No matter how good the pre-season warm-up matches were, when the real matches kick off, not only new players and new managers but also fans get excited. The opening weekend featured great matchups like the clash between Manchester United and Arsenal, and also saw newly crowned champions like Chelsea and Palace test their mettle. This week, we want to highlight 5 players from the Premier League who delivered a performance that captivated the fans’ hearts.
5. Semenyo (Bournemouth)
In the number 5 spot on this list is Bournemouth’s winger, Semenyo. When Bournemouth were down 2-0, it was Semenyo who put on a masterful performance, scoring both goals to bring the score back to 2-2. Although he was subjected to racial discrimination, he was able to settle the score with his two goals. Unfortunately, his Bournemouth team conceded further goals to Chiesa and Mohamed Salah and were defeated 4-2.
4. David Raya (Arsenal)
On the journey to take 3 points from arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, without David Raya’s brilliant performance, things would have been twice as difficult for Arsenal. A total of 7 saves is a very significant number in a match between two big clubs.
3. Chris Wood (Forest)
Forest, who did the unexpected last year, have also made a great start this year. Chris Wood is the person who dispelled the view that he was a one-season wonder by scoring 2 goals in the opening match. Noticing the loose ball on the Brentford side of the pitch, making a run by breaking the lines, the way he received the ball from a teammate, and getting past the opposing goalkeeper to score – these truly show that he possesses all the striker instincts a proper forward should have.
2. Haaland (City)
The days when we had to write extensively about how good Haaland is are over. It’s an era where you just write down how many goals Haaland scored. It’s news when he doesn’t score. In the match against Wolves, Haaland started. He played 73 minutes. He took 6 shots. He scored 2 goals. Being in the right place at the right time is one of Haaland’s trademarks.
1. Richarlison (Spurs)
With Solanke out with an injury, Richarlison was able to take the best opportunity. Having shown good form in the loss against PSG, Thomas Frank gave him a starting spot in this match as well, and he proved his worth with 2 goals. Richarlison’s trademark bicycle kick, which involved all 11 of his teammates, was one of the best goals of the season and also placed him at the number 1 spot on this list.