Weekend awards: Best performance, long-range strike and more

Football writer David Coverdale presents his personal accolades for Matchweek 13.

Best performance – Phil Foden (Manchester City)

If anyone thought Man City had become too reliant on Erling Haaland this season, Foden served a timely reminder that they have another match-winner in their midst.

The England international was the shining light for Pep Guardiola's side in a below-par team performance against Leeds United, scoring in the first minute and then again in stoppage time to secure a 3-2 win.

Foden’s opener was a neat volley from Matheus Nunes' lofted pass. But his decisive second strike in the 91st minute was even more special – and was voted the best goal of the weekend by fans on the Premier League WhatsApp channel.

Watch: Foden's winner v Leeds

Picking up the ball from Rayan Cherki, Foden danced past two Leeds defenders and then fired through a sea of bodies – aided by a gap created by Josko Gvardiol's giant leap – to send home fans wild.

"I was so hungry to play today, to prove to myself that I can still score goals," admitted Foden, who had not netted in the Premier League since September.

"I've been a bit frustrated and it was in the back of my mind to put it right and I was delighted to put two away."

Man City manager Guardiola was also quick to praise his two-goal hero.

"This season has been the Phil we met from a long, long time ago," said Guardiola. "He has the mentality of being positive and saying, 'I'm going to win the game'.

"When the situation is uncomfortable, some players take a step back, but Phil is completely the opposite. He says, 'Give me the ball - I want to score'."

Best touch – Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Everton)

It did not mean as much as his winner against Manchester United last Monday, yet Dewsbury-Hall's consolation strike in Everton's 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle United was every bit as spectacular – albeit rather different.

At Old Trafford, his goal was all about the thunderous finish. But at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, it was all about the feather-like first touch.

From James Tarkowski's raking long pass, Dewsbury-Hall channelled his inner Dennis Bergkamp to trap the ball dead with his left foot, before taking another touch and slotting past Aaron Ramsdale.

Watch: Dewsbury-Hall's goal against Newcastle

"That is quite remarkable," said former Everton defender Andy Hinchcliffe on Sky Sports.

"To take that ball down in between the centre-half and full-back is outstanding, and then to get your bearings and finish it, quite wonderful. That is a magnificent piece of control and composed finishing."

Ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson added on BBC Radio 5 Live: "We’ve been treated to some wonderful goals this evening but that was the best of them. It’s an unbelievable first touch with his left foot. That alone is worth the entrance fee."

Best substitute – Brian Brobbey (Sunderland)

Sunderland striker Brobbey is fast earning a reputation as the Premier League’s new "super sub."

The Dutchman has still not started a match for the Black Cats following his arrival from Ajax for a reported fee of £21.6million.

But in his eight substitute appearances, Brobbey now has two goals and an assist – and all of his contributions have been game-changing.

First there was his immense hold-up play to set up Chemsdine Talbi's late winner at Chelsea, then came his acrobatic equaliser against Arsenal.

But Brobbey's impact off the bench against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday was even more instant. Just six minutes after coming on, he headed in Enzo Le Fee's corner to clinch a thrilling 3-2 win for Sunderland who came back from 0-2 down.

Watch: Brobbey's winner v Bournemouth

"Our finishers were once again really important," said Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris.

"Even if we were consistent with our starting XI, those players are still connected and will get the opportunities when we repeat games because this league is tough."

Asked about the possibility of Brobbey starting at Liverpool on Wednesday, Le Bris added: "We don’t know, we’ll see. It's important to give your best with the minutes you have, and so far he's doing well.

"We feel that he's improving his level, his fitness, his confidence and his references with his team-mates, game after game."

Best long-range strike – Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)

Their team may have lost, but the Bournemouth fans who made the long 700-mile round trip to Sunderland at least got to witness a wonder goal.

USA midfielder Adams was still in his own half when he picked up a loose ball in the 15th minute.

He then advanced to the edge of the centre circle and, spotting Robin Roefs off his line, incredibly lobbed the Sunderland goalkeeper to stun the Stadium of Light.

At 43.3 metres, Adams' audacious effort was measured as the longest-range Premier League goal since Moises Caicedo netted from 50.5m for Chelsea against Bournemouth in May 2024.

Watch: Adams' long-range strike v Sunderland

It was also the furthest distance an American has scored from since Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard found the net from 92.2m against Bolton in January 2012.

"To have a go from that distance is absolutely remarkable," said Sky Sports co-commentator Andy Walker. "It is a wonderful strike. Absolutely beautiful, the flight of the ball. What a magnificent goal."

It was the second goal Adams has scored in his last four Premier League matches, having failed to net in his first 55 games in the competition since initially joining Leeds from RB Leipzig in July 2022.

Best save – Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

Martinez won the Premier League Save of the Season award in 2024/25, for incredibly clawing away a point-blank header from Nottingham Forest’s Nicolas Dominguez.

Well, Villa's No 1 could be a contender for the prize again this campaign after his heroic save against Wolves on Sunday.

On the stroke of half-time, and with the match at Villa Park goalless, Yerson Mosquera’s powerful header from Andre’s corner was hurtling towards the roof of the net.

Yet Martinez somehow got his finger tips to the ball to nudge it on to the crossbar, then had the awareness to palm the bouncing ball off his line as he met it on his way down.

Watch: Martinez's incredible save to deny Mosquera

Villa then went on to the win the match with a stunning second-half strike from Boubacar Kamara.

It was their eighth straight win at Villa Park in all competitions, with manager Unai Emery describing their stadium as a "fortress".

But Martinez is their wall in goal and has now kept three successive home clean sheets.

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