#4 Best team performance(s):
(a) Tottenham Hotspur
Mauricio Pochettino’s side romped to a superb 4-0 win over a hapless Stoke City, who must have heaved a sigh of relief when the final whistle was blown.
Mark Hughes’ men did try to make inroads but Spurs were solid through the middle and the flanks, with Kyle Walker and Hugo Lloris making vital blocks and saves at key moments, never allowing Stoke to come back into the game.
The North Londoners’ win takes them to second place in the table, 10 points shy of leaders Chelsea and one ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
Pochettino’s charges may have exit the Europa League midweek but showed no signs of fatigue or loss of form while completely obliterating the visitors.
(b) Leicester City
The Foxes notched up a vital 3-1 win against Liverpool, which gave them an impetus in their fight to avoid becoming only the second side since Manchester City in 1937 to get relegated the season after winning the league title.
Jamie Vardy returned to crackling form with two well-taken goals on either side of a Danny Drinkwater stunner. Wilfred Ndidi bossed the midfield, breaking up play and not allowing the Reds to keep control of the ball or penetrate into the opposition half.
As the Merseysiders launched a series of attacks at the Leicester goal, Kasper Schmeichel stood strong between the posts and commanded his area well to deny the Reds multiple times. It was a complete team performance from the defending champions, who were under scrutiny following the sacking of Claudio Ranieri at the weekend.
If Leicester City keep up the form they demonstrated against Jurgen Klopp’s men, it should guarantee their place in the top flight for next season.
Honourable mentions: Everton, Chelsea, Crystal Palace
