Domestic duties return with a bang this weekend as Manchester City host Arsenal in what could prove a decisive clash in the Premier League title race. Just a point separates the pair at the top of the table and, with Liverpool playing Brighton earlier in the day on Sunday, neither side can afford to drop points at the Etihad.
Before the big games this weekend, WhoScored have assessed the players who have shone in recent weeks. To qualify, players must have featured in two of their side’s last three games, and six of their last eight. The ratings are also weighted chronologically, with recency bias coming into effect.
10) Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United
While Manchester United have not been in great form in recent weeks, losing two of their last three league outings, Fernandes has been doing all he can to help his side in the final third. The United captain has scored one goal and provided two assists across his last six outings. The latter figure should be higher, though, with Fernandes having made 23 of United’s 75 key passes (30.7%) in that time. Rating: 7.52
9) Phil Foden, Manchester City
Foden is enjoying his best season to date and the hope is that he can continue his excellent campaign when City host Arsenal. Foden has scored three times in his last three games, including a brace in the Manchester derby, but a sub-par display in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool last time out – his third lowest rating of the season – has impacted his form rating. Rating: 7.60
8) Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal
The first of five Arsenal players to make the top 10. Martinelli has directly contributed to 10 league goals this season but four of those have come in his last six outings. The winger has scored twice in that run, including a decisive strike in the 3-1 win over Liverpool, and his best of the campaign came in his last outing as Arsenal trounced Sheffield United. He scored the winning goal in the home victory over Manchester City back in October and supporters will be hoping for a repeat this weekend. Rating: 7.61
7) Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool
Mac Allister has been superb in recent weeks for Liverpool, making the most of his chance to push forward and play with more freedom. The Argentinian did not disappoint in the holding role, but the emergence of Wataru Endo as a key man in the Liverpool midfield has helped the World Cup winner thrive. Mac Allister has been directly involved in a goal in each of his last four league games, scoring two and providing three assists, to justify Jürgen Klopp’s decision to encourage the former Brighton man forward. Rating: 7.66
6) Cole Palmer, Chelsea
Palmer’s move from Manchester City raised eyebrows, but he has proven a stunning signing for Chelsea. It was a rare win for the club given their transfer dealings since Todd Boehly took control at Stamford Bridge. Palmer has been directly involved in six goals across his last six league appearances, assisting four times in that run, which included a match-winning display in the recent 3-2 win over Newcastle. Rating: 7.67
5) Rodrigo Muniz, Fulham
Muniz has capitalised on the absence of Raúl Jiménez at Fulham, scoring his sixth and seventh league goals of the season in their 3-0 win over Tottenham prior to the international break. The Brazilian has struck six times in his last six league appearances, with his performance against Spurs his best rated in the league this term. Rating: 7.70
4) Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal
The four top spots in the form rankings are all taken by Arsenal players. The Norwegian, like so many of his teammates, returned from the winter break with a flourish, with two of his six goals and three of his six assists coming in his last five outings. Ødegaard’s three best displays of the campaign came in that same period. Rating: 7.92
3) Bukayo Saka, Arsenal
Saka has been in sensational form in 2024. The Arsenal winger has been directly involved in a goal in all but one of his last six league outings, only failing to score or assist in the 2-1 win over Brentford earlier this month. Three of his four best rated outings in the league this season have come in his last five appearances as he shone in comfortable wins over West Ham, Newcastle and Burnley. Rating: 8.01
2) Kai Havertz, Arsenal
While many scoffed at Arsenal’s decision to spend big on Havertz in the summer, the German is shining in Mikel Arteta’s team. He may have joined to replace the departing Granit Xhaka in midfield, but Havertz has been exceptional leading the charge for the team, having scored in each of his last four league outings. An additional two assists in that period have propelled the 24-year-old to second in our form standings. Rating: 8.07
1) Declan Rice, Arsenal
Rice has proven a game-changing addition to the Arsenal midfield both on and off the ball – and he is getting better and better. Of the 11 goals Rice has scored or set up this season, six have come in his last five appearances, including one goal and two assists in the resounding victory at his former club West Ham last month. The 25-year-old has also chipped in with 12 tackles and interceptions combined, and 12 key passes. Not only is he in fine form for his club, but he will go to City on Sunday having captained his country. Rating: 8.15
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