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The Premier League kick-started its 2021-22 season on August 15th with the second installment of games this past weekend producing yet more drama.
Defending champions Manchester City thrashed newly-promoted side Norwich City 5-0 at the Etihad, while their city rivals Manchester United's early momentum was halted by Southampton in a 1-1 draw.
The biggest match of the round, Chelsea versus Arsenal, produced a familiar result with the Blues running out 2-0 victors at the Emirates as Romelu Lukaku marked his return to the Premier League with a goal.
However, more surprises came on Monday night as West Ham thumped the reigning FA Cup and Community Shield winners Leicester City by 4-1.
Many Premier League sides are turning their attentions towards the second round of the League Cup, which starts tonight. But ahead of kick-off, let's honor the
5 best performers from Premier League game week 2
#5 Danny Ings (Aston Villa)
Danny Ings has started his career with Aston Villa with a bang after scoring in both their opening two games so far, following up his penalty in the opener to Watford with a sublime overhead kick against Newcastle United.
In a game of few chances, the striker was left to feed off scraps, but when an opportunity finally opened up, he grabbed it with both hands, launching himself into the air to strike through the Birmingham sky.
It was a truly special goal - one which also lifted the spirits of the thronging Villa fans. Fans who are probably still reeling from the loss of their star man Jack Grealish. who joined Manchester City on a British-record transfer.
A player like him is difficult to replace, but Ings's fast start to life with the Lions has given them some early momentum, promising an exciting Premier League campaign ahead.
#4 Kostas Tsimikas (Liverpool)
Andrew Robertson's return to the Liverpool bench was a welcome sight for the fans but Kostas Tsimikas delivered a fine performance which left everyone in awe of him.
The Greek youngster took Burnley to the cleaners. His tenacity in regaining possession, as well as his marauding runs from behind, amazed the spectators, whilst he also laid one assist for Diogo Jota.
He was taken off to a standing ovation from the Anfield crowd and while Robertson remains the best left-back in the Premier League, Tsimikas showed he's an able deputy, laying down a strong claim to feature regularly.
#3 Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)
All eyes during Chelsea's Premier League London derby game against Arsenal were on their new record-signing Romelu Lukaku, who joined from Inter Milan for a second term with the Pensioners.
He wasted little time in making an impression, though, as the Belgian talisman found the net just 15 minutes into the match. He tapped home from close-range to convert a brilliant Reece James cross.
There was no second goal for him despite his best efforts, but Lukaku was a huge threat all throughout, wiping the floor with the hapless Pablo Mari and showcasing his sublime hold-up play.
What a whirlwind return to the Premier League for him! If he continues in the same way for the rest of the campaign, may God save the defenses on the receiving end. He could well take the Premier League by storm this season!
#2 Reece James (Chelsea)
Romelu Lukaku was surely the star attraction of Chelsea's derby victory against the Gunners, but there was one player who performed even better.
Reece James was such a menace down the right-wing, driving forward at will and laying impeccable crosses. Arsenal full-back Keiran Tierney had a hard time dealing with the threat he posed.
He put the ball on the plate for Lukaku with a low cross and then got on the scoresheet himself with a sublime long-range effort from the edge of the box. Notably, it was only the second Premier League goal of his career, and the first in almost a year.
Additionally, James also registered nine crosses in the game, won six duels and created four big chances - a phenomenal performance from the 21-year-old full-back.
#1 Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)
He's been facing a lot of uncertainty regarding his future with Premier League giants Manchester City, but Gabriel Jesus turned in a fine performance over the Premier League weekend to show what he can bring to the side.
A striker by trade, the Brazilian played down the right-wing and excelled, forcing an own goal from Tim Krul to open the floodgates and then assisting both Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling.
He could've had a third assist, but a VAR review chalked it off. Nevertheless, the 24-year old was in inspired form on Saturday and gave head coach Pep Guardiola some food for thought.
