With another Premier League season done and dusted, Manchester City established their dominance on England’s top flight further, and with today’s football odds tipping Pep Guardiola’s sides as favourites for next term, it could be a fifth time in a row that the title heads to the Etihad Stadium.
Indeed, the Citizens began the title rather poorly by their lofty standards but a resolute run of games that included an unbeaten run for the final 23 matches ensured that Arsenal and Liverpool were unable to snatch the title away.
Some important moments from City’s stars defined their title race, including backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega’s performance against Tottenham Hotspur, in which he made important saves after replacing Ederson in the game’s dying embers.
Elsewhere, there were big moments in the race for the top four and the relegation battle, but who went under the radar this season? In this article, we discuss some of the Premier League’s unsung heroes – those who came up with some big moments at different points throughout this season. Read on to find out more.
Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool
When Liverpool lost James Milner, Fabinho, Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson last summer, Jürgen Klopp was well aware that his squad needed a midfield rebuild. At the forefront of the new arrivals to Anfield was Alexis Mac Allister, who joined from Brighton and Hove Albion after impressing in a season that also saw the Argentina international win the World Cup.
Despite picking up a red card on his home debut, Mac Allister won over the Reds with his sleek passing, tireless work rate and eye for goal, with his screamer against Fulham giving Liverpool real momentum in the title race although their frequent injuries and dip in form prevented them winning the league.
Pedro Porro – Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglu’s first season in the Premier League was a rollercoaster of emotion for Spurs fans. While many felt as if they could compete for the top four, some inconsistent performances made the Australian’s maiden year in charge a challenging one at times, but Pedro Porro perhaps went under the radar as one of the best modern wing-backs in the game.
Porro contributed goals and assists from his electric performances out wide, and his technical ability has earned plaudits from Spurs fans and neutrals alike. However, the Spaniard has been left out of Luis de la Fuente’s side for the Euros, meaning we have to wait until next season to see him in action again.
Ezri Konsa – Aston Villa
Ezri Konsa has been Aston Villa’s best defender for a number of years now, and with Aston Villa securing Champions League qualifying under Unai Emery, the England international will get the chance to ply his trade against some of the best strikers in Europe.
Villa surprised everyone with the defensive solidity that ensured they finished in the top four, and while Konsa’s performances were overshadowed by Pau Torres, who signed from Villarreal this summer and provided composure on the ball, the Englishman has been just as important for keeping things tight at the back. Villa have come a long way in a short period of time and cut out errors largely made by Tyrone Mings, thanks to the 26-year-old’s pace and ability to pick a pass.
João Gomes- Wolverhampton Wanderers
Another example of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ excellent recruitment, João Gomes added real quality to the midfield at Molineux when he arrived from Flamengo. The Brazilian finished second for the most tackles in the league, and his tireless work rate made him a mainstay in the side, making 45 appearances across all competitions as Wolves ensured their safety for another Premier League season.
