In Focus: The Premier League stars who lit up Matchday 19

Matchday 19 of the Premier League offered up some spectacular action with a hatful of goals and tightly-contested affairs.

Brentford continued their impressive run with a win over Liverpool while Tottenham bounced back at Crystal Palace.

Nottingham Forest grabbed three crucial points at Southampton and Manchester City overcame Chelsea in a closely-fought tussle at Stamford Bridge.

We pick out five stars who stepped up to the plate.

Harry Kane (Tottenham)

Harry Kane had just 35 touches in the 2-0 loss to Aston Villa last Sunday, but he was back in form at Crystal Palace, netting a brace.

Spurs' No10 edged closer to becoming Tottenham's all-time top scorer and now sits just two behind the legendary Jimmy Greaves who tallied 266.

Kane opened the scoring early in the second half at Selhurst Park, squeezing a header home at the back post after some good work from Ivan Perisic.

Five minutes later, the England captain was at it again, drilling his shot into the far corner to double the visitors' advantage.

It takes his season total to 15 in the Premier League, trailing Erling Haaland by six in the race for the Golden Boot.

Yoane Wissa (Brentford)

Brentford's 3-1 victory at home to Liverpool was the latest addition to their fine record against the top six this season.

Yoane Wissa could have had a hat-trick, but he had two attempts ruled out by VAR at the Gtech Community Stadium.

However, he did get his name on the scoresheet for the Bees' second of the night, poking home in the six-yard box during the closing stages of the first half.

The win extends the West London club's unbeaten run to six Premier League games.

Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)

Graham Potter may have moved on, but Brighton continue to thrive under Roberto De Zerbi.

Their 4-1 demolition of Everton heaped more pressure on Toffees boss Frank Lampard and it was Kaoru Mitoma who was the star at Goodison Park.

His opener on Merseyside with his fourth goal of the campaign, following up from the Japanese winger's consolation strike against Arsenal on New Year's Eve.

Another example of the South Coast club's excellent recruitment, the Seagulls' No22 continues to improve week after week.

Luke Shaw (Manchester United)

Manchester United have returned to form since the World Cup concluded and Luke Shaw has been at the heart of their resurgence.

With six wins on the bounce in all competitions, Erik ten Hag's side are scoring for fun and Shaw grabbed the second in United's 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

Starting the move off in his own half, Shaw charged into opposition territory before getting on the end of Alejandro Garnacho's low cross.

The England left-back helped cement the Red Devils' place in the final Champions League spot, two points above rivals Spurs with a game in hand.

Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest)

Taiwo Awoniyi bagged his fourth Premier League goal of the season as Nottingham Forest picked up three huge points at Southampton.

The Nigerian striker scored a simple tap-in after some excellent work from Brennan Johnson to win the ball back high up the pitch.

With another win on the board, Forest moved into 15th place in the table and out of the relegation zone — with a two-point gap to Everton in 18th.

Awoniyi has found goals hard to come by for Steve Cooper's side since his summer arrival but his work and determination were well rewarded at St Mary's.