Monday 14 May 2018 07:38, UK
Gareth Southgate names his England squad this week, but did anyone stake a late claim on the final day of the Premier League season?
Southgate will name his 23-man squad - plus a selection of standby players - for the World Cup in Russia on Wednesday, May 16.
Sunday's finale was a last chance to impress in club colours - but who caught the eye enough to potentially have forced their way into his plans?
Jonjo Shelvey gave yet another reminder of what he can bring to an England midfield, and it looks to be a toss-up between him and Loftus-Cheek for a spot in Southgate's 23.
The same goes for Jamaal Lascelles, who was a rock again in Newcastle's defence, though he remains an outside bet to make the squad on Wednesday.
For Chelsea, captain Gary Cahill was not the biggest offender from a woeful performance, while Ross Barkley was largely anonymous.
Trent Alexander-Arnold strengthened his claims to be included in Southgate's 23-man squad with a flawless performance at right-back which would have yielded a number of assists on another day.
Jordan Henderson was solid in midfield while Adam Lallana got more precious minutes under his belt as he continues his comeback from injury.
Danny Welbeck appeared from Arsenal bench to play the last 23 minutes and he used his pace to good effect on the left flank, but his finishing was not quite up to scratch.
Jack Wilshere missed the midweek defeat to Leicester after the birth of his child and was not named in Arsene Wenger's final squad.
Burnley No 1 Nick Pope gave Southgate a reminder of his undoubted abilities with a string of eye-catching saves at Turf Moor, the best of which denied Lys Mousset in the first half. James Tarkowski also turned in another solid display at the back.
Jermain Defoe's late cameo off the bench may have also given Southgate a timely nudge. The 35-year-old striker was unlucky not to score with a close-range header and then created Callum Wilson's winner.
Marcus Rashford got an early goal on his return to the starting line-up, but he was otherwise quiet up front for United.
Ashley Young played in a more advanced role but failed to deliver any of his trademark pinpoint crosses.
Ryan Bertrand captained Southampton but was largely unimpressive, though another competitor for left-back, Fabian Delph, did little for the visitors.
Raheem Sterling endured a frustrating afternoon too, but did go close when hitting the post in the second half.
Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane both ended the season with doubles, but Kane - chasing the Golden Boot award that would go to Mo Salah - was understandably greedy on several occasions.
Harry Maguire had a good game at the heart of the Leicester defence, despite the scoreline, making five interceptions and as many clearances.
His opposite number Eric Dier struggled against the quality of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy, but was left exposed by his team-mates - especially Danny Rose, who was impressive going forward but all-too often missing when Leicester broke.
There remains an outside chance that West Ham's Aaron Cresswell could be named at least as one of Southgate's standby options given his versatility and concerns over Danny Rose's fitness, and he produced another assured display.
But any faint hopes Everton defender Michael Keane may have had of making a late dash for Russia were surely ended here after he was tormented all afternoon, in particular by Marko Arnautovic.
Jordan Pickford was one of Everton's better performers again. He could do little about West Ham's first and third goals but he may feel slightly at fault for Arnautovic's strike, with the dipping shot flying past him. He made a brilliant stop from Mark Noble with the scores level and looks set for the No 1 jersey.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek produced a steady display and looked lively when Palace pushed forward. But he will rue a missed opportunity to convert from close-range in the second half as his attempt was caught by Foster.
Jake Livermore had a disappointing afternoon in the West Brom midfield as he struggled to assert his authority on the match.
Stoke might have been relegated but Jack Butland showed Southgate he remains in fine form ahead of the World Cup with a fantastic second-half performance where he made seven saves. Could he challenge Pickford for a starting spot?
In attack, Peter Crouch was his usual nuisance. He won the penalty and powered a header home - his 199th goal of his professional career.
