Tim Sherwood hailed Fabian Delph's impact after he put in an outstanding display in Aston Villa’s vital 3-2 victory against Everton.
The England midfielder was at the heart of the action all afternoon, and created Christian Benteke’s opener on 10 minutes.
The Belgium striker added a second and Tom Cleverley scored his first Premier League goal since December 2013, as Aston Villa eased their relegation fears with a 3-2 victory against Everton.
Tom Cleverley celebrates his first league goal since December 2013
After the game Sherwood said: "I don't want to go over the top but – Fabian Delph – there's not a better midfielder in the country at the moment.
"He breaks the play up, he carries the ball well and he can pass it. He's got everything to his game and he can score.
"He's got an array of talent. He's vital for us.”
Everton had Leighton Baines, John Stones, Ross Barkley and Phil Jagielka among their ranks, the latter of whom scored a late goal for the Toffees.
However, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Sherwood’s side held out for victory.
Jordan Henderson congratulates Steven Gerrard after his goal against QPR
There was a sombre mood at Anfield as QPR took on Liverpool.
Prior to kick-off Reds captain Steven Gerrard presented his Rangers counterpart Joey Barton with a bouquet of flowers following the passing of Rebecca Ellison, the wife of QPR defender Rio Ferdinand.
On the pitch a Liverpool side containing England’s Glen Johnson, Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Jordon Ibe and former captain Gerrard.
They beat Rangers 2-1 thanks to goals from Phillipe Coutinho and Gerrard.
The captain had seen an earlier penalty saved by Rob Green, but atoned for his error by heading home Coutinho’s corner nine minutes later.
James Ward-Prowse sees at the Stadium of Light
At the Stadium of Light it was an afternoon to forget for James Ward-Prowse, who was sent off during Southampton’s 2-1 defeat to Sunderland.
The Saints – who had not conceded a penalty all season – also had Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand in their starting lineup, but fell to two spot kicks from Jordi Gomez.
Jack Butland was handed his 12th start of the season for Stoke City, but could not prevent Swansea winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Jefferson Montero and Ki Sung-yueng.
At Upton Park, Danny Ings was unable to find the net for Burnley, who lost 1-0 to West Ham thanks to a 24th-minute Mark Noble penalty.
At Old Trafford Saido Berahino's West Bromwich Albion beat Manchester United 1-0 thanks to a deflected Jonas Olsson goal.
The home side had Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young among their ranks, but fell to a third consecutive league defeat for the first time in 13 years.
It was also a dramatic afternoon in the Championship as all 24 teams were in action – with the title and play-off places still up for grabs.
And it was Brentford who booked their place in the play-offs after beating Wigan 3-0 at Griffin Park.
Brentford's Alex Pritchard celebrates his strike against Wigan
England Under-21s international Alex Pritchard set them on their way with the first goal.
The midfielder – on loan from Tottenham Hotspur – opened the scoring against already relegated Wigan through a deflected free-kick.
Further goals from Jota Peleteiro and Andre Gray made the victory comfortable.
And thanks to slips by both Derby County and Ipswich – who were beaten by Reading and Blackburn respectively – Mark Warburton’s ended the season in fifth place.
They will face Middlesbrough over two legs, while Derby’s defeat meant Ipswich clung on to a top-six spot.
Eddie Howe's Bournemouth finished the day as Football League champions
The Tractor boys will take on local rivals Norwich – who beat Fulham 4-2 at Carrow Road.
England Under-21s winger Nathan Redmond was among the scorers for the Canaries.
At the summit things got even better for Bournemouth – who were crowned champions after Watford conceded a late equaliser against Sheffield Wednesday, while Eddie Howe’s men won 3-0 at Charlton.
It was also the final day of the regular season in League Two, where Bury joined Burton and Shrewsbury in the automatic promotion places.
That meant that Southend had to settle for a place in the play-offs, where they will face Stevenage.
Wycombe and Plymouth, who finished third and sixth respectively, will compete in the other fixture.
