Gameweek 13's Premier League Stars: The Top 10 Players Who Dominated the Pitch

Premier League matches are arriving in rapid succession over the coming weeks, leaving little opportunity to contemplate the thrills of matchday 13.

Chelsea's captivating 1–1 stalemate with Arsenal provided a spectacular conclusion to what was a riveting weekend of Premier League football that showcased record-breaking moments, stunning comebacks and flashes of exceptional talent at every turn.

Below are the top 10 standout players from this round based on FotMob performance ratings.

10. Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton): 8.5/10

Naturally a left-back, Maxim De Cuyper has sometimes been deployed in more advanced positions on the left flank during his career, and he received his maiden start as a wide player for Brighton & Hove Albion in Sunday's encounter at Nottingham Forest.

He resembled a forward as he surged through the middle of the field to slot home the opener in what became an outstanding, battling triumph.

9. Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest): 8.6/10

Although Forest suffered defeat, the match's top rating belonged to midfielder Elliot Anderson, who maintained his upward momentum with another exceptional individual display.

Beyond generating a match-best six scoring opportunities, the versatile England international also contributed 12 successful duels and six completed take-ons, topping the game in both categories. It's understandable why clubs are beginning to monitor Anderson closely.

8. John McGinn (Aston Villa): 8.6/10

Aston Villa extended their winning streak to five matches across all tournaments with a 1–0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, driven by Scotland captain John McGinn.

McGinn delivered the (admittedly simple) pass that enabled Boubacar Kamara's spectacular decisive strike, representing just one of the game-high four opportunities he crafted for Unai Emery's flourishing side.

7. Cody Gakpo (Liverpool): 8.7/10

Liverpool's 2–0 victory against West Ham United contained several major talking points. Alexander Isak found his inaugural Premier League goal for the Reds, Florian Wirtz delivered one of his finest displays this campaign and Lucas Paquetá's late dismissal has overshadowed post-match discussions, causing Cody Gakpo's brilliant individual showing to go largely unnoticed.

His cross provided Isak with his milestone goal on 60 minutes and, with West Ham threatening while chasing an equalizer, Gakpo emerged as the match-winner with an injury-time finish that settled Liverpool's victory beyond question.

6. Enzo Le Fée (Sunderland): 8.7/10

Sunderland persist in exceeding expectations in the Premier League, mounting a remarkable comeback from a two-goal deficit to secure a 3–2 triumph against a Bournemouth team also creating significant impact during the season's opening months.

Midfielder Enzo Le Fée converted the spot-kick that initiated Sunderland's revival and completed the turnaround by providing the assist for Brian Brobbey's decisive header.

5. Igor Thiago (Brentford): 8.8/10

Saturday's Premier League fixtures commenced with another brace from Brentford forward Igor Thiago, whose haul of 11 strikes in 13 appearances trails only Manchester City's Erling Haaland's 14-goal tally.

All four goals in Brentford's 3–1 victory over Burnley arrived within the closing 10 minutes. Thiago's spot-kick opened the scoring after 81 minutes and, following Zian Flemming's equalizing penalty, a powerful effort restored the Bees' advantage on an afternoon where he consistently troubled Burnley's backline.

4. Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd): 8.8/10

Circumstances appeared destined for another Manchester United catastrophe on Sunday when Crystal Palace wondered how their advantage remained at just one goal by halftime. Twenty minutes and two Bruno Fernandes assists later, the situation had completely reversed.

An intelligent set-piece created Joshua Zirkzee's leveler, before another swift decision from a dead-ball situation enabled Mason Mount to fire home the eventual winner. That brings Fernandes' seasonal assist total to five, placing him atop the Premier League leaderboard in that category.

3. Lewis Miley (Newcastle): 8.9/10

Two serious injuries throughout 2024 have forced 19-year-old Lewis Miley into recovery mode within a promising career that appeared destined for stardom by now had he maintained fitness and health.

Saturday's 4–1 demolition of Everton marked only Miley's third starting appearance this season for Newcastle United, but he ensured it was unforgettable with an outstanding display that produced a goal, an assist and some remarkable defensive contributions for good measure.

2. Phil Foden (Man City): 9.0/10

Phil Foden scored the season's quickest goal within 59 seconds of Manchester City's thrilling 3–2 victory over Leeds United—a record that lasted merely hours—and managed to emerge with the decisive strike a complete 90 minutes later.

"Phil possesses that [mindset] ... 'Give me the ball, I want to take players on, I want to score and secure victory.'" City boss Pep Guardiola observed. "He carries this drive and attitude from childhood and I'm delighted with his performance. He proved to be the difference-maker."

1. Malick Thiaw (Newcastle): 9.1/10

The player who claimed Foden's record, Malick Thiaw soared above defenders to nod Newcastle ahead within just 56 seconds of their commanding victory over Everton. Sufficient time remained for him to add another powerful header that secured the Magpies' inaugural away success of the campaign.

Goals weren't Thiaw's only contribution, though. Six aerial battles won and five defensive headers against the same Thierno Barry who claimed 15 duels against Man Utd previously completed what was a commanding display from the 24-year-old.