Liverpool should not be deterred by Mateus Fernandes practically handing Arsenal the Premier League title on Sunday evening — he was the best player on the pitch.
It would take a pretty massive collapse from the league leaders to let the title slip now, five points ahead of City with just two weeks to go. The chasers do have a game in hand, but it’s Arsenal’s to lose.
That’s after they beat West Ham in dramatic fashion, with late VAR drama saving their blushes. The Hammers are now most likely going down, but Fernandes showed why Liverpool should keep him in the Premier League, even if he did miss a huge chance.
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Mateus Fernandes was phenomenal vs Arsenal despite huge miss
The Portuguese was at the centre of everything West Ham did in a valiant performance against the best team in the country.
That unfortunately led to a miscue that might be looked at as the moment that decided the title race. Fernandes latched onto a loose ball at the edge of the box, played a clever one-two with Taty Castellanos, and got into a gilt-edged one-on-one situation with David Raya.
The Spaniard made a huge save, and Arsenal found the lead just five minutes later.
For West Ham, it feels like the final nail in the coffin. If Spurs can get the job done against Leeds, they’ll be four points adrift with two games to go.
Despite that admittedly poor miss, Fernandes is one Hammer who can hold his head high, both for the season he has had and the performance against Arsenal.
He wasn’t just the best player for the home side, he was the most influential on the pitch. West Ham were expected to roll over for their London rivals, but the 21-year-old made sure his team put up a proper fight.
No West Ham player had more touches (56), made more passes (32), created more chances (2), or had more successful dribbles (2). He also led every player in tackles made.
In a midfield battle against Declan Rice, Fernandes showed maturity beyond his years and that he’s ready for the top level.
There have been no concrete reports about Liverpool going after Fernandes, but his status as the brightest gem on a sinking ship should alert the Reds to a tantalising transfer opportunity.
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I’d even go as far as to say he would be a better option than priority Liverpool target Adam Wharton. There’s no denying the Crystal Palace star’s ability, but the fit is a concern. Fernandes is much more in the mould of a Liverpool midfielder — relentless, big motor, box-to-box, aggressive.
It would blow my mind if FSG don’t at least make an enquiry to Championship-bound West Ham in the coming weeks.
- READ MORE: Liverpool could now sign a second midfielder with Adam Wharton to replace Alexis Mac Allister
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