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Premier League hotlist: Willian, Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard

Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring for Everton against Hull
Image: Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring for Everton against Hull

Who were the best Premier League players from the weekend games? We take a look at the man-of-the-match performances in our hotlist.

The latest round of Premier League fixtures saw Chelsea strengthen their position as title favourites with a late 2-1 victory at Stoke City.

Romelu Lukaku scored twice in Everton's 4-0 victory over Hull, while Jesse Lingard played a crucial role in Manchester United's 3-1 win at Middlesbrough.

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Premier League Weekend Round-Up

But which other players stood out? Read on to remind yourself of the standout displays - and let us know who you think deserves the plaudits by leaving a comment or tweeting us @SkyFootball...

Willian (Stoke 1-2 CHELSEA)

Stoke's never an easy place to go, especially without your most influential player. Chelsea were without Eden Hazard for the trip to the bet365 Stadium, but Willian more than filled the Belgium international's void.

His set-piece delivery was exceptional all afternoon.

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The Brazilian gave his side the lead in the 13th minute, beating Lee Grant with a free-kick at his near post. He also played an influential role in Gary Cahill's winner, taking the corner which eventually fell to the Chelsea skipper to wrap up all three points.

Romelu Lukaku (EVERTON 4-0 Hull)

Lukaku had been in the spotlight ahead of Everton's home game against Hull City following his declaration that he is unwilling to sign a contract extension with the club. But he responded to the furore in the best possible way with two goals and an assist as Ronald Koeman's men saw off the 10-men Tigers 4-0 at Goodison Park.

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Lukaku had to wait to make his impact - both goals came in stoppage time. But his assist for Enner Valencia's goal, a chipped pass with his weaker right foot, showed his quality and when he did finally get one-on-one with Eldin Jakupovic himself, he made no mistake. The two goals took him to 21 for the season and two clear as the Premier League's top scorer.

Speaking to Sky Sports afterwards, Koeman said: "Maybe you can stop him for 85 minutes but when it is 11 against 10, even when it was 11 against 11, if he gets space and if they make the kind of mistake [they made] for the fourth goal, then he will punish that. That's one of his big qualities."

Jesse Lingard (Middlesbrough 1-3 MANCHESTER UNITED)

Lingard looked dangerous almost every time he picked up the ball at the Riverside, either troubling Middlesbrough with his pace or looking to combine with Marcus Rashford.

And he doubled United's advantage in fine style in the 62nd minute.

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Lingard's Screamer

With defenders backing off him as he ran into the Boro half, Lingard took aim and fired in a shot from outside the box that flew into the top corner.

And how better to celebrate than by playing an imaginary flute...?

Manchester United's English midfielder Jesse Lingard celebrates after scoring their second goal against Middlesbrough
Image: Jesse Lingard celebrates his goal for Manchester United at Middlesbrough

Sadio Mane (Manchester City 1-1 LIVERPOOL)

In an open game, Mane's pace was always a threat to Manchester City's defence.

He could have even won a penalty, bursting clear of Nicolas Otamendi before kicking the defender's leg when attempting to get a shot away.

Gary Neville, who was co-commentating on the game alongside Martin Tyler, picked out Mane's performance, saying: "On a day when the man of the match wasn't cut and dry, Mane was Liverpool's best attacker in the first half."

Christian Eriksen (TOTTENHAM 2-1 Southampton)

There were worries before Tottenham's match on Sunday that they would miss star striker Harry Kane, but Christian Eriksen once again showed his class and stepped up to the plate to help his side pick up their 10th consecutive Premier League win at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham Hotspur's Christian Eriksen celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at White Hart Lane, London.
Image: Tottenham Hotspur's Christian Eriksen celebrates scoring his side's first goal against Southampton

He produced a fantastic strike to put the hosts ahead in the 14th minute, and continued to be involved in the Spurs attacks in a tough match-up against Southampton, and has now scored three goals in his last five games to keep the North London club firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish.

Wilfried Zaha (CRYSTAL PALACE 1-0 Watford)

The perennial frustrator. Ahead of Crystal Palace's clash with Watford, Wilfried Zaha had attempted a dribble on 197 occasions this season in the Premier League; more than any other player. However, he'd failed to beat his opponent with 100 of these (51%).

That relentless desire to keep going was on show at Selhurst Park on Saturday. No player was involved in more duels than the 24-year-old, and as he was continually fouled and pushed around by the aggressive Watford rearguard, he kept getting up, and attempted a colossal seven dribbles, four more than any other player on the pitch.

His finishing does let him down on occasion, while he often takes one too many touches instead of getting the ball into the danger zone, but such an outlet, whose will to run at players is a real weapon, sometimes cannot be suppressed.

Ben Mee (SUNDERLAND 0-0 Burnley)

Mee was solid throughout Burnley's goalless draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, returning in fresh kit from a bloodied nose suffered in the first half to help keep the Black Cats' efforts at bay after the break.

The defender, alongside England centre-back Michael Keane, led by example as Sean Dyche's men secured their 32nd point of the season.

Kasper Schmeichel (West Ham 2-3 LEICESTER CITY)

After his heroics in the Champions League tie with two penalty saves against Sevilla, Schmeichel continued to show his world-class form as he made a string of stops and collections to give Leicester their first away win in the Premier League this season.

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Premier League Saves of the Week - MD29

He leapt to keep out a second curling Manuel Lanzini free-kick, saved on the line to keep out Andy Carroll before denying the striker for a second time in the 93rd minute with a spread-out save that was reminiscent of his dad, Peter.

There's no denying that Schmeichel had a huge hand in the Foxes' victory, with manager Craig Shakespeare claiming "he's in the best form since I've been here".

Craig Dawson (WEST BROM 3-1 Arsenal)

The West Brom defender scored his third career double on Saturday and it was likely the simplest of the lot.

He made the most of generous Arsenal defending to put the Baggies ahead and followed up in similar fashion late on to head home their third goal in a 3-1 win.

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Craig Dawson of West Bromwich Albion (L) scores his sides third goal during the Premier League match between West Bromwi
Image: Craig Dawson heads home West Brom's third goal against Arsenal

The Baggies rightly have a formidable reputation at set-pieces and Dawson and team-mate Gareth McAuley have now combined to score nine Premier League goals this season.

Premier League defences, you have been warned...

Benik Afobe (BOURNEMOUTH 2-0 Swansea)

Afobe had been in the shadows of Josh King in recent weeks but proved the match-winner as Bournemouth scampered further clear of trouble.

Alfie Mawson was credited with opening the scoring for the hosts as Afobe's tame shot hit the 23-year-old and squirmed past Lukasz Fabianski, before Afobe cleverly tucked away a second after the break.

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