Midfielders
David Silva
David Silva was infallibly brilliant for Manchester City against Sunderland. He started the game with a near-attempt on goal when he missed connecting with a cross from Leroy Sane. He set up the play for Sergio Aguero’s goal after teaming up with Raheem Sterling and finally got an assist when he sent Sane through on goal with an exquisite pass typical of the playmaker.
All in all, the Spaniard had a great game dictating his team’s movement in the middle of the park.
Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane bounced back from Liverpool’s poor performance against Leicester City last week with a strong showing against the Gunners. The Senegalese winger helped his team gain the advantage when his astute cross found Roberto Firmino who put the Reds in the lead.
The Brazilian returned the favour to his teammate when he laid the ball off for Mane who finished it off with a low shot past Petr Cech.
Dusan Tadic
It was good to see Dusan Tadic back in the spotlight as he provided two goals for the Saints, and also found the back of the net himself. The 28-year-old brought Southampton level with a low shot after some nice combination play with Nathan Redmond.
The Serbian turned provider for Redmond twice in the course of the match thereafter. Tadic teed him up just on the cusp of half-time before making another assist for the 22-year-old towards the end.
He also saw two of his shots saved by the Watford keeper – a half-volley was palmed over the crossbar while a second was parried away to allow Gabbiadini to score the Saints' third goal.
Marko Arnautovic
Marko Arnautovic scored his first league goal at the bet365 Stadium in 11 months as his brace helped sink Middlesbrough further down the order. He scored the Potters’ first goal on the cusp of the half hour mark when he made a beautiful turn before a quality finish. The Austrian all but sealed the deal for Stoke City when he scored a second towards the end of the first half.
The two goals helped Arnatauvic become the joint highest scorer in the Premier League from Austria along with Paul Scharner with 21 goals.
