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As matchday 12 of the Premier League concluded with his fair share of drama and controversy, the top-flight is set to break for two weeks owing to the international break. Liverpool hosted Manchester City at Anfield in the standout fixture of the weekend and the Reds took a major step towards winning their first league title in three decades with a stunning 3-1 victory.
Chelsea continued their hot-streak domestically with a convincing 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace but it wasn't a good week for the two North London clubs. Tottenham Hotspur were held to a 1-1 draw at home by a resurgent Sheffield United side but the game was marred by controversy, as the Blades had a goal ruled out with consultation of the VAR as John Lundstram was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up.
Arsenal's misery in the Premier League continued further as Leicester City moved to second in the standings with a remarkable 2-0 victory at the King Power Stadium, courtesy of goals from Jamie Vardy and James Maddison.
Liverpool are eight points clear at the top of the table after their result against the reigning Premier League champions and Manchester United returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion.
On that note, let's look at five standout players from the weekend's Premier League action.
5) Adama Traore - Wolverhampton Wanderers
Adama Traore has come of age this season and has delivered consistent performances for Nuno Espirito Santo, be it as a starter or as an impact sub. The Spaniard, who has recently been called up to the national team, arrived in England with a reputation but failed to live up to his initial promise.
Traore, however, has been one of the best players for Wolves this season and the former Barcelona man produced a decisive moment once again, as he made a darting down the right-wing to tee up Raul Jimenez for the match-winning goal of the game, against his former employers Villa.
The La Masia graduate was tipped to have a big future in the game and is finally living up to his potential in one of the most competitive leagues in world football. Traore's natural talent was never under question but his decision making in the final third has been heavily criticized over the years, an aspect of his game that has improved leaps and bounds this season.
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4) Mateo Kovacic - Chelsea
Starting in the heart of the midfield alongside N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic was one of the standout players on the pitch as Chelsea dominated proceedings in the centre of the park on their way to registering a convincing 2-0 victory. The 25-year-old was at his brilliant best for the entirety of the game and played a key role in both goals, as he ran the show with his incisive passing and driving runs from midfield.
The former Real Madrid man failed to hit the ground running under Maurizio Sarri last season but has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Italian's departure, as he's established himself as one of the most consistent midfielders in the Premier League this season.
Kovacic has been an indispensable member of Frank Lampard's side since sealing a permanent move from Real Madrid and the Croatian international is finally producing the goods consistently.
3) Wilfred Ndidi - Leicester City
As Leicester City registered a stunning 2-0 victory against Arsenal at the King Power Stadium, a handful of players stood out and enhanced their growing reputations with stellar performances but Wilfred Ndidi was arguably the best player on the pitch. Starting in the centre of the park, Ndidi was at his brilliant best as he combined his defensive astuteness in front of the centre-halves with his terrific box to box ability to devastating effect.
The Nigerian international dominated the Arsenal midfield which included the likes of Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi and in doing so, the Foxes gained a stronghold in midfield as they moved within eight points of league leaders Liverpool with a deserved victory.
Jamie Vardy and James Maddison got themselves on the scoresheet but Ndidi's all-round performance in the centre of the park earns him a mention on the list, as he dominated a top-six and came out on top spectacularly.
2) Gerard Deulofeu - Watford
Going into the weekend, Watford were rooted to the bottom of the Premier League and were the only winless side left in the top-flight. Despite their torrid run of form, Gerard Deulofeu has been one of the bright sparks for his side and the Spaniard played a starring role as the Hornets finally registered their first win of the season.
Deulofeu took matters into his own hands and put the finishing touches to a mazy run to give his side an early lead, and capped off a fine individual performance with an assist in the second half for Andre Gray.
As his side looked doomed for relegation, Quique Sanchez Flores needed one of his star players to step and the former Barcelona man did just that, has he produced a match-winning display that is sure to lifts the spirits amongst everyone involved with the club.
1) Fabinho - Liverpool
As Liverpool hosted Manchester City in a game that was tipped to be an early-season title-decider, Fabinho produced the goods and capped off a stunning individual performance with a sensational strike from outside the box. The Brazilian international was ever so reliable in the heart of the midfield and opened the scoreline for the Reds with an unstoppable drive that gave Claudio Bravo no chance.
His goal set the tone for the Reds and Jurgen Klopp's side took control of the game with another goal moments later, as Mohamed Salah got on the end of a brilliant cross from Andy Robertson to put the home side in the driving seat. The Merseyside giants eventually went on to win 3-1 and the former Monaco man was in the thick of the action on both ends of the pitch.
In a game that saw the reigning European champions host last season's unprecedented domestic treble winners, Fabinho was the best players on the pitch and was by far the star performer of the Premier League.
