Week 22 of the 2025/26 Premier League season was a positive one for teams at the wrong end of the table, while Arsenal edged into a seven-point lead at the top of the standings.
None of the bottom five in the table suffered defeats, with West Ham and Leeds United picking up important wins in their bid to avoid the drop.
Meanwhile, at the top, Arsenal were held to a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest, but Manchester City’s defeat against arch-rivals United and Aston Villa’s 1-0 loss to Everton, meant the Gunners now sit seven points clear at the top.
Here is our team of the week for Gameweek 22.
Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Everton secured a huge three points away at Aston Villa and keeper Jordan Pickford was instrumental in the 1-0 victory in the West Midlands.
The England international made five saves over the course of the game and dealt confidently with a late onslaught from the Villans to preserve Everton’s clean sheet.
Defender – Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)
With Man Utd producing the performance of the weekend to beat rivals City 2-0 in the derby, Diogo Dalot is one of five Red Devils stars to make this team of the week.
Keeping City’s dangerous wide players quiet at Old Trafford, Dalot did plenty of unseen work to help contribute to the United victory, as well as a clean sheet against Pep Guardiola’s men.
Defender – Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United)
United seem a different animal with Lisandro Martinez on the field and the Argentinian was his combative best in the electric atmosphere at Old Trafford.
With 10 defensive contributions over the course of the game and being a leading figure in the United backline, Martinez impressed in Michael Carrick’s first match as interim boss.
Defender – Pascal Struijk (Leeds United)
Leeds picked up three valuable points at Elland Road as they scored a 91st-minute winner to beat Fulham in West Yorkshire.
Clean sheets have eluded Daniel Farke’s side at home this season, but Pascal Struijk made 11 defensive contributions to help the Whites keep the Londoners at bay and land a sixth win of the Premier League season.
Defender – Emerson Palmieri (West Ham)
West Ham earned a memorable 2-1 win away at Tottenham, with Emerson Palmieri impressing down the left-hand side.
The Italy international was solid defensively and worked tirelessly down the flank to help the Hammers pick up three crucial points and the bragging rights at Spurs.
Midfielder – Casemiro (Manchester United)
Man Utd’s Brazilian midfielder Casemiro rolled back the years with a dominant display in the middle of the park against Man City.
The 33-year-old broke up play relentlessly, completed 91% of his passes and was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet against the Cityzens.
Midfielder – Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Cole Palmer has missed a large chunk of the season already, but he showed just how important he is for Chelsea by scoring in their 2-0 win at home to Brentford.
Palmer netted from the penalty spot, created multiple chances and was the Blues’ most dangerous player throughout at Stamford Bridge.
Midfielder – Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United)
A talismanic leader for Leeds, skipper Ethan Ampadu produced another commanding display in the middle of the park against Fulham.
Providing the cross for Lukas Nmecha’s late winner, Ampadu was instrumental in helping his side get over the line on Saturday.
Midfielder – Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland)
Sunderland enjoyed a big 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at the Stadium of Light, with Enzo Le Fee pulling the strings in midfield.
The Frenchman scored the equaliser for the Black Cats in the 33rd minute, dictated play and consistently found pockets of space between the lines for the hosts against the Eagles.
Midfielder – Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Linking up well with Bryan Mbeumo and providing the assist for Man Utd’s opening goal of the game, Bruno Fernandes was in inspired form in the derby.
The Portuguese playmaker had a goal ruled out for offside on a day he shone under Carrick’s leadership.
Striker – Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United)
Scoring that crucial opening goal from Fernandes’ assist, Bryan Mbeumo enjoyed his first experience of a Manchester Derby.
Making a welcome return after AFCON duty in recent weeks, Mbeumo showed why the Red Devils splashed the cash to sign him over the summer.
