After each round of the Premier League we sieve out the major performers. This week, three debutants and five Englishmen make the first eleven...
Goalkeeper
Shay Given (Newcastle): The Republic of Ireland international pulled off a string of saves to keep Manchester United at bay in their own ground. Even managed to pull of a remarkable block from a Fraizer Campbell header using his own forehead.
Defenders
Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea): He has a lot to live up to after making a €30 million move, but most definitely made the perfect start, bombing up and down the right as Chelsea used their width to good effect.
Andrew O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers): Was named as the local paper's Player of the Season last term, and began the season in equally fine form as he proved a thorn in Stoke City's attempted attacks.
David Wheater (Middlesbrough): A defender in the old-school mould. Not the most elegant of players on the ball, but can tackle well, and possesses an aerial threat from set-play. Netted 'Boro's first goal with twenty minutes left on the clock after having a goal disallowed in the first half for alleged shoving.
Ashley Cole (Chelsea): Flourished under Scolari's regime, returning to his superfluous days donning the Arsenal red. Mirrored Bosingwa on the opposite flank, attacked well, and defended stubbornly.
Midfielders
Deco (Chelsea): What a debut. The Portuguese international was a revelation in his roaming role, pulling strings from start to finish as Portsmouth were made to look pedestrian. A fantastic and much deserved debut goal too.
Xabi Alonso (Liverpool): Came on after the break and turned Liverpool's display around, eventually setting up Fernando Torres with a precise pass. One fails to understand why Rafa Benitez has been looking to replace him with Gareth Barry all summer.
Gareth Barry (Aston Villa):
There may be a cloud over his future, but the Villa skipper has shown over the last four days that he is not going to let it affect his game. Helped set up three goals as Villa romped to a 4-1 win.
Samir Nasri (Arsenal): Was everywhere. His link-up play with Clichy was so well-rehearsed it looked as though the playmaker had been a Gunner for years, rather than weeks. Capped his debut by rounding off a typical Arsenal move with a goal in the opening three minutes.
Strikers
Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa): A superb seven minute hat-trick heaped more misery on a Manchester City side already under pressure. If he can get to 20 for the season, Villa might well finish in the top five.
Dean Ashton (West Ham United): The strong centre forward scored both of West Ham goals in their victory over Wigan. The first was pure power, the second was from close range. Would have been happy to have sealed a brace within the first ten minutes, especially as it was under the watchful eye of England head coach Fabio Capello, unfortunate to have his day ruined by injury.
Shay Given (Newcastle): The Republic of Ireland international pulled off a string of saves to keep Manchester United at bay in their own ground. Even managed to pull of a remarkable block from a Fraizer Campbell header using his own forehead.
Defenders
Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea): He has a lot to live up to after making a €30 million move, but most definitely made the perfect start, bombing up and down the right as Chelsea used their width to good effect.
Andrew O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers): Was named as the local paper's Player of the Season last term, and began the season in equally fine form as he proved a thorn in Stoke City's attempted attacks.
David Wheater (Middlesbrough): A defender in the old-school mould. Not the most elegant of players on the ball, but can tackle well, and possesses an aerial threat from set-play. Netted 'Boro's first goal with twenty minutes left on the clock after having a goal disallowed in the first half for alleged shoving.
Ashley Cole (Chelsea): Flourished under Scolari's regime, returning to his superfluous days donning the Arsenal red. Mirrored Bosingwa on the opposite flank, attacked well, and defended stubbornly.
Midfielders
Deco (Chelsea): What a debut. The Portuguese international was a revelation in his roaming role, pulling strings from start to finish as Portsmouth were made to look pedestrian. A fantastic and much deserved debut goal too.
Xabi Alonso (Liverpool): Came on after the break and turned Liverpool's display around, eventually setting up Fernando Torres with a precise pass. One fails to understand why Rafa Benitez has been looking to replace him with Gareth Barry all summer.
Gareth Barry (Aston Villa):
There may be a cloud over his future, but the Villa skipper has shown over the last four days that he is not going to let it affect his game. Helped set up three goals as Villa romped to a 4-1 win.
Samir Nasri (Arsenal): Was everywhere. His link-up play with Clichy was so well-rehearsed it looked as though the playmaker had been a Gunner for years, rather than weeks. Capped his debut by rounding off a typical Arsenal move with a goal in the opening three minutes.
Strikers
Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa): A superb seven minute hat-trick heaped more misery on a Manchester City side already under pressure. If he can get to 20 for the season, Villa might well finish in the top five.
Dean Ashton (West Ham United): The strong centre forward scored both of West Ham goals in their victory over Wigan. The first was pure power, the second was from close range. Would have been happy to have sealed a brace within the first ten minutes, especially as it was under the watchful eye of England head coach Fabio Capello, unfortunate to have his day ruined by injury.
Given
Bosingwa O'Brien Wheater Cole
Deco Alonso Barry Nasri
Ashton Agbonlahor
Bosingwa O'Brien Wheater Cole
Deco Alonso Barry Nasri
Ashton Agbonlahor
Managers: Luiz Felipe Scolari & Phil Brown, for impressive Premier League debuts.
Those Who Came Close
Joe Cole (Chelsea)
Mikel Arteta (Everton)
Danny Guthrie (Newcastle United)
Geovanni (Hull City)
Boaz Myhill (Hull City)
Michael Turner (Hull City)
Johan Djourou (Arsenal)
Jimmy Bullard (Fulham)
Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn Rovers)
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