Joleon Lescott's Premier League stars of Matchday 25

Manchester City's draw with Chelsea gave in-form Liverpool and Arsenal a boost in the latest twist of a thrilling Premier League title race.

Reds and Gunners players feature in my Matchday 25 star performers — read on to see who made the cut.

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah's return to action for Liverpool against Brentford will have surprised absolutely nobody — he's the Premier League's most consistent performer when it comes to attacking output.

Coming on for the injured Diogo Jota just before half-time, the Egyptian put any fears of rustiness to bed with an assist for Alexis Mac Allister before applying a smart finish for the visitors' third.

It's a big blow for Liverpool to lose Jota, who has been in fine form and scores such a variety of goals, though Salah is the king when it comes to volume.

Just as the Portuguese star stepped up in his absence recently, Salah may need to now return the favour.

Joao Gomes

I've seen a lot of Wolves this season and I wasn't surprised to see Joao Gomes at the heart of their impressive 2-1 win at Tottenham.

The Brazilian midfielder has been a great addition for my old club. He's technically sound, very mobile across the pitch and always at the heart of the action.

The one thing he probably does need to improve is his goal return, so getting two here is a good start! But he's another example of the impressive recruitment policy at Molineux.

They are efficient in the way they identify and sign their targets with a minimum of fuss and Gomes is a name we'll all be hearing a lot more about in the years ahead.

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal's title push is flying and Bukayo Saka's brilliant form continued with a brace in their 5-0 win at Burnley.

Before New Year's Eve, Saka had only managed one Premier League goal since September but he's now on a run of seven strikes in six games — certainly back to his best.

His performances dipped slightly during that barren run but he's an elite performer and I'm sure he had Mikel Arteta's backing throughout, given what a great relationship they have.

The fact he takes penalties so confidently after his miss for England at Euro 2020 tells you all you need to know about his character.

He's emerged from that experience a stronger person, as Arteta predicted he would.

Axel Disasi

Chelsea were impressive in holding Manchester City to a 1-1 draw and I was particularly taken with the performance of French defender Axel Disasi.

Yes, Erling Haaland missed a few good chances and on another day he maybe scores two or three but Disasi put in a resolute display at the back.

It was quite an old-school performance, throwing himself in front of shots and celebrating tackles alongside Levi Colwill. They both looked like they were loving it!

Colwill and Disasi have the potential to be Chelsea's long-term pairing at centre-back. Whether it's in a high line or defending deep, they seem to complement each other really nicely.

Rasmus Hojlund

Rasmus Hojlund had a tough start to life in England but the Manchester United striker has really found his groove in front of goal now.

His two strikes against Luton were simple enough but what I like is how instinctive his finishes are — he's clearly found that confidence all goalscorers desperately need.

It's not like there are loads of chances coming his way either so his decision-making has to be spot on and you have to say these are promising signs for United going forward.

I'm not sure they are top-four contenders yet, though. 

Erik ten Hag rightly says they can beat anyone on their day but consistency is the crucial factor when it comes to the league table.

Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill