Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool stole the headlines in the Premier League this week. Elsewhere there were impressive victories for Everton and a first win of the season for Southampton.
Below, in a 4-3-3 formation, I take a look at the standout players from this weekends fixtures.
Goalkeeper- Tim Howard
- The American showed why he has established himself as one of the most reliable ‘keepers in the league. Despite Everton’s dominance, Swansea had chances of their own and Howard pulled off three very good saves to keep a well earned and well deserved clean sheet.
Right Back- Nathaniel Clyne
- Showed his developing talent with a good performance at the weekend. Dependable in defence a very confident when going forward with the ball at his feet, he played an important role in both attack and defence.
Centre Back- Phil Jagielka
- A very good performance from the England international. He denied Swansea a goal with a great goal line clearance in the first half. His positioning, reading of the game and timing of the tackle were excellent throughout. Did his job and kept Danny Graham quiet.
Centre Back- Jan Vertonghen
- Much is expected of Spurs new signing and he certainly looks set to impress after this weekends performance. Was resolute in defence and his involvement in Jermaine Defoe’s goal shows he is the complete package, comfortable on the ball and able to offer an attacking threat.
Left Back- Ashley Cole
- It was a hard fought game for Chelsea, won by one of their most dependable performers. Cole was his usual solid self in defence and popped up when it mattered to give the Blues the win with a well taken finish.
Midfield- Steven Gerrard
- There have been some, albeit quiet, murmurings that Gerrard may struggle to adapt to Brendan Rodgers system. But on an emotional day, during a game of great importance there was only one man for the occasion. An good all round performance from the Liverpool captain, capped by a great finish.
Midfield- Marouane Fellaini
- Everton could well need a plan B soon. Fellaini has had a strong start to the season and it is only a matter of time before teams start set up to negate his threat. But Swansea had no answer to him. Everton’s most influential player, deservedly scored and had a hand- literally in the first instance- in the other Toffees goals.
Midfield- Juan Mata
- It was a frustrating afternoon for Chelsea and perhaps even Mata. Despite that, the Spaniard was at the heart of everything good about Roberto Di Matteo’s side and produced a number of probing passes that on other day would have yielded a goal.
Forward- Rickie Lambert
- Instrumental in the Saints victory. Perhaps not the most gifted forward but he is a constant threat, both in the air and on the floor and like all good strikers, he knows where the goal is. He opened his account with a brilliant finish and he could be Southampton’s talisman this season.
Forward- Romelu Lukaku
- Making his full debut for the club the youngster showed his tremendous potential with a well taken goal and lead the line well throughout.
Forward- Hugo Rodallega
- The Columbian put in a quality performance for the Cottagers as former club Wigan struggled to control him and Dimitar Berbatov. Displayed good link up play and most importantly got himself on the score sheet.
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