Outside90’s Rob Officer selects the best performers from the opening round of Premier League action for our team of the week.
Adrián – West Ham United
Adrián was under pressure heading into West Ham’s first fixture for the year, the 28-year-old Spaniard made only six saves but withstood the onslaught that was applied by Arsenal. He may not have been the ‘best’ goalkeeper for the opening round but his clean sheet helped the Hammers to a memorable upset 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.
#wengerout https://t.co/1SsXOu5A8v
— Outside90 (@Outside90) August 10, 2015
Simon FRANCIS – Bournemouth
Despite Bournemouth’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa, Francis played a tremendous game at right-back. The 30-year-old hit 69 passes at 87% accuracy (97% in the back half) and whipped in eight crosses. Although his newly promoted team could not take the points, Francis made an amazing start to his time as a Premier League defender.
Vincent KOMPANY – Manchester City
Kompany began his 2015-16 campaign with a dominant defensive display against West Bromwich Albion. City cruised to a 3-0 victory and their captain, the daunting defensive figure, got forward to score the third goal. Despite West Brom only having two shots on target , the Belgian worked hard moving forward with 57 passes with good accuracy.
Angelo OGBONNA – West Ham United
The 27-year-old Italian made his Premier League debut against Arsenal and played an integral role in the clean sheet away from home. Signed from Juventus, Ogbonna looked at home at centre-back for his new side. However, he was slightly confused about his trip to the Emirates, thinking he was playing at Wembley.
well done guys! ! ! right first time! sweating and fighting all along we reach the goal #ARSWHU @whufc_official pic.twitter.com/70cnqwqn1y
— Angelo Ogbonna (@OgbonnaOfficial) August 9, 2015
Jordan AMAVI – Aston Villa
Amavi provided his side with great attacking intent down the left-flank in their opening round victory. Villa spoilt Bournemouth’s party as they beat last years Championship winners 1-0 with 21-year-old Amavi providing many crosses and giving his team plenty of attacking momentum. The Frenchman asked many questions of the Bournemouth defence, and could be a player to watch throughout the campaign.
Jefferson MONTERO – Swansea City
The Swansea midfielder was unlucky not to score in his ‘man of the match’ performance against last years champions Chelsea. The Ecuadorian was too much to handle for experienced defender Branislav Ivanović of Chelsea and gave Swansea a good boost with his speed. Montero’s day ended early, however, substituted due to an injury he aggravated in the warm-up. He forced Asmir Begović to make some fine saves and decisions under pressure.
Marc ALBRIGHTON – Leicester City
Albrighton assisted Jamie Vardy’s 11th minute goal and Riyad Mahrez’s in the 18th with two excellent crosses to kick-start the Foxes’ 2015-16. The Englishman also found the net himself in the 66th minute just after Sunderland scored and began working themselves back into the game. Leicester won the match 4-2 against the Black Cats at King Power Stadium.
Riyad MAHREZ – Leicester City
The Algerian international owned the flanks and tormented the Sunderland defenders in what was a dominant display by the French born midfielder. Mahrez had a total of six shots and found the net twice within a frantic eight minute period. Mahrez took the game on, rewarded for his fearlessness to take on defenders and win a duel.
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Yaya TOURÉ – Manchester City
Touré scored twice in the opening half-hour of Manchester City’s dominant away win over West Bromwich Albion. Both strikes from the 32-year-old came from outside the penalty box, helping City to a comfortable 3-0 scoreline. The Ivory Coast international performed with near perfect passing accuracy and in the first-half only gave the ball away once.
Ross BARKLEY – Everton
Barkley was immense in his sides 2-2 draw with Watford at Goodison Park. His attitude and belief toward the game, along with his work rate at every stage of the match provided the spark that saved Everton from defeat. The Englishman scored a stunning goal with a powerful strike from distance, which was assisted by Arouna Koné. Barkley never gave up and was easily best on field.
Arouna KONÉ – Everton
In a round dominated by midfielders the 31-year-old from the Ivory Coast caught the attention of many observers. Everton went down by a goal twice to newly promoted outfit Watford and the 63rd minute the substitute assisted Barkley’s stunning strike and then scored the equaliser four minutes from time. If Koné had not replaced defender Brendan Galloway Everton may have slumped to a forgettable opening day defeat at Goodison Park.
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