Outside90’s Rob Officer selects the best performers from the opening round of Premier League action for our team of the week.
Joe Hart – Manchester City
Hart was outstanding in Manchester City’s 3-0 win over last year’s champions, Chelsea. It was a tough call between Hart and West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Boaz Myhill, who also kept a clean sheet in an impressive display, but a City win means Hart takes pride of place between the sticks.
Joel Ward – Crystal Palace
Although Ward was beaten in the air by Alexis Sánchez on a few occasions, the 25-year-old Englishman showed great resilience at right-back. Ward was the unlikely hero for Crystal Palace when his strike from outside the box nestled into the bottom left corner to equalise in the 28th minute. Ward each tackle he attempted, provided three crosses and 24 passes but could not stop Arsenal from winning the match 2-1 at Selhurst Park.
Robert Huth – Leicester City
Huth was Leicester’s best defender on the day, playing a pivotal role at centre-back in his club’s 2-1 win over West Ham United. The German kept Diafra Sakho and Mauro Zárate goalless, as well as covering well to deny them opportunity with the ball. His solid display at the back helped Leicester to their second win, that sees them sitting second in the Premier League.
John Stones – Everton
Speculation on his future still looms, but his performance on the weekend suggests his mind is focused solely on his football. The 21-year-old put in a performance that one would expect from an experienced, seasoned defender, showing maturity beyond his years. Stones stood up to the physical battles and was the key to Everton’s defensive line in the 3-0 win.
Aleksandar Kolarov – Manchester City
The left-back had a superb match, owning that side of the pitch in Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Chelsea. Defensively, Kolarov dealt with Willian with ease and gave Chelsea some real headaches when pushing forward. The Serb put in 11 crosses and had four shot assists, as well as being a key contributor to the clean sheet. Kolarov’s role as an attacking left-back ranks him as one of the best in the league because of his ability to get back and defend when required.
Juan Mata – Manchester United
Mata was arguably the best player to take the field in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Friday night. Mata assisted Adnan Januzaj’s 29th minute winner and played three other key passes. The former Chelsea Player of the Season completed 47 passes at an accuracy rate of 94% to help United remain unbeaten in their first two matches.
Riyad Mahrez – Leicester City
Mahrez has quickly become a name on everyone’s lips as he continues his impressive start to the new campaign. The Algerian winger scored for the second consecutive week in Leicester’s 2-1 over West Ham United at Boleyn Ground. The midfielder managed four shots and produced five crosses to help his side to victory. The 24-year-old was substituted in the 82nd minute and replaced by Christian Fuchs.
Ross Barkley – Everton
Barkley once again provided Everton with a spark in their 3-0 win over Southampton at St Mary’s. Barkley provided a delightful ball in to assist Romelu Lukaku’s second goal, and after missing one himself that he should have scored, the midfielder managed to find the back of the net in the 84th minute. Barkley has now scored two goals in two weeks and is proving many pundits wrong by showing what he and Everton have to offer.
Jefferson Montero – Swansea City
Despite not scoring, Montero was close to unplayable when Swansea was attacking, proving extremely difficult to deal with when showing off his pace and trickery. The Ecuadorian played his part in Swansea’s second goal, providing the cross for André Ayew. Montero’s display included four shot assists and a shot on goal before being withdrawn and replaced in the 77th minute by Wayne Routledge.
Sergio Aguero – Manchester City
It was back to business for Sergio Agüero in City’s 3-0 destruction of Chelsea. The Argentine opened the scoring in the 31st minute after receiving the ball from Yaya Touré. Agüero stepped into the centre of the box and shot with his left foot into the bottom corner of Asmir Begovic’s goal. Kun was withdrawn seven minutes before time and replaced by Wilfried Bony.
Romelu Lukaku – Everton
Lukaku’s pace and power seemed unplayable at times in Everton’s 3-0 away win. Lukaku’s first goal in the 22nd minute was a classy headed finish from Arouna Koné’s cross. The ball seemed to be behind Lukaku but he twisted his body mid-air to find the top right corner. The Belgian’s second found the bottom right corner after a pass from Ross Barkley picked out the striker with space to shoot. Everton were expected to struggle this season and after a round one draw with Watford they showed just what they are capable of against the Saints.
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