Premier League Match Day 15 TOTW-Kane, Van Dijk and Mahrez star during the midweek matches

The second round of games in December for the Premier League were held in the middle of the week.

However, none of the teams disappointed, with every game featuring at least 1 goal from each side.

My TOTW for matchday 15

Goalkeeper-Alisson (Liverpool)

The Brazilian features in my team of the week for a second game in a row, who again performed exceptionally well in a tricky away visit to Burnley.

Despite conceding a goal, involving Chris Wood who was in an offside position, Liverpool’s number 1 managed to get the sharp counter attack rolling, by throwing the ball to Daniel Sturridge who helped assist Shaqiri as he scored Liverpool’s 3rd goal of the day.

Furthermore, Alisson made a world class save to prevent the home side from getting level at 2-1.

Defenders-Fabian Schar (Newcastle United), Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool), Leon Balogun (Brighton) and Matt Doherty

Fabian Schar: The Swiss international made only his 4th appearance for Newcastle, but Schar certainly strengthened The Magpies defence as he contributed heavily to his team’s draw against Everton.

Schar kept the likes of Everton's Bernard at bay, with 12 clearances, 5 tackles and 5 interceptions-the most from any player in the game.

Virgil Van Dijk: The Liverpool centre back was paired alongside Joel Matip for their game at Turf Moor, but that didn’t stop the 27-year-old from putting in another good performance at the back for The Reds.

As per usual, Van Dijk looked solid all game and managed to slide the ball across the face of the goal for Roberto Firmino to tap in, giving Liverpool the lead 69 minutes in.

Leon Balogun: The Nigerian international made an instant impact coming off the bench. S

Shane Duff had just been sent off, so Leon Balogun, presumably, was brought on to fill the gap in the defence-instead Balogun scored with his first touch of the game, after connecting with Solly March’s teasing corner.

The defender did an excellent job for the rest of the game, ensuring Chris Hughton’s side take all 3 points against Crystal Palace.

Matt Doherty: In the first half, the away team looked average at Stamford Bridge-yet, they had kept it at 1-0.

Second half, Wolves showed lots of desire, especially Matt Doherty. His eagerness to get down the right-hand side and create problems was much needed.

More pressure was applied to Chelsea’s defenders, and Doherty managed to whip a brilliant ball into the path of Diogo Jota who smashed in the winner.

Midfielders- Naby Keita (Liverpool), Morgan Gibbs-White (Wolverhampton Wanderers), James Maddison (Leicester City) and Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)

Naby Keita: Injuries have halted his game time in his debut season in the Premier League, but Keita has shown his class when he’s been on the pitch.

Terrific willingness shown throughout the game at Turf Moor as he tracked back and chased opponents down-he was a real bundle of energy that provides Jurgen Klopp with the “problem” of having too many in-form midfielders.

Having his efforts tipped onto the post and blocked off the line, Keita couldn’t find the goal to go with his performance, but he was a headache for Burnley all afternoon.

Morgan Gibbs-White: What a talent he will be. The big stage clearly doesn’t affect him, as he dummied N’Golo Kante with ease and fizzed the ball to Raul Jimenez to get his side level with The Blues.

Throughout the second half, he was bossing Chelsea players around and look composed on the ball. His experience in the Championship has clearly been so important to his game

James Maddison: I was tempted to put Maddison in my TOTW last game day, however he was impressive against Fulham so he gets a run in it.

Maddison has settled into the Premier League and has a regular place in Leicester’s starting 11, but it’s clear why.

Maddison scored for the consecutive game running and was the heart of The Foxes attack. He nearly had an assist too, but Iheanacho could not find the back of the net.

Riyad Mahrez: The former Leicester City winger has also settled into his new club well. Despite lots of competition for places, the Algerian is managing to maintain his place in City’s starting 11.

Mahrez was influential, creating chances left, right and centre-but he managed to score himself, as he converted the ball from Gabriel Jesus’s cross into the back of Ben Foster’s goal.

Forwards- Lucas Perez (West Ham United) and Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)

Lucas Perez: The forgotten man at Arsenal managed to secure a transfer to The Hammers, but even now he’s struggling to find a place in the team.

Although, when the opportunity was handed to him against Cardiff City, the Spaniard took it, scoring twice in his team’s 3-1 win at London Stadium.

He took his chances very well and will be in contention for Arnautovic’s spot who is out till the new year with a hamstring injury.

Harry Kane: Harry Kane scored his 9th goal of the season, as he and his team mates comfortably dominated Southampton at Wembley.

The Englishman now has 7 goals in his last 6 appearances against The Saints, and his goal was made easy for him by a delightful cross from Son Heung-min. He looked a threat all game against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

Not the best of start’s to life in the Premier League, for the competitions first ever Austrian manager.

Overview

After the midweek games, Liverpool are still on the tail of Manchester City, who can’t stop winning, keeping the title challenge alive. However, both have tough games on the weekend (Bournemouth vs Liverpool and Chelsea vs Manchester City) and they both could really mix the table up.

Arsenal not taking their chances against Manchester United means Jose Mourinho is still the Manchester clubs’ manager, however a recently improved Fulham will try to take a needed 3 points away from Old Trafford.

But, every team scoring across the mid-week games shows the Premier League is the gift that keeps on giving.