Outside90’s Adam Pallotta selects the standout performers from matchday six of English Premier League action.
Adrian – Goalkeeper – West Ham United
West Ham’s Adrian put on a man of the match performance in his return from a three-match ban and inspired his side to the scalp of league leaders Manchester City. After misreading the play and almost gifting Sergio Aguero the simplest of goals early in the first half, he bounced back superbly in the second to quell a bombardment of pressure, amassing eight crucial saves – notably a one-handed stop to deny Yaya Toure and the turning of Kevin De Bruyne’s effort just over the crossbar. His heroics helped West Ham end Manchester City’s perfect start to the 2015-16 campaign and reinforced West Ham’s credentials as the Premier League’s giant killers.
Daryl Janmaat – Right-back – Newcastle United
Despite representing the losing team, Daryl Janmaat single-handedly led Newcastle’s second half improvement and was arguably the only player to create promising play against a well marshalled Watford side. He was relentless down the right-flank, demonstrating an admirable hunger for the ball and clocked 12.4 kilometres of movement, the most of any player on the field. He was duly rewarded for his hard work with a goal when he scored past Watford’s Heurelho Gomes following a one-two with Moussa Sissoko. He demonstrated a cutting-edge that has been lacking from a Newcastle side still without a win this season.
Kurt Zouma – Centre-back – Chelsea
On an afternoon that was filled with ill-discipline, high emotion and many a booking, Kurt Zouma maintained a cool head and led Chelsea’s charge in victory over a nine-man Arsenal team. In this feisty contest, the mobile centre-half was not afraid to get forward but showed excellent recovery to defend against a zippy Arsenal lineup, limiting the visitors to just two shots on target and negated Theo Walcott all day. His recent outings were convincing enough to see him start ahead of captain John Terry who started on the bench for the first time under Jose Mourinho. Zouma rewarded his manager by demonstrating maturity beyond his years in a tense affair. He read the game supremely well for a 20-year-old and scored the opening goal, his first Premier League goal, for Chelsea – a free header at the back post from a Fabregas free kick.
Ashley Williams – Centre-back – Swansea City
The Swansea captain was instrumental in keeping a clean sheet and earning a point for his side against an in-form Everton at the Liberty Stadium. In his towering defensive performance, Williams made a number of crucial blocks to maintain Swansea’s unbeaten home record in 2015-16. Williams, who was recently identified as Everton’s preferred replacement should the Goodison club sell John Stones, was resilient, alert and vocal in ensuring cohesion between his teammates. His display was summed up by a courageous headed block from Brendan Galloway.
Alberto Moreno – Left-back – Liverpool
Moreno supplied everything down the left-wing for Liverpool against a resolute Norwich team which salvaged a 1-1 draw at Anfield. He provided the run-and-gun that Liverpool was evidently missing in their last home outing. He offered width, a vital attacking outlet and demonstrated tenacity from the back half. In the first half, Moreno created a number of good opportunities for the Reds, providing a lovely lofted assist to Danny Ings just after the break to open the scoring. In what was his first convincing outing since his switch from Sevilla, he might be a more regular fixture if he can improve his consistency in big games.
Matt Ritchie – Right-midfield – AFC Bournemouth
Ritchie’s well rounded display in the 2-0 win over a dreadful Sunderland was typified by his outrageous volleyed effort from outside the box following a corner clearance. Along with his goal of the season contender, he constantly hustled in attack and midfield for Bournemouth and was a critical component of his team’s high-press approach.
Mark Noble – Centre-midfield – West Ham United
Stalwart Hammer Mark Noble delivered a complete and unwavering performance against a determined Manchester City team and his leadership proved the difference in winning the battles in the centre of midfield. The West Ham captain made several important tackles throughout the game and his commitment to fair play was on show when he lifted teammate Carl Jenkinson off the ground, who was intending to receive medical attention in a time-wasting move to allow the continuation of play.
Ross Barkley – Centre-midfield – Everton
Ross Barkley backed up his impressive outing against Chelsea with another brave performance, this time against Swansea in Wales. He was again the most dangerous attacking outlet for Everton, creating six chances in the goalless draw. Although the 21-year-old did not add to his two goals and three assists, he has improved vastly since taking more responsibility in the centre of midfield. Passing at a 93% success rate and winning 60% of contests, he is becoming one of the best playmakers in the competition.
Bojan – Left-midfield – Stoke City
In his first Premier League start in eight months, Stoke City’s Bojan marked his return with a goal in just 13 minutes of play. Although his team squandered a 2-0 advantage to draw 2-2 against Leicester, the Spanish starlet showed the same sharpness and poise of last season and caused headaches for Leicesters’ defensive line. His long road to recovery has paid off for both him and his team.
Odion Ighalo – Striker – Watford
Odion Ighalo provided an exhilarating performance for Watford against a lowly Newcastle side with plenty of room for improvement. All-action Ighalo secured a brace and ultimately a win for his team and his partnership with Troy Deeney adds devastating speed and athleticism to the Watford attack. The Nigerian striker opened the scoring early in the first half when a defensive blunder allowed the ball to be played back into space where Ighalo made no mistake after earlier missing two clear-cut chances. His second goal highlighted his composure and confidence as he darted around hapless goalkeeper Tim Krul, after being played in by Deeney’s delightful through-ball to shoot into the empty net.
Anthony Martial – Striker – Manchester United
The 19-year-old striker has continued to prove his worth for Manchester United, netting a confident brace and proving the difference as his team overcame Southampton in a 3-2 win. In his first Premier League start, he was dangerous in and around the box. His first goal was created from the increased tempo of the Red Devils midfield, allowing space inside the penalty box for Martial to cut around Virgil Van Dijk and finish after 34 minutes. Martial added to his tally shortly after the restart when he pounced on a poor back-pass by Maya Yoshida to calmly slot it around a stretched Maarten Stekelenburg. Relentless pressure on the Southampton defence drew necessary fouls on Martial as the only method of containing the lively striker. With three goals in two games, Manchester United might have unearthed a talent to thrill supporters for years to come.
Thanks God ?? 3-2 https://t.co/8vmEfYDVt2
— Anthony Martial (@AnthonyMartial) September 20, 2015
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