The third game week of the Premier League elapsed in a convincing manner yet again, with big sides like Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City bagging all three points, alike defending champions Leicester City who embraced the first win in their pursuit to defend their title. Spurs and Liverpool shared a point, while Everton managed to sneak a win over Stoke City among the notable games of the weekend. Here are our picks of the best five players from the third week of the Premier League before the international break steps in.
Mesut Özil
Arsenal totally outclassed Watford in what proved to be a sensational first 45 minutes of the game at the Vicarage Road to register their first win of the season. One must admit that such an orgasmic brand of football was due from Arsenal and none other than the club’s record signing Mesut Özil imposed himself as the hub of attacking pursuits for the Gunners.
The German World Cup winner left the Hornets in the dust whilst he showed his storming presence as the key cog in the Arsenal midfield. Arsène Wenger’s commander-in-chief looked sharp, moved the ball well, found yards of space to implement his ideas and completely tore Watford apart. Özil’s role as the no. 10 was the focal point of the attack for the North Londoners and also guided home a scintillating goal on his first start this season.
Michael Vorm
Without any shadow of a doubt, Michael Vorm heroics against Liverpool are unlikely to be forgotten for some time. The second-choice keeper for Mauricio Pochettino made jaw-dropping saves throughout the game to ensure that Jürgen Klopp doesn’t leave the White Hart Lane as a completely happy man.
Vorm dealt incredibly well with everything that popped up before him, including a stupendous save to deny Phillipe Coutinho early in the game. The Dutch resembled a sweeper-keeper, made vital interceptions and was active throughout the game to impose himself as a perfect deputy to Hugo Lloris.
Curtis Davies
Tremendous defensive rigidity was Hull City’s silver lining from their defeat to Manchester United where Marcus Rashford’s injury-time winner nullified the toil by the Tigers’ defence and it was none other than Curtis Davies who headed the watchtower at the back. The 31-year-old put forth a resilient performance against the Red Devils and vehemently stood forward to deal with a high-calibre player in the shape of Zlatan Ibrahimović.
Repetitive blocks, interceptions and shielding his side from Manchester United’s aerial threats made him a treat to watch.
Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard has been an inspirational figure for Conte’s ‘Chelsea Project’ and one can ponder on where the Belgian was lost last season. The 25-year-old scored the opening goal for the Blues with an invigorating run followed by a neat finish. On the left wing, he was a constant threat with his pace. The knack to cut in and creativity was too much for the Burnley defence who proved to be way too inferior against Hazard. His struggle for form hasn’t been seen this season Conte as he has regained the pedestal he is accustomed to.
Raheem Sterling
Pep Guardiola seemed to be a delighted man when the final whistle was blown at the Etihad Stadium with the scoreline reflecting a 3-1 win over West Ham United, and a major chunk of courtesy goes to Raheem Sterling.
The English international is rediscovering his good old Liverpool days as he clinched a brace against the Hammers, with the second goal being as sharp as one can be and most interestingly, he was the most active player who tried to gain the momentum back for the Manchester City when they lost it in the second half.
