The Premier League is finally back in full swing, and it has picked up right where it left off.
Chelsea continue to spiral downwards despite excessive spending, with new boss Mauricio Pochettino tasting defeat for the first time against West Ham United, who themselves have endured a torrid summer.
Tottenham threw aside Manchester United to continue their unbeaten start, while a 4-1 win for Brighton saw them move to the top of the Premier League in emphatic fashion.
They are joined by last season’s titans, with Arsenal and Manchester City both picking up nervy 1-0 wins to keep their 100% records alive, while at the other end of the table it’s already looking like a long season for Everton, Wolves and the newly promoted pair Sheffield United and Luton Town.
Here’s who stood out from this week’s round of action.
GK: Alphonse Areola (West Ham)
West Ham came away with an excellent 3-1 win against Chelsea, but that could have been very different had the Blues taken their chances. Fortunately, Areola was there to stop them, with the French shot-stopper saving Enzo Fernandez’ spot-kick in a move that turned the tide of the game in West Ham’s favour.
RB: Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
In John Stones’ absence, Kyle Walker looks to be thriving again. Allowed to bomb on from right back and still blessed with unmatched speed, the English defender caused problems for Newcastle’s backline all night and played his part defensively when called upon.
CB: William Saliba (Arsenal)
How Arsenal missed the Frenchman last season. Saliba’s absence coincided with a wobble from his side which cost them the title, but now back in the side he looks as formidable as ever. Against Crystal Palace he played a pivotal role as 10-man Arsenal clung on for a priceless win, and continued their perfect start to the season.
LB: Pervis Estupinan (Brighton)
One for Fantasy football players worldwide, Estupinan is seemingly only getting better and registered another goal and “assist” over the weekend, even if the latter was a five-yard pass before Kaoru Mitoma took over.
The Ecuadorian is continuing to prove a massive improvement on Marc Cucurella at a fraction of the price, and has played a major role in Brighton’s excellent start to the season.
CDM: Yves Bissouma (Tottenham)
Ange Postecoglu must be wondering what Antonio Conte missed with Bissouma. The Mali international is enjoying a real upturn in his Tottenham fortunes and showed on Saturday why Spurs were willing to shell out £25m to sign him 12 months ago. Should he stay fit, he and Rodrigo Bentancur could prove one excellent partnership in north London.
CM: Phil Foden (Manchester City)
With Kevin de Bruyne out injured, Phil Foden was handed a central role in all senses of the word by Pep Guardiola. A man of the match performance was underlined by an assist and this could finally be the time that he steps up to being a key player for Manchester City, rather than a luxury option in Guardiola’s squad.
CM: James Maddison (Tottenham)
Head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch, James Maddison ran the show in the second half of their win over Manchester United. Given the freedom of north London by a non-existent United midfield, the Englishman was the hub of everything good for Tottenham and is already looking like a £40m bargain.
RW: Solly March (Brighton)
The renaissance of Solly March by Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton is right up there with Joelinton’s turnaround at St James’ Park, and March has become a real goalscoring threat for the Seagulls.
The Englishman added another two goals to his tally against Wolves in an all-round terrific display.
ST: Michail Antonio (West Ham)
Largely anonymous in the first half, Antonio was a man transformed in the second. His goal set up a famous win for the Hammers, but it was his all-round hold-up play that really caught the eye, with the striker able to get his side up the pitch on a regular basis with his driving runs and ability to win fouls.
ST: Bryan Mbuemo (Brentford)
Who needs Ivan Toney? Bryan Mbuemo has stepped up to the plate in his absence and has already found the net three times this season. Against Fulham, he grabbed two of those including a well-taken penalty to ensure that his side took home three points and continued their unbeaten start to the season.
LW: Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)
One of the most exciting players in the Premier League at the moment, Mitoma has already logged what may be a contender for goal of the season with his strike against Wolves.
The Japanese winger is quickly becoming one of the household names of the Premier League, and could be the next man to earn a massive move away from the Seagulls should his excellent form continue.
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