It’s only the first weekend but some players have already caused some loud stir, from corners of the goalpost to the corridors of midfield, super stars took center stage and gave nothing away, for the 2018/2019 season, we present the very first team of the week.
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart (Burnley)
A few goalkeepers deserve mentions this week, Petr Cech made incredible saves to keep the score at a moderate two nil as City went on rampage at the Emirates, Wayne Hennessey saved severally from Fulham but from nothing to something, give it to Joe Hart, beyond the clean sheet, the almost forgotten former England number one rose to the occasion as Southampton went for broke to earn a point on his debut for Sean Dyche’s Burnley.
Right Back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Crystal Palace)
Crystal Palace enjoyed a sharp contrast to their 2017/18 season with a commanding 2:0 success over new boys Fulham, while it was another promoted team that destroyed them a year ago on their own perch; they took advantage of their chances and did in fine fashion. Young full back, Wan Bissaka shone like a million stars in defense, kept a clean sheet and even weighed in with a sleek assist to tee up Wilfried Zaha for the second goal that sealed victory.
Center Back: John Stones (Manchester City)
Manchester City had moments of uncertainties against Arsenal, they dominated for most parts but there were times Ederson had to make saves and the defense were well tested especially when Lacazette was introduced for the North Londoners, his composure was key in making sure that Arsenal didn’t get a goal that could have unsettled the Citizens.
Center Back: Eric Bailly (Manchester United)
Whatever it was that Jose Mourinho has against the Ivorian defender must be dead and buried now, United conceded late on from a fortuitous Vardy rebound but the hard work of Eric Bailly can’t be underestimated. Kelechi Iheanacho was twice denied by the quick thinking of the United defender and he was also a threat at dead balls situations, if he stays fit, he will be key for the Red Devils this season.
Left Back: Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City)
Power, pace and precision, that was Benjamin Mendy on Sunday at the Emirates, the world cup winning full back was in a very lively mood as Arsenal suffered a 2:0 defeat in the hands of the reigning champions, Mendy was active all afternoon long, attacking and defending with lots of intelligence, he got into this list at the expense of Patrick Van Aanolt and Marcos Alonso who both weighed in well for their teams, but bouncing back from a difficult start with Bellerin caught lots of eyes for Mendy
Central Midfield: Naby Keita
What a way to introduce yourself to the premier league, commanding, agile and accurate, Naby Keita was instrumental to Liverpool’s routine win over Westham at Anfield on Sunday. The confident manner in which Keita rules the midfield shows there are little worries for the Scousers in the absence of long term injured Chamberlain, the former Leipzig play-maker meandered through the pitch and showed why he was worth the wait.
Central Midfield: Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
While many would question the decision to hand Paul Pogba the armband on Friday night, the big French midfielder wasted no time in showing leadership skills, from taking responsibilities as early as the second minute when he stepped up to blast in from the spot after Amartey handled the ball in the box. Pogba was brilliant on the night and his impact was felt more when he was substituted, a telling fact for a certain Portuguese at the helm at Old Trafford.
Central Midfield: Jorginho (Chelsea)
Another debutant proved himself on the opening day in the person of Chelsea’s midfield general, Jorginho, the intelligent Italian marauded the Huddersfield midfield like no one was there, his cheeky penalty may have dumbfounded Chelsea fans at the time but his confidence speaks volume of his abilities. With Kante and Hazard in same team, Chelsea will have no problems from the middle. Ruben Neves is another name we should be talking about but the new boy got the nod ahead of the Wolves midfielder.
Forward: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
You can’t score twice like that and not get a mention, simple tap ins but positioning and composure says it all for the Senegalese forward. All eyes were on Mohammed Salah, the Egyptian didn’t disappoint, he was all up in Westham’s faces but it was the runs of Mane behind the defense that caused the most damage on the day, now opponents know they have more problems than one in the colours of Liverpool.
Forward: Richarlison (Everton)
Everton fans must by now have stopped questioning the decision of their new manager to pursue a 50million pound player in the young Brazilian, the former Watford forward blew Wolves away with pace and trickery, he bundled home twice to hand ten men Everton a point after Phil Jagielka was sent off for a professional foul on Jimenez. The sky is really blue for Everton this season with their flying Brazilian on top form
Forward: Roberto Pereyra (Watford)
The loss of Richarlison to Everton was made light by the sensational form of Roberto Pereyra on Saturday in front of the Vicarage Road fans, Watford beat Brighton and Hove Albion 2:0 to start the season on the front foot, now the fans can pick another hero to champion their cause for the new season; Pereyra scored twice on either side of the halves and looks like the real deal for the Hornets going forward.
Manager: Roy Hodgson (Crystal Palace)
Crystal Palace went away and beat Fulham at Craven Cottage, not news really but whoever remembers the tales of the Eagles last season where they lost their first seven fixtures without scoring a single goal will know they have improved in confidence and quality.
