Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi delivered a stellar performance to lead the Eagles to a 3-0 thrashing over Aston Villa, and earn VAVEL'sPremier League**** Player of the Week.
The England international scored the second goal for Palace, and was dominant defensively to help secure a clean sheet as the South London club ran rampant at Villa Park.
It was Oliver Glasner's side's first win of the Premier League season, and stretched Palace's unbeaten streak to 14.
Guehi has been subject to increased speculation throughout the summer, but has continued to display his quality and professionalism for Palace throughout. The Eagles' captain has shone consistently, leading Glasner's side to Community Shield success and into the league phase of the UEFA Conference League.
Sunday's display was the best performance of the season from Guehi, and the 25-year-old will hope to continue his scintillating form across the campaign in order to ensure his place in the England line-up for next summer's World Cup.
Guehi leading from the front
Amidst a summer of uncertainty surrounding Guehi's future, Palace manager Oliver Glasner has always expressed his desire for his captain to remain at Selhurst Park.
After leading the Eagles to their first-ever major trophy after the FA Cup victory over Manchester City, rumours have remained rife on Guehi's future.
The humble, level-headed defender has ignored the hysteria, instead helping Palace create more history. This included defeating Liverpool on penalties to win the Community Shield, representing Palace in their first ever major European campaign, and helping the side to a 14-match unbeaten streak.
It was therefore no surprise that Glasner wished to keep Guehi, stating after the Villa performance, "if we want to progress, we have to keep him".
The complimentary comments from the Austrian-born manager came after Guehi had set the pitch alight in Palace's triumphant 3-0 victory in the West Midlands.
Guehi led the defence in exemplary, helping Palace to ride early Aston Villa pressure. The Eagles' captain also displayed his cool composure, helping Palace to beat the press and linking up with Tyrick Mitchell and Daichi Kamada to advance Palace down the left-hand side, with Guehi often stepping in when the visitors had sustained possession.
With Palace leading in the first half through a Jean-Philippe Mateta penalty, and gaining control, Guehi was able to enjoy lots of the ball while thwarting any transition opportunities for the Villans with ease. The best example would be a last-ditch sliding tackle to deny the advancing Watkins from latching onto a long ball in the Palace penalty box.
In the second half, the home side would initially come out blazing. Guehi and his fellow defenders were more than equal to the armed effort, extinguishing the Villa's attacking attempts.
As Palace began to earn a foothold in the second half, Guehi was able to play higher up the pitch. After an unsuccessful Palace move, Kamada recovered the ball on the left-hand side of the Villa penalty area, after the home sides' defenders failed to clear the danger.
The ball dropped to Guehi who cut inside onto his right foot just inside the 18 yard box, before deliciously curling an effort into the top right corner of the Villa goal.
Pandemonium ensued for the travelling supporters, with Guehi sprinting over to celebrate. The second goal to the deficit secured victory for Palace, and from that moment the 25-year-old and his teammates comfortably snuffed out any hopes for a Villa fightback before a later third goal from Ismaila Sarr completed the Palace battering.
Guehi's magical strike was just his ninth career goal in senior football. The wonder goal had an xG of just 0.05 demonstrating the quality of the finish from the central defender.
While the thunderous effort grabbed the headlines, the Palace captain's contributions, both defensively and in possession, should not be overlooked.
The 25-year-old defended fantastically throughout, nullifying a Villa attack featuring the ever-dangerous trio of Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins, and Donyell Malen.
Guehi won 80% of his ground duels, as well as his sole aerial duel. The England international was also successful in all three of his tackle attempts. The Eagles' captain also recorded an interception and five clearances.
The Eagles' captain was also pivotal in his side's playing out and attacking in transition. As Palace looked to bait the Villa pass, Guehi showed his composure to recycle and retain possession of the ball, as well as playing progressively when required to initiate attacks. This saw Guehi complete 89% of his passes, as well as complete three long balls.
While the deadline day drama surrounding a potential Guehi move to Liverpool appeared to be an uncertain mess, Palace have retained their captain.
Guehi may be frustrated at how the transfer window eventually panned out, but the England international will need to ensure he continues with the same quality and grace that he displayed against Villa.
With Palace embarking on a European campaign and in remarkable form, it presents an opportunity for Guehi to impress and ensure he attracts plenty of suitors for when he eventually departs Selhurst Park.
Guehi will also hope to confirm his place in Thomas Tuchel's England starting eleven over the course of the season ahead of next summer's World Cup.