Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez – Chelsea
Important as Chelsea came under intense pressure at Newcastle, with the Spaniard’s shot-stop ensuring the game did not get away from Enzo Maresca’s side. Also helped lead the fightback, registering the assist with a long pass forward for Joao Pedro’s equalizer.
Right back: Lewis Miley – Newcastle
Lewis Miley plays out of position like he’s been there all his life. The teenager was superb in his draw against Chelsea, dealing with the threat of Alejandro Garnacho’s directness impressively.
Miley is a fantastic all-round footballer and could be a latecomer for Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
Centre-back: Dan Ballard – Sunderland
Ballard is growing and growing as a Premier League player. Amid Sunderland’s string of new signings, you might be forgiven for thinking Ballard could be the man to leave.
Instead, the 26-year-old was a rock. He was massive in the goalless draw at Brighton, scoring six and winning 12 defensive duels.
Once again immense from Big Dan Ballard 💪 pic.twitter.com/yo5u1wkEnm
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) December 21, 2025
Central defender: Jaka Bijol – Leeds United
A real weapon in both boxes for Leeds. The Slovenian centre-back was brilliant as part of Daniel Farke’s back three and put in another dominant performance this weekend. He won six aerial duels and added an assist after meeting a set piece to put through for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Left back: Gabriel Gudmundsson – Leeds United
Always a threat on the left for Leeds, with the boundless energy that has been characteristic since his arrival from Lille in the summer. Leeds did impressive business this summer and the Swede’s signing was one of their best.
Midfield: Ethan Ampadu – Leeds United
A real top performance from Ampadu as Leeds crushed Crystal Palace at Elland Road. The Welshman won the ball well, rose to the challenge (6/7 ground matches won) and even popped up with a rare goal. His long throws were a problem for a panicky Palace penalty area all game long.
Midfield: Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa
Match winner of Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s side were not at their best against Manchester United, but two moments of magic from Rogers saw Villa celebrate Christmas within just three points of the leaders.
Leny Yoro was ruthlessly punished for giving Rogers the time and space to cut in and fire at the opener, before the midfielder fired another fantastic finish past Senne Lammens.
2 – Morgan Rogers is the first Aston Villa player to score more than two goals in consecutive Premier League appearances since Dion Dublin in November 1998 (3 in a row). Cold. pic.twitter.com/nFhLeaLwao
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 21, 2025
Right: Keane Lewis-Potter – Brentford
Tested Jose Sa with an early try before finding the net twice as Brentford won at Wolves. Lewis-Potter reaped the reward for his effort, taking advantage of a defensive mix-up to fire the visitors ahead before sealing the victory with a second down the stretch.
After playing mainly as a left back this season, Lewis-Potter showed what he can do from the right wing this weekend. That kind of adaptability is invaluable.
🔓 Keane Lewis-Potter gets to work pic.twitter.com/28ykIbxo6f
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) December 20, 2025
Left: Rayan Cherki – Manchester City
Just magic. Is there a better footballer to watch in the Premier League right now? Cherki was at the center of almost everything good for Manchester City against West Ham, with the Frenchman’s fleet feet and creativity all on display at the Etihad.
He created three big chances and made Etihad applaud several times. A showman who fits perfectly at Pep Guardiola’s side.
Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City
Erling Haaland’s absurd goalscoring record has become the norm, but it should deserve no less attention. A ruthless brace and assist helped Manchester City sink West Ham and saw Haaland extend his record to 19 league goals before Christmas and counting.
For context, that return would have been enough to win the Golden Boot in three previous Premier League campaigns.
🤖🤖🤖 pic.twitter.com/TAaGLRTv1G
— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) December 20, 2025
Forward: Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Leeds United
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Remontada continues. The 28-year-old struck for the fifth game in a row, scoring a brace as Leeds moved out of the bottom three by beating Crystal Palace.
There are seven for Calvert-Lewin this season, more than double the amount he managed at Everton last season. Daniel Farke even believes the striker can break into England’s World Cup squad.
Read – The longest scoreless runs in Premier League history
See more – Where every Premier League team ended the season at Christmas
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