Gameweek 11's Premier League Stars: 13 Players Who Dominated the Pitch

Gameweek 11's Premier League Stars: 13 Players Who Dominated the Pitch

As the Premier League pauses for the final time this calendar year, let's reflect on the exceptional displays from Gameweek 11.

The November international hiatus compressed all matches into the weekend period. We began with a lackluster replay of the uninspiring Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in north London, though late excitement provided talking points. Arsenal then stumbled for the first time since mid-September during their visit to Sunderland, creating an opportunity for either Manchester City or Liverpool to capitalize on Sunday.

It was Pep Guardiola's Citizens who grabbed the moment. Suddenly, the former Premier League powerhouse presents a menacing challenge, while Liverpool's championship defense risks crumbling during the harsh winter months.

Despite collective excellence in Manchester and west London this weekend, individual brilliance deserves recognition. Here, partnering with FotMob, are the ten top-rated Premier League performers from Gameweek 11.

7. Jordan Pickford, Idrissa Gueye, Bukayo Saka, Amadou Onana—8.3

Bukayo Saka

Everton bounced back to victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday against a Fulham team struggling to find the net unless opponents assist them.

Nevertheless, keeper Jordan Pickford made four stops and prevented 0.91 expected goals from entering his net en route to a shutout. His 8.3 score matched that of unlikely scorer Idrissa Gueye, who broke the deadlock before halftime.

Bukayo Saka sent a left-footed effort wide early in the second half at the Stadium of Light, but Arsenal's star winger made amends by equalizing for the Gunners with a superb weak-foot strike that beat Robin Roefs at his near corner.

The England star didn't dominate proceedings on Wearside, but his precise finish marked his first open-play Premier League away goal since April.

Amadou Onana also found the scoresheet this weekend, extending Aston Villa's advantage from range in their demolition of Bournemouth at Villa Park. The Belgian is experiencing strong form, contributing nine defensive actions during a physical midfield performance against an energetic opposition.

6. Pedro Neto, Emiliano Buendia, Nico Gonzalez, Matheus Nunes – 8.4

Nico González

Man City previously struggled without Rodri, but Nico González's rising prominence in recent weeks means the 2024 Ballon d'Or recipient's ongoing injury concerns aren't hampering Guardiola's championship contenders.

González excelled against Liverpool, with his composed display at defensive midfield highlighted by a deflected long-range effort. The Spaniard provides an imposing presence with sufficient possession intelligence to unlock City's close-quarters specialists.

Fullback Matheus Nunes also achieved an 8.4 rating. He remained quiet defensively with Arne Slot deploying Florian Wirtz in a roaming left-sided role, but his excellent cross created the opener. Nunes, originally a central midfielder, appears comfortable in his current position.

Emiliano Buendia's seasonal revival continued with a magnificent free-kick opener against Bournemouth, while Pedro Neto impressed against former employers Wolverhampton Wanderers in Chelsea's ultimately routine 3–0 victory. Neto netted the Blues' third from close quarters.

5. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 8.5

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

"He represented them, didn't he?" you'll respond in future years when someone mentions Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's solitary campaign with Chelsea.

The midfielder remained on the periphery in west London, but he's become the overlooked engine of David Moyes' Everton. Dewsbury-Hall isn't nicknamed 'Jack Grealish', nor does his technique match Iliman Ndiaye's visual appeal, but he's essential for the Toffees.

Dewsbury-Hall has mainly operated as a tireless No. 10 under Moyes thus far, and his energy proved crucial in their triumph over Fulham on Saturday. The Englishman saw a goal disallowed and registered an assist, while leading the match with 14 defensive actions and topping all Everton players with ten successful duels.

He was omnipresent, essentially.

4. Alejandro Garnacho – 8.7

Alejandro Garnacho

Following his midweek goal, Alejandro Garnacho kept his spot in Enzo Maresca's lineup and certainly delivered.

This represented the winger's finest display since joining Chelsea during the summer, as he concluded the 3–0 success with two assists.

Garnacho was dynamic along the left wing, repeatedly beating his opponent in one-on-one situations to create space. His contribution to the third goal proved especially noteworthy.

3. Emiliano Martinez – 8.8

Emiliano Martinez

Aston Villa's victory over Bournemouth appeared dominant on paper, but the Cherries might have claimed points without Emiliano Martínez's intervention.

This showcased a classic performance from the Argentine goalkeeper, who delivered when needed by denying Antoine Semenyo from the penalty spot, preventing the visitors from reducing their arrears. Martinez also brilliantly tipped a deflected Alex Scott attempt over the crossbar early in the second period.

He wasn't continuously tested throughout the match, but the Villa keeper produced crucial saves at vital moments, enabling the hosts to control proceedings.

2. Jérémy Doku – 9.0

Jérémy Doku

Many would contend that Jérémy Doku's display in Man City's 3–0 triumph over Liverpool wasn't just among the weekend's finest performances, but among this Premier League season's best.

This was one of Doku's unstoppable exhibitions, which are becoming increasingly common. Conor Bradley, who neutralized Vinicius Junior midweek, stood no chance against Doku in this form, and frequently, two Liverpool defenders couldn't contain the winger on City's left flank. He completed seven of eight dribble attempts and created a joint-leading three opportunities.

A spectacular display filled with twists and turns culminated in a brilliant long-range finish after the hour, putting the match beyond the improving Reds.

1. Igor Thiago – 9.1

Igor Thiago

Doku, nevertheless, doesn't claim FotMob's top honor for Gameweek 11. Only one player managed a Premier League double this weekend: Brentford's Igor Thiago.

The Brazilian certainly didn't mesmerize like Doku did on a wet Manchester afternoon, but Thiago's two second-half strikes ensured the Bees continued Newcastle United's away-day struggles.

The forward converted from the penalty spot and finished clinically in added time to secure a 3–1 victory for Keith Andrews' team. He's now second in the goal-scoring rankings with eight strikes, behind only Erling Haaland's total of 14.