Premier League Top Five, Round 18: Buendia is brilliant in defeat
Buendia was very unfortunate to be on the losing side as Norwich largely dominated Wolves only to go down 2-1. He created two big chances for his team that weren't converted and completed nine dribbles, easily the highest of the round. He also won an impressive 18 of his 24 duels, while making seven recoveries. Buendia continues to be one of the more impressive midfield performers in the bottom half of the division.
It's been a long time coming, but finally, Almiron has his first goal in a Newcastle shirt. His well-judged half-volley in the closing stages handed Newcastle the points, and as well as that his all-round display was arguably his best of the season, completing two dribbles, winning 3/4 tackles and making seven recoveries. Almiron will hope that finally breaking his duck will see an upturn in his fortunes.
Danny Ings has been one of the few bright spots in this season so far for Southampton and against Aston Villa his two goals were vital in an important victory for his side. The first, a poacher's finish tapping from a goalkeeper save, then the second is an excellent turn-and-shot that whizzed into the top corner. Ings' contributions in games are fleeting but, at the moment, vital for the Saints.
Chelsea produced arguably their best display of the season in defeating Spurs on Sunday, and Willian's performance was arguably his best for the club. Cutting inside to smash in a superb opening goal, he then held his nerve to roll home a penalty to double the lead. He created great openings for his team on the break in the second half, ones that should have been converted, and he was easily the Blues' best outlet on the day.
Villa are struggling at the moment but it's not due to the effort of Jack Grealish, who continues to prove himself proficient enough at a higher level. Villa were outplayed by Southampton but Grealish produced the moment of the match, a superb control and volley that ultimately will count for nothing in the scheme of things, and his five completed dribbles and eight touches inside the area show a player doing everything possible to make his team an offensive threat.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Calum Chambers (8.5) was excellent for Arsenal who can at least be happy to have kept a clean sheet at Everton.
ROUND TO FORGET
Ricardo Pereira's (4.6) silly penalty concession was the lowlight of all-round poor display from the generally reliable full-back.