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The Premier League is off and running with the first game week. The weekend saw matches of all kinds, last minute thrillers, high goal scoring games and drawn games as well. The Premier League started at Old Trafford with Manchester United taking on Leicester City. The hosts, United defeated Leicester 2-1. However, it wasn't all easy, as Leicester fought hard at the end, but it was all too late.
The matches that took place on Saturday were superb and the match day saw teams like Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea play their first match. Both teams won their games, but Spurs looked a bit rusty, whereas Chelsea looked dominant. The likes of Dele Alli, N'Golo Kante and Jorginho all scored their first goals of the season.
In the other matches that took place on Saturday, the match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton was an entertaining match. Richarlison was fantastic for The Toffees and Portuguese youngster, Ruben Neves, stole the limelight while playing for Wolves.
Wolvesmade their return to the Premier League after a long absence and they will be pleased with the result. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace, Watford and Bournemouth also took home three points on the opening match day.
Only three matches took place on Sunday, and three of the big six, Arsenal, Liverpool and defending champions, Manchester City played. Liverpool thrashed West Ham United 4-0 as Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Daniel Sturridge scored goals.
Meanwhile, Southampton played out a 0-0 draw against Burnley in the first goalless match of the season. Both teams will be content with a point each, as Joe Hart, making his Burnley debut, had a pretty good game.
Manchester City won their match against Arsenal rather convincingly as, beating the Gunners 2-0. City managed this performance with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus sitting on the bench for most of the time. Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva scored a goal each.
Now, without further ado, let's have a look at a compilation of the best playing XI of the first game week. A 3-4-3 formation has been used.
Goalkeeper- Wayne Hennessey
The Welshman looked solid in between the sticks for Crystal Palace against Fulham. It was his heroics that won Crystal Palace the game. Although they had scored twice, had it not been for his goalkeeping, Fulham could have easily scored a few more. He made six saves and dealt well with the threat from crosses.
As a result of his stupendous performance, he earned himself a clean sheet.
Honourable mention: Alex McCarthy (Southampton)
Defenders
Jan Vertonghen: The Belgian stalwart lead the defence for Tottenham Hotspur and made sure that they didn't miss Toby Alderweireld in the defence. He was a calming presence in the back line and made ten clearances. He recovered the ball seven times and made three interceptions. He also scored a goal early in the game, awarded thanks to a goal line technology.
Steve Cook: He was the defensive rock for Bournemouth in their comprehensive 2-0 victory against Cardiff City. He made 12 clearances and he played a huge role for his team. He made seven ball recoveries and two interceptions. He had 66 passes in all on Saturday and will look to continue the good run of form.
James Tarkowski: He was fabulous for Burnley in their 0-0 draw against Southampton. The Englishman made 15 clearances, the most in the first round of games. He also made four ball recoveries and won 12 duels. He was Burnley's defensive rock and it was due to him that his side didn't concede any goals.
Honourable mentions: Jannik Vestergaard, James Tomkins and Jose Holebas
Midfielders
Roberto Pereyra: He had a fantastic game against Brighton and Hove Albion as he scored two goals. He looked in sublime form against them and even made couple of good runs. He had four shots and two were on target. He was involved in 35 passes and he will be an important player for Watford moving forward in the season.
Ruben Neves: The Portuguese youngster had a game to remember against Everton. He scored an absolutely amazing free kick and it was easily one of the best goals scored during the first game week. His assist for Raul Jimenez's goal was as good as his goal. He blocked a shot and had six ball recoveries. He was also involved in an interception and in 93 passes.
He will be a key player for the newly promoted Wolves in both the defence and attack.
Dele Alli: The England star was in brilliant form against Newcastle as he scored a decisive goal. The Spurs player scored the 2nd goal for them in a 2-1 victory. Although he missed out on another scoring opportunity, Spurs fans wouldn't mind it as it was him who sealed the victory. He made nine ball recoveries and cleared the ball twice.
An all round performance from him deserves recognition and hence, he makes the XI.
Bernardo Silva: Another Portuguese player makes it to the list. The former Monaco star was brilliant for City and he made the most of his opportunity in the absence of David Silva. He scored a goal in the game against Arsenal and his defensive contribution was appreciable. He made two ball recoveries and one clearance. His goal kind of killed the game for Arsenal.
Honorable exceptions: James Milner, Jorginho, Naby Keita and N'Golo Kante
Forwards
Richarlison: The young Brazilian had a fantastic outing against Wolves. He scored two goals for Everton and was by far the best player for his club. The former Watford player converted both his shots into goals and was involved in 31 passes. His performance ensured that Everton managed to draw the match, even though they had only ten players on field.
Sadio Mane: Mane had a fantastic game against West Ham United on Sunday as he scored twice. The Senegalese winger was in great form. He led the 4-0 demolition and performed better than Mo Salah. He looked threatening on many occasions and made some really good runs. However, he was lucky to have scored twice as his second goal should have been ruled offside.
Raheem Sterling: The England star had a good match against Arsenal as he scored a goal. He scored in the 13th minute and built the pressure on Arsenal early in the match. The Manchester City star had two shots on target with one of them converted into a goal. He also blocked a shot and made a clearance.
Honorable exceptions: Mo Salah, Raul Jimenez and Ryan Fraser
