The games just keep coming at this time of year — and what a fantastic round of midweek Premier League action we were treated to.

I've picked out my five star performers from across the 10 matches.

Scott McTominay

It's pretty clear Erik ten Hag had no intention of keeping Scott McTominay around this season, so the Manchester United midfielder's professionalism has been absolutely first class.

His two goals grabbed him the headlines against Chelsea but taking a more general view, he's clearly a top pro who just gets on with his job and blocks out any noise.

Players who don't let their level drop regardless of any noise around them are so crucial to a club and United are lucky to have him.

He's one of the very few who can play equally as well in a number of positions, which is another great asset to have. 

Raul Jimenez

I think every football fan apart from Nottingham Forest supporters would've enjoyed seeing Raul Jimenez back among the goals for Fulham.

The injury he suffered at Wolves was horrific and has definitely affected him, whether that's mentally or physically. Prior to it, he was being tracked by the likes of Real Madrid and United.

It's telling that throughout this spell where he hasn't been scoring the goals, he's still been playing regularly — that's because his wider contribution is really strong.

Aleksandar Mitrovic leaving in the summer gave him the opportunity to become the Cottagers' main No9 and here's hoping he can really kick on now.

Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool ground out a victory at Sheffield United and I think we're finally starting to see the Virgil van Dijk of old.

As well as his goal, the Dutch defender put in the kind of effortlessly dominant performance we got used to seeing prior to his cruciate ligament injury.

There was a moment in this game where Cameron Archer was tearing down the left wing but Van Dijk always looked in complete control of the situation, marshalling it expertly.

Joel Matip's injury only makes it even more crucial for the Reds to keep their captain fit. If they do, they must have a fantastic chance in the title race.

Leon Bailey

Aston Villa were outstanding in their victory over Manchester City and goalscorer Leon Bailey summed up his side's overall performance.

He's clearly enjoying his football and the winger is a joy to watch in full flow, running in behind defenders and causing problems with his pace.

But Villa's attackers are also playing an important role with their high press, working hard to nick the ball back up the pitch and Bailey has been a big part of that.

Realistically, I'm not sure Villa are quite there yet to sustain a title challenge but I definitely think they are legitimate top-four contenders 

Dwight McNeil

Sean Dyche has found a new role for Dwight McNeil and the Everton winger is responding with some fantastic performances and, crucially, more end product.

His ability has never been in doubt but to become a top-class attacker you have to produce the goods consistently and his latest finish was one of someone playing with real confidence.

McNeil is the type of player the Goodison Park faithful love because he always gives maximum effort and puts it all in every time he plays.

Everton have dusted themselves down after their points deduction and I don't see them being in any danger of relegation.

Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill