EXCLUSIVE

Joleon Lescott's Premier League stars of Matchday 16

Joleon Lescott
LiveScore
Joleon Lescott has selected his five stars of Matchday 16
Joleon Lescott has selected his five stars of Matchday 16

We appear to have one of the most open Premier League title races in some time on our hands!

I've picked out my five star performers from Matchday 16 after plenty more twists and turns over the weekend.

John McGinn

Aston Villa's victory over Arsenal showed what they did to Manchester City was no fluke and they deserve to be considered in the race for everything now — including the title.

Once again, John McGinn was outstanding. Not just his goal, but the way the Villa skipper bossed that midfield, I'm not sure it's been talked about enough.

Two or three times, the Scottish international came up against Declan Rice, who has been imperious this season, and he just kept coming out on top. It was so impressive.

Villa Park is a fortress now but I do think Unai Emery's men have to find a way of winning ugly on the road if they are going to stay the course in this title race.

Bernardo Silva

Bernardo Silva has been so dependable for City over the years, playing numerous positions and constantly producing vital contributions when his team need them most.

His latest goal to spark a comeback at Luton may prove as important as any, as it stops the rot and ensures the gap to the top of the table doesn't get too big, too early.

Luton put in another gutsy performance but I think it's fair to say their goal just before half-time was against the run of play, with Pep Guardiola's side in control throughout.

They didn't panic after the break and managed to turn things around — who knows how important those three points will prove come May?

Tosin Adarabioyo

Tosin Adarabioyo was a colossus in Fulham's 5-0 rout of West Ham
Tosin Adarabioyo was a colossus in Fulham's 5-0 rout of West Ham

Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo has been back in his side's starting line-up for the last two games and they've had two 5-0 wins. Not bad!

Tosin was progressing through the youth system at Manchester City during my time at the club and is also someone I worked with in a mentoring capacity during his early loans.

He's someone I know exceptionally well and he's a top, top guy — and a very talented footballer. Injuries have plagued him a bit this season but he's back playing and even got himself a goal against West Ham.

My only criticism is that he should probably score a few more! But he's very capable, still has his best years ahead of him and I'm chuffed to see him doing so well in West London.

Richarlison

Richarlison's commitment has never been in question but it was great to see the Tottenham forward back among the goals with his brace against Newcastle.

I sometimes think he suffers a bit because he's Brazil's No9. It's an iconic shirt and one that most of us subconsciously probably expect a certain type of player to fill.

But his work rate is always top class and that's why he was the man of the match for me, more than his goals. He didn't give those visiting defenders a minute.

Given how open he's been with his mental health battles, some of the criticism he's received for his lack of goals from those in the industry has surprised me — they should know better.

Abdoulaye Doucoure 

Everton got another precious and impressive win over Chelsea, with Abdoulaye Doucoure opening the scoring with his sixth goal of the campaign.

Doucoure has become an extremely important player for the Toffees. He's probably been their most consistent performer over the last two or three years.

The all-action midfielder popped up with a huge goal to help them stay up last term and he just embodies everything Evertonians want to see with his passion and attitude.

Sean Dyche's men have taken their points deduction on the chin and it seems to have given the squad more motivation. I don't think they are in any danger of the drop.

Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill

Tags

Joleon LescottAston VillaJohn McGinnBernardo SilvaManchester CityOluwatosin 'Tosin' AdarabioyoFulhamAbdoulaye DoucoureEvertonRicharlisonTottenham HotspurPremier League