Alexis Sanchez and John Stones rise up the charts but Harry Kane falls despite first goal - Premier League Power Rankings

GAME WEEK EIGHT: Who are the 17 most important players heading into the next round of Premier League fixtures?

(The Independent)

It was another turbulent week in the Premier League.

Manchester City were hammered at Tottenham, a game in which Harry Kane finally scored his first league goal of the season, while Chelsea failed to gain momentum from their win over Arsenal, instead needing two late goals to salvage a point at winless Newcastle United.

Arsenal clipped the bushy tails of the high-flying Foxes and Daniel Sturridge scored two excellent goals to lift Liverpool out of the duldrums.

Manchester United also went top for the first time in 110 weeks after beating Sunderland, who are looking more doomed by the week.

But who are the Premier League's most important stars?

We all know who the best players are but defining those with the power to shape events in the Premier League is not so simple - so we've created The Independent's Premier League Power Rankings.

Ahead of every round of fixtures in the top-flight our team of experts get together to define the 17 players who hold the power.

Rather than being based on who the best or most talented footballers are, it's defined by current form, league position, next fixture and any other factors which could influence events.

Players move up and down the rankings, battling to be number one. Some will drop out and new entries will emerge. You might not agree (in which case let us know why) - but that's half the fun.

These are the 17 most important players in the Premier League right now...

PREVIOUS RANKINGS:

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7

Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below.