Outside90’s Benn Mackie casts an eye over the five best individual performances coming from Matchday 2 of the English Premier League.
Jonjo Shelvey (Swansea vs Newcastle)
Jonjo Shelvey is thriving under the tutelage of Swansea manager Garry Monk. His display on the weekend was a joy to watch, providing the assist for the opening goal as he slotted a ball through the Newcastle defence for Bafetimbi Gomis to finish into an empty net from six yards out. Shelvey looked composed on the ball and marshalled the midfield with confidence, most attacks starting through the Englishman, who has recently shown maturity that many doubted he had.
Swansea has found the right balance with Shelvey sitting slightly deeper in the line, allowing him to utilise his full range of passing.
Key Stats
89% Pass Accuracy
3 Chances Created
1 Assist
Romelu Lukaku (Everton vs Southampton)
This match could be the turning point in Romelu Lukaku’s Everton career, the Belgian International scoring two goals to help the Merseysiders overcome a sluggish Southampton. The lead-up play for Lukaku’s second was industrious, receiving the ball near halfway before passing to Ross Barkley. He then made a lung busting 40-yard run to receive it back, rocketing a strike into the back of the net.
Everton fans will like what they saw from the big man, his strength and pace is a definite force to be reckoned with.
Key Stats
69% Pass Accuracy
2 Shots on Target
2 Goals
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City vs West Ham)
Riyad Mahrez seemingly gets better every week. The classy winger is making a habit of scoring goals, with three from the opening two games. Quickly becoming a fan favourite for his tricky play and directness going forward, West Ham had no answer when faced with the close ball control of Mahrez. The Foxes went two goals ahead in the 38th minute after Marc Albrighton made a smart run into the box and delivered a chance on a platter for the Algerian who was not going to miss, sending the away faithful into delirium.
Opposition defences will be dreading the day they face an inform Mahrez after seeing his last two displays.
Key Stats
75% Pass Accuracy
3 Shots on Target
1 Goal
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Sergio Aguero (Manchester City vs Chelsea)
Sunday marked the day Manchester City threw down the gauntlet to their Premier League rivals in the race for the title. There was no stopping Sergio Aguero as he was virtually unplayable, looking razor sharp and a constant menace to the Chelsea defence. City opened the scoring after a neat passing move between Yaya Toure and the Argentine, which lead to the latter turning John Terry inside-out before placing the ball past Asmir Begovic.
With performances like this, Aguero will surely be leading the scorer’s charts come May.
Key Stats
95% Pass Accuracy
4 Shots on Target
1 Goal
Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool vs Bournemouth)
Liverpool has managed two clean sheets from two games thanks to the guile and doggedness that Nathaniel Clyne possesses. A massive upgrade from Glen Johnson, his defending ability is up there with the best in the league, but it is Clyne’s ability to get forward and help the attack that will have Reds fans excited. The new signing from Southampton passed every test the Bournemouth attack could throw his direction, and was unlucky to not finish the game with an assist as Christian Benteke missed a glorious chance near the end.
Clyne has settled quickly into the Anfield setup and will be looking to build on his recent performances.
Key Stats
76% Passing Accuracy
4 Tackles
1 Chance Created
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