As we usher in the new year, the Premier League continues its relentless march through the winter months, with players battling fatigue while providing thrilling performances on the pitch. Gameweek 21 brought plenty of action, including dramatic late goals and standout individual efforts. The season is well under way, and the players are giving everything they have to push their teams higher up the table.
This past weekend’s fixtures saw Manchester City and Liverpool produce some stellar performances, while an Arsenal player stood out in a frustrating draw with Aston Villa. Players from Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest also made their mark. Here’s a rundown of the six best players from Premier League Gameweek 21.
6. Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea)
Trevoh Chalobah made a significant impact for Chelsea this week, albeit in an unconventional manner. Just five days prior to Monday night’s game, Chalobah was still a player for Crystal Palace. But by the time Chelsea hosted their next match, the 24-year-old had already made a return to his boyhood club, Chelsea, this time impressing in a much-needed defensive role.
The academy graduate was solid at the back when called upon, stepping into the defensive void and playing a key role in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory. Despite only having limited time on the pitch, Chalobah’s performance was full of promise and strength. His efforts were further highlighted when he was inches away from scoring a memorable goal. However, his strike was ruled out after a teammate, Noni Madueke, was judged to have been offside. Regardless of the disallowed goal, Chalobah’s display was widely lauded, proving why manager Enzo Maresca was eager to bring him back to Stamford Bridge. Chalobah’s return looks like it could be a key solution for Chelsea’s defensive depth as the season continues.
5. Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
Leandro Trossard’s performance in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday might not have resulted in a victory for the Gunners, but it certainly deserved more recognition. The Belgian winger was easily one of the most impactful players on the field, creating opportunities and showing an exceptional level of creativity.
Trossard’s contributions were evident early in the match, as he assisted both of Arsenal’s goals, giving them a commanding 2-0 lead with just 30 minutes played. His vision and skill were on full display as he made key passes that carved open Villa’s defense. However, despite Trossard’s brilliance, the game ended in disappointment for the North London side as Villa mounted a strong comeback to snatch a point.
Though Trossard may have missed a crucial chance to score the winner late in the game, dragging his shot wide, his overall performance was a standout. If anyone in Arsenal’s lineup deserved a goal in that match, it was undoubtedly Trossard. His ability to turn up when needed, making assists and contributing creatively, shows his importance to Arsenal’s attack moving forward.
4. Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)
Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood has been quietly consistent this season, and his latest goal against Southampton only added to his growing reputation as one of the Premier League’s more underrated forwards. The New Zealand international netted his 14th goal of the season in Forest’s 3-2 victory on Sunday afternoon, solidifying his place as one of Europe’s top goal scorers.
Wood’s tally is especially impressive considering only six players from Europe’s top five leagues have scored more goals than him so far this season. His strike in the Southampton match helped extend Forest’s unbeaten run to eight games, a remarkable achievement for a side fighting to stay clear of relegation. Wood has been the focal point of Forest’s attack, and his ability to find the back of the net in crucial moments has been a vital factor in their strong start to 2025. His goal also moved Forest level on points with second-placed Arsenal, further highlighting the importance of his consistent scoring form.
Chris Wood’s goal-scoring prowess has earned him respect across the league, and he continues to prove his worth as a reliable forward for Forest.
3. Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s trip to Brentford on Sunday afternoon was a game filled with tension, and it was one that needed a hero to emerge from the bench. Enter Darwin Nunez, who delivered a sensational late cameo that left both fans and critics alike in awe.
The Uruguayan forward had been the subject of criticism earlier in the season for his erratic finishing and lack of consistency. However, Nunez proved the doubters wrong when he came on as a substitute and scored twice in the dying minutes to secure a 2-0 victory for Liverpool. His brace came in quick succession, with both goals demonstrating his excellent positioning and ability to take advantage of Brentford’s tiring defense.
Nunez’s late heroics were the perfect response to manager Arne Slot’s desire for late winners. The forward’s quick-fire double also earned him a place in Liverpool history, as he became one of the few players to score multiple goals after the 90th minute. Only Sadio Mane has scored more Premier League goals after the 90th minute in Liverpool’s history, a stat that highlights Nunez’s ability to perform when it matters most.
Liverpool fans will be hoping that this performance is a turning point for Nunez, who has often been more erratic than clinical. If he can maintain this kind of form, he could be a key figure in Liverpool’s push for a top-four finish.
2. Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Phil Foden’s performance in Manchester City’s 6-0 demolition of Ipswich Town on Sunday was one of the most dominant displays of the weekend. The attacking midfielder had been in fine form for City, but this match saw him truly come alive, showcasing his full range of abilities with a stunning brace in the first half.
Foden’s two goals were part of a complete team performance that saw Manchester City deliver their most commanding victory in recent weeks. Despite being a major force in the midfield, Foden had struggled to find the back of the net earlier in the season, but he made up for lost time with a clinical display. His first goal came in the 23rd minute when he latched onto a precise ball from Kevin De Bruyne and finished with poise. His second was a brilliantly taken strike after some well-timed movement in the box.
This performance marked Foden’s fifth goal of the season, and he has shown that, after an underwhelming start, he is back to his best. As Manchester City looks to get back into the title race, Foden’s performances will be crucial to their success, and he demonstrated once again why he’s one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents.
1. Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth)
The standout player of Premier League Gameweek 21 was Justin Kluivert, who produced a match-winning performance for Bournemouth against Newcastle United. The forward had a career-defining moment, scoring a stunning hat-trick to secure all three points for his team in a 3-1 victory at St James’ Park.
Kluivert’s goals were clinical, each one perfectly placed to beat Newcastle’s goalkeeper. The 24-year-old’s blistering pace and finishing ability were on full display, and his hat-trick earned him the rightful title of the game’s best performer. Kluivert’s performance was particularly sweet as he outshone his famous father, Patrick Kluivert, who had played for Newcastle in the past. Justin’s three goals on the day were more than his father managed in an entire season at the club.
After the game, Kluivert reflected on the milestone with a smile, saying, “That is one win over him.” The performance showed that the young forward is capable of stepping out of his father’s shadow and establishing his own legacy in English football. For Bournemouth, Kluivert’s hat-trick is a massive boost as they look to climb further away from the relegation zone.
Conclusion
Gameweek 21 of the Premier League offered some unforgettable individual performances, with players from across the league showing grit and determination to make a difference. From Trevoh Chalobah’s solid return to Chelsea to Justin Kluivert’s stunning hat-trick for Bournemouth, these six players were at the forefront of the weekend’s action.
As we move further into 2025, the race for the top spots continues to heat up, and these players will no doubt play pivotal roles for their respective teams in the months to come. Whether it’s the clinical finishing of Darwin Nunez, the creative spark of Leandro Trossard, or the consistency of Chris Wood, the Premier League remains as thrilling as ever.
