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Joleon Lescott's Premier League stars of Matchday 28

Joleon Lescott
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Virgil van Dijk was a standout performer in Liverpool's draw against Manchester City
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We are all set for an amazing conclusion in the Premier League title race after Liverpool and Manchester City's pulsating draw at Anfield.

That 1-1 thriller on Merseyside and Arsenal's late winner against Brentford means just one point separates the three title chasers ahead of the final 10-game run-in.

With Chelsea's clash with Newcastle still to come tonight, here are my five stars of Matchday 28.

Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)

Manchester United were not at their best against Everton but Alejandro Garnacho took the game by the scruff of the neck to earn them the win.

He won the two penalties with a couple of brilliant pieces of skill.

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He has always been capable of producing those moments when needed.

But what is impressing me most about the 19-year-old is that he is now producing consistently good all-round performances — not just occasional moments of magic.

United now look for him to make the difference in attack and he is handling that extra pressure. I think he's come on leaps and bounds since the start of the season.

Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves)

I am in agreement with Gary O'Neil that left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri deserves plenty of praise after what feels like a significant win 2-1 for Wolves against Fulham.

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The Algerian is a modern-day full-back in that he is more comfortable getting forward than defending but that means his technical ability is ridiculously high.

He's got that composure to take the ball from deep and drive the team forward and he took his goal well in a win that could be huge for Wolves' European dream.

I think there are parts of his game where he still needs to improve to reach that next level but his performances of late have been really strong.

Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Arsenal will be delighted to end the weekend on the top of the Premier League — especially given all the drama in their win over Brentford.

And goalscorer Declan Rice was crucial in that victory once again. He's becoming a real leader of men.

Probably one thing that goes unnoticed about Declan is how good he is technically. The England international controls the game so well.

But he is also showing he can find the net in a variety of ways, whether that be from long range or inside the box — where he is increasingly finding himself under Mikel Arteta.

Declan Rice has scored three goals in his last six Premier League games

James Maddison (Tottenham)

There were a number of good Tottenham performances in their huge win at top-four rivals Aston Villa but James Maddison was the man who made them tick.

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When the attacking midfielder is in the team, Spurs are always a threat and able to sustain heavy pressure against their opponents.

With his second-half goal that set the North Londoners on their way at Villa Park, he has proven he can recognise an opportunity to get in the box and score.

If he can continue doing that and perhaps even lessen his involvement in the build-up earlier on, he'll continue to have an impact in front of goal.

One thing is for sure and that is that Ange Postecoglou has a top, top player on his hands!

James Maddison was at the heart of Tottenham's huge win over Aston Villa

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Virgil van Dijk's tussle with Erling Haaland was a key highlight of Liverpool and Man City's draw but I thought the way he dealt with Phil Foden was more impressive.

Foden is such a threat when dribbling with the ball and I kept noticing how in control the Dutch defender looked in a number of scenarios against the City star.

It was an immense performance and one that reminded me a lot of Vincent Kompany during his later years — the talent is there for all to see but his leadership is what really stands out.

With Jurgen Klopp's time coming to an end, I don't think even Van Dijk appreciates how big a role he'll play in leading them into the new era.

Joleon Lescott was speaking to Cian Cheesbrough

Tags

Joleon LescottPremier LeagueManchester UnitedWolverhampton WanderersArsenalTottenham HotspurLiverpoolAlejandro GarnachoRayan Ait NouriDeclan RiceJames MaddisonVirgil van Dijk

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