With the Premier League title race heating up, the contributions of these stars will be crucial as the season progresses.
