The third game week of the Premier League once again saw plenty of drama across the weekend, highlighted by a high-intensity London derby. Arsenal came from behind to beat Chelsea in the biggest game of the weekend, while Crystal Palace picked up their first win of the season against Fulham. There were also late comebacks at Newcastle and Everton, whilst Hull continued their incredible start to life back in the Premier League. Let’s take a look at the best performing players from the weekend.
Goalkeeper – Konstantinos Tzolakis – Rating: 8.0
Tzolakis makes the Team of the Week for the second time this season after helping Hull keep their third consecutive clean sheet. The Greek goalkeeper did not have as much to do as in previous games, making just one meaningful save against Aston Villa, but his side once again looked extremely organised in front of him. Hull have now taken seven points from their opening three games without conceding a single goal. An incredible start for the newly promoted side and Tzolakis has played a major role in that defensive record.
Left Back – Tyrick Mitchell – Rating: 9.5
Two goals from a left back is enough to earn Mitchell the highest rating in this week’s Team of the Week. The Crystal Palace defender was instrumental in his side’s impressive 3-2 comeback win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. Mitchell found the back of the net twice, constantly causing problems down the left and showing just how much of an attacking threat he can be.
Centre Back – Luka Vuskovic – Rating: 8.5
Vuskovic was excellent at the heart of Brighton’s defence and got on the score sheet as they drew 1-1 with Leeds. The young centre back looked composed throughout the game and helped his side deal with Leeds’ attacking threat. Vuskovic has quickly become an important part of the Seagulls’ defensive unit and looks more than comfortable at Premier League level.
Centre Back – Ezri Konsa – Rating: 8.5
Konsa was solid at the heart of Arsenal’s defence as the Gunners came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1. The centre back helped Arsenal deal with Chelsea’s attacking threat, notably making a crucial sliding tackle on his former Villa teammate, Morgan Rogers, to prevent him getting clean through on goal. Arsenal showed plenty of defensive discipline to limit Chelsea to just five shots on target and hold on to all three points.
Right Back – Ronald Araujo – Rating: 8.5
Araujo made his first Premier League start for Liverpool and immediately showed why the Reds brought him in. The Uruguayan centre back was moved out to the right side and was a commanding presence as Liverpool kept their first clean sheet of the season in a 2-0 win over Ipswich. Araujo was strong in the tackle and comfortable dealing with Ipswich’s attacking threat. A brilliant first start in England for the new Liverpool defender.
Midfielder – Elliot Anderson – Rating: 8.5
Anderson was one of the standout midfielders of the weekend as Manchester City picked up all three points against Coventry. The English midfielder was excellent both with and without the ball, showing his ability to cover ground and break up play in the middle of the pitch. A mature performance from the young midfielder.
Midfielder – Alex Scott – Rating: 8.5
Scott was one of Bournemouth’s best players despite the Cherries throwing away a two-goal lead against Newcastle. The midfielder was heavily involved in Bournemouth’s impressive first-half performance and helped his side dominate the opening stages at St James’ Park. Bournemouth created 13 shots in the first half, with Scott playing a major role in their attacking pressure.
Attacking Midfielder – Martin Odegaard – Rating: 9.0
Odegaard makes the Team of the Week after scoring the winning goal against Chelsea. The Arsenal captain showed his quality when his side needed him most, calmly finishing to complete Arsenal’s comeback after Morgan Rogers had given Chelsea the lead. Odegaard was heavily involved throughout the game and helped Arsenal take control of the midfield. A captain’s performance in one of the biggest games of the weekend.
Left Wing – Harvey Barnes – Rating: 8.5
Barnes was a huge part of Newcastle’s comeback against Bournemouth. Newcastle found themselves 2-0 down at St James’ Park, but Barnes gave his side a lifeline with an outstanding finish just 27 seconds after Bournemouth’s second goal. Cutting in from the left, the winger curled the ball into the corner to make it 2-1 and completely change the momentum of the game. Newcastle eventually completed the comeback through Jacob Ramsey, with Barnes’ goal proving to be the turning point.
Right Wing – Tyrique George – Rating: 8.0
George was one of Everton’s standout players in their dramatic 2-2 draw against Manchester United. The young winger scored Everton’s equaliser in the 83rd minute with a powerful strike before continuing to cause problems for the United defence. An impressive performance from the youngster, who showed plenty of confidence against an experienced Manchester United defense.
Centre Forward – Kai Havertz – Rating: 9.0
Havertz was the difference maker for Arsenal in their huge 2-1 win over Chelsea. After Chelsea took the lead just over a minute into the game, the German brought Arsenal level with a composed finish in the 25th minute. Havertz then played a huge role in the winner, cleverly dummied the ball for Martin Odegaard to finish and complete the comeback. A goal and an assist (not officially given, but a dummy worthy of an assist) for Havertz in a huge London derby.
