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Real Madrid closed the gap on Atletico Madrid to three points at the top of La Liga, battling to beat Real Valladolid 1-0 on Saturday evening.

Los Blancos almost fell behind early on, and had to rely on Thibaut Courtois to produce a stunning double save to deny Saidy Janko’s deflected strike at goal. Madrid recovered and took a hold of the game, although they failed to find a first-half breakthrough.

Mariano Diaz came closest for the champions, twice seeing his goal ruled out for offside, as the two teams entered the dressing rooms even at the break. Courtois was the hero at the start of the second half too, repelling a vicious volley after Ferland Mendy inadvertently crossed the ball into his own box.

And the Belgian’s heroics were rewarded at the other end of the pitch, when Casemiro rose highest to nod home Toni Kroos’ wicked free-kick. Madrid saw out the match to claim three massive points and take another step in their pursuit of league leaders Atleti.

Let’s check out the player ratings from a tense evening in La Liga.

Thibaut Courtois (GK) – 8/10 – Pulled off an insane double stop in the opening minutes to keep Madrid on level terms. Palmed away another shot from distance soon after. Stopped a powerful volley in the second half. A well earned clean sheet.

Lucas Vazquez (RB) – 7/10 – Always ran to the byline to try and clip a cross in from the right flank. Deployed as an attacking full-back with far less defending to do than usual.

Raphael Varane (CB) – 8/10 – Rocked by the initial chances which fell to the hosts, but grabbed a foothold as Madrid took control of the game.

Nacho Fernandez (CB) – 7/10 – Relatively assured at the back, and growing in his extended run at the heart of the side. Ran the risk of giving away a penalty, but escaped punishment for a flimsy tackle.

Ferland Mendy (LB) – 6/10 – Galloped up and down the left side, but did play a disastrous pass across his own box to almost hand Valladolid an equaliser.

Luka Modric (CM) – 6/10 – Offered some neat footwork and popped up in different areas of the pitch, trying to get Madrid moving. Couldn’t influence the game with his usual class and intelligence.

Casemiro (CM) – 8/10 – One of the best attackers of a set piece in Spain. Leapt brilliantly to power Madrid ahead. When they need a hero, Casemiro is so often there.

Toni Kroos (CM) – 8/10 – The pass master. Kept it simple when needed and then switched it up to bamboozle the Valladolid defence. Dangerous on set pieces as always, helping to break the deadlock.

Marco Asensio (RW) – 6/10 – Fancied his chances from range, curling over the bar from the corner of the penalty area. Didn’t run at the defence or ask enough questions. Subbed.

Mariano Diaz (ST) – 6/10 – Thought he had opened the scoring, but he strayed just offside in the buildup. Found the net a second time, but suffered the same fate.

Vinicius Junior (LW) – 6/10 – Saw very little of the ball in the first half, as Madrid looked to threaten down the right wing, rather than his left. Ineffective and subbed.

Sergio Arribas (RW) – 6/10

Isco (LW) – 7/10

Hugo Duro (ST) – 6/10

Rewind a month or so and Manchester United fans were daring to dream of a first Premier League crown since 2013 – then Manchester City happened.

United’s city rivals have pretty much laughed at suggestions we could be set for an exciting title race, blowing away the league with 12 consecutive wins and all but securing their seventh top-flight English crown with three months of the season still to go.

While the Red Devils’ dreams of league glory may have gone up in smoke – and let’s be honest, they were feint dreams at that – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side still have plenty to play for, with Champions League qualification up for grabs, an FA Cup quarter-final to come and Europa League commitments to fulfil.

With United fighting on three fronts, Solskjaer is going to need to make use of his full squad as we enter the business end of the campaign, and he afforded some of his squad players some much-needed game-time in the thumping 4-0 win over Real Sociedad on Thursday night.

While players like Eric Bailly struggled in the first-leg clash, one man who needed no second invitation to stake his claim for a regular place in the United side was Daniel James.

The Welshman has been well and truly on the fringes of first-team action this season, being afforded just over half an hour of Premier League football since the turn of the year and making just five league starts all campaign.

There was an evident rustiness to the youngster’s first-half display, with a number of loose touches sullying what had actually been a valiant display full of energy and desire.

Ironically, it was one of said poor touches which seemed to spark a turning point in James’ night.

Having failed to control a through ball from Marcus Rashford, it bounced fortunately off James into the path of Bruno Fernandes who (obviously) applied the finish, and with an assist to his name the 23-year-old looked a totally different player.

Far from the winger struggling for confidence and unable to find his first touch, James suddenly looked lively and full of purpose, and he was unfortunate not to open his account for the night after his smart finish was ruled out after Mason Greenwood was adjudged to be offside in the build-up.

Not to be denied, the Wales international continued to work for the good of the team, and with just minutes remaining he bagged a richly-deserved goal, ignoring the cries from his teammates in the box before slotting through the legs of Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro.

You won’t often see a 90th minute strike to put a team 4-0 up celebrated with so much vigour, but the relief on the youngster’s face was clear for all to see. After a tricky start he’d stuck to his task and got the goal his performance warranted.

United are going to need their full squad to perform to the best of their ability if they’re to continue to fight on three front this season, and given more regular time in the first team, James could prove to be a key player as the Red Devils enter the home straight.

Manchester City moved 10 points clear at the Premier League summit with a 3-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening.

City took the lead just after the half hour mark – Phil Foden’s sweetly struck half volley deflecting in off Seamus Coleman. But Everton were level five minutes later as Lucas Digne’s effort inadvertently clattered off the post, onto the thigh of Richarlison, and into the net.

City regained the advantage just after the hour mark – and in some style – Riyad Mahrez bending a wonderful first time effort from the edge of the box home in off the post. Mahrez then turned provider for City’s third, teeing up Bernardo Silva who sent a fizzing effort into the bottom corner via the gloves of Jordan Pickford.

Let’s dive into some player ratings.

Jordan Pickford (GK) – 6/10 – Made a good save down low to keep out Joao Cancelo early in the first half and Bernardo Silva in the second. Got a hand to City’s third.

Mason Holgate (RB) – 6/10 – Switched to centre back following Mina’s injury, and then back to right-back for the final 20 minutes. Looked more comfortable at centre half, with Sterling’s directness causing him a bit of trouble.

Yerry Mina (CB) – 5/10 – Forced off after 15 minutes with an injury to his right calf.

Michael Keane (CB) – 6/10 – Did well to quickly close down Jesus in the first half, Keane’s pressure doing just enough as the Brazilian fired over from close range

Ben Godfrey (LB) – 5/10 – Had a bit of a difficult night up against Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and Walker, who overloaded Everton’s left.

Alex Iwobi (RM) – 6/10 – Lost track of Foden in the build up to City’s opener, gifting the youngster too much space. Instrumental in Everton’s equaliser.

Abdoulaye Doucoure (CM) – 6/10 – Broke up play well and burst forward energetically on a number of occasions.

Tom Davies (CM) – 5/10 – Full of energy, such a willing runner – but sloppily conceded possession in his own half on a couple of occasions. Replaced with 22 minutes remaining.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (CAM) – 5/10 – Had half a sniff of goal early in the first half but saw his volley blocked by Dias.

Lucas Digne (LM) – 6/10 – Playing in a slightly unnatural midfield role, his well struck effort clattered the post and onto Richarlison for Everton’s equaliser. Moved to left back for the final 20 minutes.

Richarlison (ST) – 7/10 – Right place, right time to accidentally deflect Digne’s effort off the post into the net for Everton’s equaliser. Led the line and held up the ball really well on his own.

Seamus Coleman – 6/10 – Picked out Digne with a dangerous delivery in the build up to Everton’s equaliser.

Josh King – 5/10

James Rodriguez – 6/10

Ederson (GK) – 6/10 – Good with his feet, hardly had a save to make.

Kyle Walker (RB) – 7/10 – Bombed forward energetically and overlapped Mahrez on a number of occasions. Picked out Jesus with a fabulous through ball in the second half.

Ruben Dias (CB) – 6/10 – Made a good block to keep out Sigurdsson in the second half. Helped to restrict Everton to occasional sights of goal.

Aymeric Laporte (CB) – 6/10 – Had an interesting battle with Richarlison. Solid defensively, comfortable in possession.

Joao Cancelo (LB) – 8/10 – Brought a good save out of Pickford in the opening exchanges with a low drive from the edge of the box. As ever he floated around in central midfield, dictating play and rendering the traditional full-back role well and truly defunct. We’re calling this Cancelo culture.

Rodri (CM) – 6/10 – Played Jesus clean through on goal with a cushioned pass in the first half. Glanced a headed half chance narrowly wide in the second.

Bernardo Silva (CM) – 8/10 – Teed up Mahrez for City’s second, added City’s third with a fizzing effort from the edge of the box.

Phil Foden (CM) – 7/10 – Opened the scoring with a well struck, deflected half volley. Glided about the pitch, buzzing with energy.

Riyad Mahrez (RW) – 8/10 – Instrumental in City’s opener, with his quick feet and subsequent teasing delivery eventually falling to Foden. Looked really lively, willing to attempt to beat Godfrey whenever he was in possession. Netted City’s second with a fabulous curling effort.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – 6/10 – Fired a good opportunity just over in the first half when through on goal but with Keane applying the pressure, before blazing another chance over in the second.

Raheem Sterling (LW) – 7/10 – Had more joy up against Holgate than Coleman. Went on one sumptuous little run in the second half, wriggling his way past three Everton defenders.

Kevin de Bruyne – 6/10

Fernandinho – N/A

Going into their Champions League round of 16 first leg against RB Leipzig, Liverpool had reached their lowest point of the Jurgen Klopp era.

Their self-implosion in the 3-1 defeat against Leicester last time out summed up everything wrong at Anfield at the moment. Confidence is low, fatigue is high and there is a growing sense that this brilliant team is coming to the end of their cycle of dominance.

Fortunately, Leipzig were feeling sorry for the Reds on Tuesday night, gifting them not one, but two goals in the second half.

The first guilty man was Marcel Sabitzer; seizing upon a loose ball in midfield, the Austrian attempted a seemingly basic ten-yard pass to Lukas Klostermann and got it wrong – very wrong.

With the pass half a yard behind the lumbering centre-back, Mohamed Salah smelled opportunity and darted onto the misplaced ball, before calmly slotting past Peter Gulacsi.

This error clearly gave Leipzig an appetite for self-destruction as minutes later, highly-rated young centre-back Nordi Mukiele was guilty of an even more heinous mistake. There were thousands of acceptable ways that Mukiele could have dealt with Curtis Jones’ innocuous long ball – none of them involved falling on his backside like a Sunday league plodder still sweating out the six pints they enjoyed the night before, and staying there in a strop as his opponent ran clear.

Sadio Mane would benefit this time, racing onto the loose before stroking the ball across Gulacsi and into the back of the net.

These two errors were indicative of Leipzig’s strange performance. Recently, Die Roten Bullen have been playing well. They have made a genuine claim to be Germany’s new ‘second’ team this season and have only lost twice in their last 17 games in all competitions.

Against Liverpool, they showed glimpses of their talent, with Dani Olmo’s hitting the post with a innovative diving header early on and Angeliño causing problems with his intelligent positioning. Largely though, Leipzig looked bizarrely nervous, particularly at the back.

This manifested itself in a string of basic errors and few players struggled more than Dayot Upamecano, who earlier this week was revealed as David Alaba’s successor at Bayern Munich. Die Roten would have watched his display through their fingers, with the Frenchman routinely caught in possession and also been guilty of some unforgivably slack passing, which put his team under unnecessary pressure.

Although Upamecano was particularly poor, his performance was indicative of Leipzig’s abundance of unforced errors.

The key word here is unforced. Although Liverpool did press effectively on Tuesday night, this was not them strangling their opponents into submission, as they have done so many times before in Europe. A more apt description would be that the Reds were handed the game on a silver platter through Leipzig’s own incompetence.

Although the boost in confidence that the win will bring is much-needed, Liverpool must not get ahead of themselves. This tie remains far from over as there is no chance that Leipzig will play that poorly again when the two teams meet at Anfield for the second leg on 10 March.

It had been a long couple of months without a goal for Timo Werner – which probably explains the relieved smile on his face when referee Peter Bankes finally awarded his goal on Monday evening.

The German played as if he had a point to prove against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, but for the first 40 minutes or so it looked as if the same problems were continuing to plague him.

He’d sent one effort wide, blasted another over the bar, and he must have thought he’d spurned yet another chance when Karl Darlow scrambled to prevent his scuffed effort crossing the line.

But the goal was given, and even an excruciating VAR delay couldn’t stop the moment he had long been awaiting. For the first time since November he had been credited with a Chelsea goal, and he could breathe a sigh of relief.

In truth it was the goal his recent performances had merited. He had made the earlier goal for Olivier Giroud, charging down the left flank and turning Emil Krafth inside out before delivering a teasing ball that eventually broke to the Frenchman.

It came after three assists in his previous two matches, and was another sign that Thomas Tuchel might have finally cracked the code that Frank Lampard never could.

Part of what made Werner’s performance so effective was the role he was deployed in. While Lampard was often vilified for playing him off the left of a front three, it seems to work in their new 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 formations, where he has no fixed position.

The width provided by Callum Hudson-Odoi and Marcos Alonso stretched the pitch to its capacity, and that meant that Newcastle – defending it with a back four and a midfield diamond – were simply unable to clog up the spaces. Werner, then, had plenty to work with.

He fluidly flitted between hitting the by-line and drifting into the inside channel, and roamed his territory with a spring in his step. He had been given license to wreak havoc, and we saw this in the opening goal as he raced at Krafth, stopped dead, took off again, and delivered the ball into a dangerous area without even looking.

After months of tentatively jogging around with the purpose and intent of a headless chicken, he looked like a player with a plan.

His goal was much more instinctive, taking advantage of some awful marking from Jamal Lewis to bundle the ball over the line. But it’s the type of thing we are likely to see more and more of as his confidence grows within a system geared to suit him.

He’s got a long way to go yet after such a questionable start to his Chelsea career, but with Tuchel at the helm, he finally has a clearly defined role in the side.

Find space, move into space, make things happen – was it really that simple all along?

Barcelona thrashed Alaves 5-1 at Camp Nou on Saturday night to maintain their 100% league record in 2021, and return to second spot in La Liga.

Unsurprisingly, Ronald Koeman’s side dominated the ball completely from the get go but found it hard to break down an organised Alaves back line. However, La Blaugrana found the opener on 29 minutes when a fierce Oscar Mingueza cross was brought down by league debutant Ilaix Moriba, who then set up Trincao to score.

Barcelona continued to attack and made it two on the brink of half time when Lionel Messi produced a moment of magic. The Argentine got the ball about 35 yards out from goal, side stepped a challenge from Rodrigo Battaglia and fired into the bottom corner past a despairing Fernando Pacheco.

Barcelona contiued to dominate proceedings, but only after a scare from the visitors. Luis Rioja pulled one back for Alaves fiftenn minutes after the restart, as he latched on to a misplaced Moriba pass in midfield and broke forward before slotting past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

But Barça then flicked the switch and showed their quality. The third came through Trincao in the 74th minute, who scored his second of the night from a rebounded Messi shot. The Argentine then made it four one minute later, when he unleashed a beauty into the top corner from 25 yards out to secure his own brace.

The scoring was rounded off by Junior Firpo who had the simplest of tasks of tapping in an Antoine Griezamnn pull back after a phenomenal ball over the top by Messi.

Right, let’s get to the Barcelona player ratings.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) – 6/10 – The German had very little to do, but always kept his focus, reading the game well from crosses and making a couple of good saves and could do little about the opposition’s goal.

Oscar Mingueza (RB) – 8/10 – A classy display from the youngster. Very solid defensively, breaking down several dangerous Alaves counters, while also providing a brilliant cross which led to the Barca opener.

Frenkie De Jong (CB) – 6/10 – Was defensively solid at centre back in the first period, and looked more comfortable when pushed up to the centre of the field in the second but couldn’t really influence proceedings at all, making no key passes.

Clement Lenglet (CB) – 7/10 – Good performance, showing his quality against Lucas Perez and Joselu. The Frenchman also saved his goalkeeper from a one on one in the first half with a strong piece of defending.

Junior Firpo (LB) – 7/10 – A very attacking performance, almost acting as a left winger when La Blaugrana had the ball, and got himself a goal with 15 to go as he tapped in from Griezmann’s pull back.

Sergio Busquets (DM) – 7/10 – Such an effective screen as usual, winning the ball five times. Also produced some brilliant passes, most notably feeding Messi from deep for the second goal before coming off at half time.

Ilaix Moriba (CM) – 7/10 – Very bright from minute one, showing great composure and an unselfish attitude to assist Trincao for the opener. But the sloppy pass that led to the Alaves goal tarnished the 18-year old’s otherwise brilliant La Liga debut.

Riqui Puig (CM) – 7/10 – Showed class with some beautiful touches on the ball, weaving his way between opposition players. Was key in making Barca tick, maintaining a 94% pass accuracy.

Trincao (RW) – 9/10 – Threatened Alaves throughout and deservedly grabbed his second and third goals in two games with cool, clinical finishing wither side of half time.

Lionel Messi (ST) – 9/10 – Vintage Messi. Produced magic with a wonderful goal for his side’s second. Then waved his wand again, unleashing a wonder strike from 25 yards out for Barcelona’s fourth. And created the fifth with a ball over the top that can only be described as a piece of art.

Antoine Griezmann (LW) – 7/10 – A game of missed chances for the Frenchman who made up for not scoring by grabbing the assists for Barca’s fourth and fifth.

Samuel Umtiti (CB) – 7/10 – Very solid at the heart of defence, making several crucial clearances and interceptions as Alaves got up the pitch towards the later stages.

Pedri (CM) – 7/10 – Impacted the game instantly after his introduction, spraying the ball around progressively into good areas, and even created Barca’s third with a lovely through ball.

Miralem Pjanic (CM) – 6/10

Sergino Dest (RB) – 6/10

Ousmane Dembele (LW) – N/A

Life under Frank Lampard for Chelsea’s youngsters was meant to be a period for them to prosper…not for Billy Gilmour.

It would be amiss to overlook the rise to prominence of the likes of Mason Mount and Reece James during Lampard’s tenure, but it’s fair to say the ‘Frank Lampard is keen to give youth a chance’ rhetoric had something of a blind spot when it comes to the Scotland Under-21 international.

Gilmour was afforded just 225 minutes of Premier League action during Lampard’s 18 months at Chelsea, and while Thomas Tucehl’s arrival at Stamford Bridge represented a fresh start for everyone at the club, no one will have breathed a bigger sigh of relief than the young Scotsman – well, maybe Kepa Arrizabalaga, but the less said there the better.

Still, Gilmour was widely tipped to head out on loan in January, yet after just a few day at the club, it seemed Tuchel had convinced the youngster to remain at Stamford Bridge and fight for his place.

Stay put he did, and after just one appearance as an unused substitute on the Chelsea bench in Tuchel’s opening four games at the club, he was finally handed his golden opportunity against Barnsley in the FA Cup on Thursday night.

While it may look like Gilmour had been spoon-fed a knock over cup tie against lower league opposition, in reality the task ahead of him was far trickier.

The playing surface at Oakwell was horrendous, meaning even the simplest of passes suddenly became a task. Chelsea fielded a stellar side, yet the boggy pitch meant the visitors would need to show character and drive – two qualities which Gilmour displayed in abundance.

Sitting slightly ahead of N’Golo Kante, Gilmour produced a full-blooded display and drove his team further up the field, offering the classy Alex Mowatt no time to settle on the ball whenever he was in possession.

However, while Gilmour’s desire and ability to grit his teeth was undoubtedly the shining light in Chelsea’s midfield, he didn’t lack the touch of class required to secure his side’s passage through to the quarter-final.

The 19-year-old had a huge hand in deciding the victors of the contest, killing the ball in the centre of the pitch before picking his head up and finding the run of James, who in turn picked out Tammy Abraham who was handed the simple task of slotting home the winning goal.

At first glance the pass from Gilmour looked tidy enough if not spectacular, yet when you watch his participation in the goal back it shows a maturity to his game.

Having picked his head up the youngster instantly sees a gaping hole between the two Barnsley centre backs and looks to thread the ball through to Abraham – as 95% of midfielders would when given the chance.

However, Gilmour spots the run of James on the right and stalls his pass before opting to pick out the right back, with Chelsea completely opening the home side up and Abraham ultimately slotting into an empty net.

It may have looked a simple pass, but there’s a vision and an intelligence to Gilmour’s play which can’t be underestimated in someone so young.

For all the internationals in Chelsea’s midfield, they tend to lack a dynamism and an energy at times, yet Gilmour’s display proved he has the ability and the maturity to mix it with the likes of Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic, and he’ll have given Tuchel an lot to think about before their next outing against Newcastle in the Premier League on Monday night.

Everton progressed to the FA Cup quarter finals after a frenetic 5-4 extra time victory over Tottenham at Goodison Park.

Tottenham led just once all evening – inside four minutes – Davinson Sanchez glancing home Son Heung-min’s corner. Spurs had opportunities to double their advantage but by the break they found themselves 3-2 down following four goals in a breathless final 12 first half minutes.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin leathered home a half volley to level the scores, before Richarlison put Everton ahead with a similarly well-taken finish from range. Gylfi Sigurdsson extended Everton’s lead from the spot after Calvert-Lewin had been clipped in the box by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. A clever Lamela finish in first half stoppage time concluded a frantic opening 45 minutes.

The madness continued in the second half; Sanchez’s goal scoring instincts were at it again just before the hour mark, poking home from close range to complete the Spurs comeback. Another cracking Richarlison strike put Everton ahead once more, but substitute Harry Kane headed home Son’s cross to make it 4-4 and send the game to extra time.

Bernard lashed home in the first half of extra time following an excellent spot from Sigurdsson, and this time Spurs had no answer

And breathe. Let’s get into some play ratings.

Robin Olsen (GK) – 6/10 – Made a terrific reflex save to deny Lamela in the opening exchanges, before tipping a Son effort over the bar. Conceded four, but couldn’t do a lot about any of the goals.

Ben Godfrey (RB) – 6/10 – Drew a good save from Lloris with a low drive from range in the first half. Reads the game so well, but surrendered possession cheaply on a couple of occasions.

Michael Keane (CB) – 6/10 – Made a pivotal interception in the second half to keep out a teasing Son cross. Defended resolutely as Spurs threw everything at Everton in extra time.

Yerry Mina (CB) – 5/10 – Left flatfooted as he was easily beaten by a Son-Lamela one-two in the build up to Spurs’ second. Made an important extra time block to deny Kane.

Lucas Digne (LB) – 6/10 – Typically energetic up and down the left flank and produced a couple of dangerous deliveries.

Tom Davies (CM) – 6/10 – Energetic, got about the pitch really well, pressed, harried and charged down Tottenham all evening.

Abdoulaye Doucoure (CM) – 6/10 – Dispossessed Hojbjerg in the build up to Everton’s equaliser. Broke forward menacingly through midfield on a couple of occasions.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (CM) – 9/10 – Out-jumped by Sanchez in the build up to Tottenham’s opener. Grabbed Everton’s third, cooly slotting home from the penalty spot. Set up Everton’s fifth with a wonderful pass and was thoroughly instrumental.

Alex Iwobi (RW) – 5/10 – Moved to the left flank following Coleman’s introduction but was the quietest member of the Everton forward line before being replaced 20 minutes from time.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (ST) – 8/10 – Pulled Everton level with a thumping half volley, before setting up Richarlison minutes later with a clever flick. Forced off with an injury after 54 minutes.

Richarlison (LW) – 8/10 – Gave Everton the lead with a superb low strike from the edge of the box. Netted Everton’s fourth with a fabulous effort from an acute angle.

Seamus Coleman – 6/10

Bernard – 7/10 – Netted Everton’s fifth with a well-taken half volley.

Mason Holgate – 6/10

Hugo Lloris (GK) – 4/10 – Got down low to keep out a stinging first half Godfrey drive, before tipping a deflected Calvert-Lewin effort onto the post moments later. However, the Everton forward’s equaliser squirmed through his gloves.

Matt Doherty (RB) – 5/10 – Intelligently picked out Son with a low cross in the first half, had a bit of a tough time up against the lively Richarlison.

Toby Alderweireld (CB) – 5/10 – Played Richarlison onside for Everton’s fourth and struggled to cope with the Toffees’ dynamic forward line.

Davinson Sanchez (CB) – 7/10 – Leapt highest to glance home Son’s corner inside the opening four minutes, and popped up at the other end with a terrific block to deny Richarlison. Tucked home from a corner to draw Spurs level.

Ben Davies (LB) – 5/10 – Made an important block to deny Calvert-Lewin in the first half, but going forward his delivery was often wasteful.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (CM) – 4/10 – Conceded possession on the edge of the Spurs box in the build up to Everton equalising. Clipped Calvert-Lewin to concede the spot kick leading to Everton’s third.

Tanguy Ndombele (CM) – 6/10 – Full of energy and clever on the ball. Replaced ahead of extra time.

Erik Lamela (CAM) – 7/10 – Saw his header well saved by Olsen early doors, and tucked home Spurs’ second on the stroke of half time with a clever finish.

Lucas Moura (RW) – 6/10 – Sliced a glorious opportunity wide early on, was replaced with 13 minutes remaining.

Son Heung-min (ST) – 8/10 – Set up Tottenham’s opener with an in-swinging corner, their second with a one-two and their fourth with a fabulous piece of skill and pinpoint delivery.

Steven Bergwijn (LW) – 5/10 – Picked out Lamela with a clever cross in the opening exchanges. Replaced after 52 minutes.

Harry Kane – 7/10 – Lingered at the back post to head home Spurs’ fourth.

Dele Alli – 5/10

Harry Winks – 5/10

Moussa Sissoko – 5/10

Carlos Vinicius – 5/10

Liverpool are interested in signing Sporting starlet Pedro Gonçalves this summer, according to reports in Portugal.

The 22-year-old is enjoying a breakout 2020/2021 campaign, netting 14 goals in 15 Liga NOS appearances so far. His fine form has been a big reason for Sporting’s excellent start, with Ruben Amorim’s side currently five points clear at the top of the table, sparking hopes of a first league title since 2001.

According to Portuguese outlet Record (via the Daily Mail), his performance caught the eye of Premier League champions Liverpool in January, with the Reds set to rekindle their interest in the summer. It is understood that he has a £53m release clause in his contract, and Sporting are unlikely to let him depart for anything less, despite paying just £6m for is services in August last year.

Although Gonçalves has been deployed as a right forward in recent games, his primary position in is midfield. This could mean he is brought in as replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, whose Anfield future remains uncertain.

Although the Reds are keen for the Dutchman to sign a new deal with his current contract expiring in the summer, an agreement is yet to be reached, with recent reports stating that he will depart for Barcelona in the summer.

If Gonçalves is recruited to replace him, he will complete a rather unconventional route to the top. He bounced around various clubs as a youngster, enjoying spells with Braga and Valencia, before finally signing for Wolves in 2017.

After failing to break into the first team at Molineux, he left for Portuguese minnows Famalicao in 2019. He impressed enough during his only season at the club to be snapped up by Sporting, where his recent performances have earned him a reputation as one of the country’s top talents.

There wouldn’t have been many neutrals buzzing at the prospect of watching Leeds take on Crystal Palace on Monday evening.

On the face of it, it was a bland, mid-table encounter, suitable for 90 minutes of throwaway viewing, but not much else.

We weren’t about to see, say, any spinning nutmegs, ridiculous chipped through balls, or wild slaloming runs that caused Martin Tyler to clutch his chest in disbelief.

Except no-one told Raphinha it wasn’t the time or the place for those wonderful things.

The Brazilian winger decided he was about to channel peak Ronaldinho and drop the jaws of anyone who tuned in for their Monday evening Premier League fix. It helped Leeds to a big win that moved them into the top half of the table, but what it may not have helped was the Whites’ chances of holding onto him beyond the summer.

A £17m summer signing from Stade Rennais, the electric winger has taken to English football like a duck to water, and has already earned links with Liverpool. Reports in France say the Reds are scouting the 24-year-old since his arrival, and have been impressed enough to place him near the top of their summer shortlist.

The reports gained credence when addressed by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who said in a Q&A on Monday that he would not come in the cheap given his fast start.

He said: “Everyone will be watching Raphinha. You can’t make this sort of impact and not have people on your case, but he’s on a longer contract and he would cost a lot of money.”

The onlookers from Anfield were said to have been ‘blown away’ by Raphinha’s development since arriving in England, and that was before he delivered one of the best individual performances you are likely to see at Elland Road this season.

Everything he did was picture perfect, standing out all the more against the back-drop of an otherwise attritional encounter. The quality of his first touch looked out of place, and while most of the post-match discourse focused around Patrick Bamford and his 100th career goal, the forward spent much of his own post-match interview raving about his teammate.

Jamie Carragher joked that Bamford’s assessment was so shining that he might have sold him. But Raphinha doesn’t exactly need the help: he sold himself with every touch he took on Monday evening.

Leeds are in a good position, especially if it is Liverpool who are leading the race. The going rate for forwards is exorbitant, and if Wolves can take £40m from the Anfield giants for Diogo Jota, then who knows what Leeds could reasonably ask for in exchange for their talisman who looks increasingly capable of taking teams apart by himself?

If they’re not sure yet, they better get the calculators out, because at this rate, it won’t be long before the concrete offers arrive.