Midfelders:
Lee Cattermole
For the second week running, Lee Cattermole put in a brilliant performance for Sunderland. The midfielder created a lot of problems for Manchester United as he appeared to be everywhere on the pitch, putting in blocks and tackles all over the place. Cattermole’s leadership also shone through as his side earned a draw against Manchester United, albeit it could have been a lot better as the home side were far better than Louis van Gaal’s men. Their midfield were poor in possession, which was largely down to the pressure put on them by Cattermole.
Mark Noble
West Ham gave a convincing performance to win comfortably against Crystal Palace, with the driving runs and passing of Mark Noble playing a major part. His work in the midfield allowed the likes of Stewart Downing, Mauro Zarate and Carlton Cole to shine in the final third. Noble bounced back excellently after missing a penalty against Tottenham on the opening day of the season and showed the kind of form that has made him a regular for West Ham.
Nacer Chadli
He may not be one of the star names in the Spurs team, but Chadli is an effective performer, especially in the final third. The midfielder provides Pochettino with a hard working option, who can also score between 8-10 goals per season. Against QPR, he netted twice, taking both goals well, showing himself to be clinical in the opposition box. Chadli is very intelligent with the runs he makes in the opposition box, while his positioning is also brilliant. He will continue to impress under Pochettino as a genuine goal threat.
Cesc Fabregas
Chelsea have started the season playing some very nice football, in contrast to some of the awful defensive stuff that was served up towards the end of last season. The main reason for that has been the signing of Cesc Fabregas in the centre of midfield, as he provides class when it comes to passing and creating chances, as evidenced by his three assists in two matches. Although he only got one this weekend against Leicester, his overall contribution was superb, and he could turn out to be the signing of the summer, as well as the signing that takes Chelsea back to the summit of the Premier League.
Erik Lamela
Tottenham spent £100m+ attempting to replace Gareth Bale last season, with Lamela being the marquee buy, but he failed to make much of an impact due to injuries. This season looks to be different as the Argentinian has a manager who believes in him and has given him the platform to perform. He caused QPR plenty of problems all game, with his finest moment coming when he skipped away from his marker to deliver an excellent ball for Nacer Chadli to score his second. Lamela is still adjusting to the Premier League, but he has shown glimpses of his talent, he will have an excellent season under Pochettino.
Strikers
Stevan Jovetic
Manchester City were excellent in their 3-1 victory over Liverpool in the first match between two of last season’s top four. Sergio Aguero was used as a substitute again as he slowly beds himself into the new season, yet it was Stevan Jovetic who really impressed with two goals. Both were expertly taken, with the second being more of an instinctive finish. The two goals showed that the striker will be key to City this season after recovering from an injury struck first season, much like Lamela who also made this week’s team of the week. He was a constant thorn in the Liverpool defence as he consistently found space, while his movement and link up play with Edin Dzeko was impressive. Aguero may have scored from the bench again, but it’s clear City have strength in depth and can cope without the Argentinian, especially if Jovetic stays fit.
