EPL Matchweek 24 delivered performances that tilted the title race decisively whilst reaffirming why individual brilliance remains football’s most compelling currency.
Arsenal’s emphatic 4-0 dismantling of Leeds at Elland Road extended their advantage to six points at the top of the table. This cushion feels increasingly significant after Manchester City surrendered a two-goal lead in stunning fashion to draw 2-2 at Tottenham.
Across the division, moments of technical excellence defined results, from Hugo Ekitike’s rapid-fire brace at Anfield to Dominic Solanke’s audacious scorpion kick that salvaged a point for Spurs.
The best performers from EPL Matchweek 24 weren’t necessarily those who grabbed headlines, but rather the players who manipulated space, exceeded their expected metrics, and altered tactical dynamics through intelligent positioning.
Liverpool’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle showcased the clinical finishing of Hugo Ekitike, while Noni Madueke’s seamless integration into Arsenal’s system following Bukayo Saka’s warm-up injury illustrated the squad depth that title-winning teams demand.
Our Geeky Nigeria Team of the Week selection employs a 3-4-3 formation, where a narrow midfield four operates effectively as a diamond to reflect the central overloads that prove decisive across multiple fixtures.
Arne Slot’s tactical pivot at Anfield, inverting his full-backs to create numerical superiority in central zones, provided a tactical blueprint that Newcastle’s injury-depleted midfield could not counter.
Similarly, Thomas Frank’s half-time adjustments transformed Tottenham from a side booed off at the interval into one that orchestrated a remarkable comeback. These systemic innovations deserve equal billing alongside individual excellence when assessing who truly dominated this matchweek.
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Key Takeaways: EPL MW24 Team of the Week
Nigerian Excellence: Ola Aina delivered a 7.4-Sofascore-rated performance for ten-man Forest, completing six dribbles whilst shutting down Palace’s attacks.
Clinical Finishing: Hugo Ekitike scored twice in two minutes, reaching 10 Premier League goals and 15 across all competitions for Liverpool.
Tactical Resilience: Dominic Solanke’s scorpion kick completed Tottenham’s comeback from 2-0 down against Manchester City.
Arsenal’s Depth: Noni Madueke (of Nigerian Igbo descent) seamlessly replaced the injured Saka, registering a goal and an assist at Elland Road.
The Last Line of Defence: Shot-Stopping Masterclass
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford)
Kelleher was the statistical standout between the posts during Brentford’s 1-0 win at Aston Villa. He prevented 0.98 goals through five saves, four of which came from shots inside the box. His distribution was equally vital; he completed 12 long passes to alleviate pressure after his side was reduced to ten men.
Defensive Excellence: Best Performers at the Back
RCB: Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
The Frenchman’s emotional return following his father’s recent passing transcended statistics, yet his defensive output remained exceptional. Konate registered ten clearances and won 100% of his aerial duels against Newcastle, whilst his stoppage-time goal provided a fitting tribute.
His partnership with Virgil van Dijk nullified the opposition, maintaining Liverpool’s defensive structure even during Newcastle’s brief counter-attacking spells.
CB: Gabriel (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s defensive leader orchestrated the clean sheet at Elland Road that solidified their position at the top of the table.
Gabriel won 4 ground duels and 6 aerial duels, and made a crucial block to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin when Leeds threatened a second-half revival. His positioning allows Arsenal to maintain an aggressive high line without fear of exploitation, a tactical foundation upon which their title challenge rests.
LCB: Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)
The Super Eagles defender produced heroics at City Ground, where Forest earned a precious point despite playing with ten men after Neco Williams Red Card at the 45th minute.
Aina’s tactical intelligence shone through six successful dribbles that relieved defensive pressure, whilst his Sofascore rating of 7.4 represented Forest’s second-highest mark. He faces another stern test in Matchweek 25 as Forest travel to face title-chasers Liverpool.
Midfield Mastery: TOTW Engine Room
DM: Casemiro (Manchester United)
The Brazilian veteran demonstrated that tactical awareness compensates for diminishing athleticism during United’s 3-2 triumph over Fulham.
Casemiro scored the opener and provided an intentional no-look assist whilst winning eight duels, including 100% of aerial contests. His positioning screened United’s back four, allowing more adventurous teammates to flourish in transition.
RCM: Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)
Operating from an inverted right-back position, Szoboszlai completed eleven passes into the final third whilst creating one big chance.
His tactical flexibility allowed Liverpool to achieve central overloads that Newcastle’s midfield could not track, exemplifying Slot’s systemic innovation.
LCM: Alex Iwobi (Fulham)
Despite the narrow loss at Old Trafford, Iwobi was the orchestrator of Fulham’s attempts to resist United’s late pressure.
His inclusion here, despite the result, highlights individual quality that transcended the scoreline; he recorded a 96% pass accuracy and forced a world-class save with a curling effort from range. Operating in a fluid central role, he proved his enduring value as a high-volume playmaker.
AM: Xavi Simons (Tottenham)
The Dutchman was the catalyst for Spurs’ remarkable comeback, creating 4 chances including 2 big chances. His vision unlocked City’s defensive structure repeatedly, with his assist for Solanke’s opening goal showcasing the spatial awareness that separates elite playmakers from the rest.
Attack: Elite Finishing and Flair
RWF: Noni Madueke (Arsenal)
The winger of Nigerian Igbo descent stepped into Saka’s boots without missing a stride, registering a goal and an assist during his 61 minutes at Elland Road.
Madueke’s performance strengthens Arsenal’s title credentials by demonstrating genuine squad depth. He will look to carry this momentum into Matchweek 25’s clash against Sunderland.
CF: Dominic Solanke (Tottenham)
Solanke’s brace, capped by an audacious scorpion kick equaliser in the 70th minute, rescued Tottenham and dented City’s title aspirations.
His movement dragged City’s defence out of position repeatedly, whilst his second goal drew comparison to some of the great improvised finishes in Premier League history.
LWF: Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
The Frenchman netted twice in two first-half minutes to complete Liverpool’s comeback against Newcastle. His second goal, beating Nick Pope with an exquisite outside-of-the-boot finish, drew comparisons to Anfield legends.
With 10 Premier League goals, Ekitike has emphatically answered questions about his suitability for English football’s intensity.
Conclusion: Title Race Implications
Matchweek 24 has potentially defined the 2025/26 title race, with Arsenal’s six-point cushion appearing increasingly decisive.
Manchester City’s inability to protect a two-goal advantage raises questions about mental resilience that could prove fatal in the season’s closing stages.
For Nigerian supporters, Ola Aina’s continued excellence reinforces the Super Eagles’ growing Premier League influence, even as the spotlight falls on more glamorous attacking talents.
The best performers from this matchweek demonstrated that modern football demands complete players: defenders who progress play, midfielders who create overloads, and forwards who convert half-chances.
As we approach Matchweek 25, Arsenal’s squad depth, Liverpool’s clinical finishing, and Tottenham’s newfound resilience will determine whether the current trajectory holds or if further late-season drama awaits.
Read on: Matchweek 24: Big Tests for Nigerian Stars Iwobi, Aina & Bassey
