EXCLUSIVE

Joleon Lescott's Premier League stars of Matchday 17

Joleon Lescott
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Mohammed Kudus scored two in West Ham's win over Wolves
Mohammed Kudus scored two in West Ham's win over Wolves

The Premier League title race provided more twists and turns this weekend as Manchester City and Liverpool dropped points with draws.

After encouraging wins for Chelsea, Everton, Newcastle and West Ham, here are my star performers of Matchday 17.

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

It was no surprise to see Cole Palmer playing a starring role once again with a goal and an assist as Chelsea got back to winning ways against Sheffield United.

I think he has relished the responsibility that has come with moving clubs, especially given the sizeable fee and the fact it was his first move.

Not only has he handled that, he is performing to a high level week in, week out. Knowing Cole, this is exactly how he believed he could have performed.

It was a great decision by him to leave boyhood club Man City because now he's a Premier League regular and has broken through in the England squad.

Michael Keane (Everton)

Everton earned their fourth straight Premier League win against Burnley, with Michael Keane coming into the side at late notice and scoring on his return to Turf Moor.

The centre-back hasn't played an awful lot this season due to Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski striking up an impressive pairing.

So he deserves a lot of credit for being ready when called upon — he'll probably enjoy the fact he kept a clean sheet even more than the goal.

Keane has been linked with a move away in January but I'd be surprised if Sean Dyche would sanction his departure as he's a great option for when the two regular defenders are unavailable — as he proved on Saturday.

Lewis Miley (Newcastle)

Newcastle teen Lewis Miley scored his first Premier League goal against Fulham
Newcastle teen Lewis Miley scored his first Premier League goal against Fulham

I've been so impressed with the way 17-year-old Lewis Miley has conducted himself since coming into Newcastle's injury-hit side.

The confidence he has shown on and off the field has been excellent. He has so much belief in himself that he can perform at this level and he's backing that up.

It would have hurt him a little bit that he didn't start against Fulham but I think Eddie Howe is managing the youngster well.

To come on and score in a 3-0 win, he's convincing me more and more that he's a Premier League player who is here to stay.

Mohammed Kudus (West Ham)

It’s pleasing to see Mohammed Kudus doing so well for West Ham after lighting up their comfortable win over Wolves.

The Ghanaian spoke when he arrived about wanting to entertain the fans but also about his journey that has led to where he is now.

He certainly thrilled the London Stadium on Sunday with two goals but what we saw on the pitch is a result of the hard work he is clearly putting in under David Moyes.

The Irons will be delighted at the talent they've got on their hands and I'm sure there are other clubs wondering why they didn't take a chance on the former Ajax ace in the summer.

Andre Onana (Manchester United)

Liverpool could find no way past Manchester United
Liverpool could find no way past Manchester United

It's no doubt been tough for Andre Onana since joining Manchester United so he will be delighted to have left Anfield with a clean sheet after making eight saves in the stalemate.

In what is never an easy place to be an opposition player, the goalkeeper didn't let it affect him — displaying calmness throughout the game.

Even on occasions when he did overhit a pass, it wasn't the sort of mistake that would allow the opposition to build momentum.

I don't buy the notion that the Red Devils will be on the lookout for a new No1 in January. 

Erik ten Hag has decided Onana is his man — and that should hopefully help him grow into the United shirt.

Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill

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Joleon LescottChelseaManchester UnitedNewcastle UnitedEvertonWest Ham UnitedCole PalmerMichael KeaneMohammed KudusLewis MileyAndre OnanaPremier League