On January 20, the Premier League officially announced the shortlist of nominees for Player of the Matchweek for Round 22.
Martin Dubravka (Liverpool 1-1 Burnley)
Burnley’s goalkeeper Dubravka delivered an imperious performance, playing a decisive role in the team’s draw against the reigning champions at Anfield.
While Liverpool fired off 32 shots, they were only able to score with one of those and Dubravka's eight saves were crucial in helping Scott Parker’s side secure an important point.
Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd 2-0 Man City)
Back in his favoured No 10 position, captain Fernandes led by example, crowning a brilliant midfield display by creating the first goal for Bryan Mbeumo and seeing a strike of his own ruled out for offside.
The Portuguese was instrumental on Saturday lunchtime and everything Manchester United did well went through him, as they earned a first win in a home derby against Manchester City since January 2023.
After the match, interim head coach Michael Carrick said of Fernandes: "I thought he was fantastic, the way he played the position. He made the difference."
James Garner (Aston Villa 0-1 Everton)
The midfielder ran the show from start to finish at Villa Park.
He recorded a match-high seven tackles, alongside four interceptions, four clearances and regained possession 14 times.
In total, his 29 defensive contributions against Aston Villa were the most by any player in a match this season.
Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd 2-0 Man City)
Handed his first Premier League start of the season by Carrick, the 20-year-old excelled alongside Casemiro in Man Utd's new-look 4-2-3-1 formation.
Mainoo's 12 previous top-flight appearances in 2025/26 had all come from the bench, but he fully grabbed the opportunity, adding fluency and control in midfield which enabled Fernandes to flourish in the No 10 role.
Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland 2-1 Crystal Palace)
Shortlisted for the fourth time this season, Sunderland's French defender produced another powerhouse performance at both ends of the pitch.
Mukiele set up Enzo Le Fee for the Black Cats' equaliser with a smart, low cross as his side produced a turnaround win to extend their beaten home run to 11 matches.
In defence, the 28-year-old kept Jean-Philippe Mateta well marshalled in a composed, solid display at the back.
Crysencio Summerville (Spurs 1-2 West Ham)
While goals are few and far between for Summerville, they are crucial when they arrive, and his early strike against Tottenham Hotspur was no exception.
Summerville, who had only netted one Premier League goal for West Ham United prior to Saturday - the opener in a 2-1 win against Man Utd last season - set the Hammers on their way to a famous victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Alongside his first-half goal, Summerville showcased his flair and skill, giving the Spurs defence a torrid afternoon.