Outside90’s Benn Mackie casts an eye over the five best individual performances coming from the opening round of the English Premier League last weekend.
5. Reece Oxford (West Ham vs Arsenal)
At the tender age of 16 years and 236 days, Reece Oxford debuted for West Ham in what was a baptism of fire at the Emirates. He faced an in-form Arsenal side that were only missing Alexis Sanchez from a full strength starting XI. For someone so young, Oxford produced a defensive-midfield display well beyond his years as the Hammers defeated the neighbours 2-0 in a shock result. Arsenal’s Midfield was starved of quality possession to the degree that Oxford should check his pocket on washing day, as Mesut Özil has gone missing.
Oxford has a bright future ahead of him and many Premier League clubs will sit up and take notice.
Key Stats
95% Pass Accuracy
3 Interceptions
3 Tackles Won
4. Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City vs Sunderland)
In a display that was packed full of quality, it was not too hard to hard to single out Riyad Mahrez for praise. The 24-year-old was at his scintillating best and elevated Leicester City to another level in their opening weekend win over Sunderland. Mahrez sealed a man of the match effort with two goals, one coming from the penalty spot.
The 4-2 result left Leicester City sitting second in the league and has given their fans confidence for the season ahead. New manager Claudio Ranieri will be hoping for much of the same from Mahrez next weekend on the road to West Ham.
3. Marc Albrighton (Leicester City vs Sunderland)
Sunderland were poor but do not let that take away from the effort Marc Albrighton showed during the Foxes’ victory. Albrighton produced more in this match than he did during the entire 2014-15 season, two assists and a goal put the cherry on top of an outing to be remembered.
This display showed Albrighton still has a lot to offer for Leicester. Fans will be hoping he continues to connect well with Mahrez.
Key Stats
1 Goal
2 Assists
6 Chances Created
65% Pass Accuracy
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2. Jefferson Montero (Swansea City vs Chelsea)
Branislav Ivanovic has not played a tougher game in recent seasons, for 71 minutes he was tormented by Montero as Swansea rescued a 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Ecuadorian, who was injured for a chunk of last season, started the match positively and the blue defence backed away allowing him to utilise his pace and skill. Montero was rewarded with the man of the match award for his efforts.
The Swans winger has started the season full of energy and will cause plenty of problems to opposition defences.
1. Yaya Toure (Manchester City vs West Bromwich Albion)
Toure showed power and strength in Manchester City’s 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion last night. The Ivorian was back to his best as he quickly looked to erase the doubts surrounding last season. The Sky Blues failed to regain the Premier League title in 2014-15, and have been written-off as contenders this time around by the English Press, but Toure ensured this camapign began with three points, produced a vintage display from a deeper midfield role. He scored two goals in the process, the second a fine effort from outside the box.
Despite being 32-years-old Toure, will be a pivotal part of Manchester City’s quest for the 2015-16 Premier League Title.
Two goals by Yaya Toure and a powerful header from Kompany led Manchester City to a 3-0 win vs West Brom. #BPL#FPLpic.twitter.com/xI4rfmnMAJ
— Sports News Unlocked (@SNUnlocked) August 10, 2015
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