
The Premier League got off to a stonking start on the weekend, with full crowds back in stadiums and teams itching to get going after a long summer.
With this, we kick off a new series on Striker, with the top performers from each matchday being included in a rolling '4-3-3' team of the week squad that will chop and change regularly.
Let's see who has impressed in the first batch of matches:
Goalkeeper
David Raya (Brentford)
The Brentford goalkeeper was in top form as the Bees got off to a flyer on their return to the Premier League, beating Arsenal 2-0.
The 25-year-old Spaniard kept a clean sheet and made four saves in the 90 minutes, with two of those being inside the box.
We've had one match so far and David Raya might have already wrapped up the Premier League's save of the season 🧤
A clean sheet and all three points. The Bees are buzzing.
Watch the Mini Match | https://t.co/zgkznriFFh #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/JCy8HrzecM
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 14, 2021
Defence
Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea)
The Chelsea youngster had a brilliant Premier League debut from centre-half, scoring a long range howitzer of a strike and proving a mature head in defence.
Chalobah had two clearances, two interceptions and ran at 92.8% passing accuracy in an impressive performance for Thomas Tuchel's side.
Feels like a dream… pic.twitter.com/eVJic50plA
— Trevoh Chalobah (@TrevohChalobah) August 14, 2021
James Tarkowski (Burnley)
The England international had a good day despite his side losing to Brighton 1-2.
Tarkowski scored one goal, made three tackles and finished with two clearances in a solid outing for Sean Dyche's side.
Shane Duffy (Brighton)
The Irish veteran was a rock at the back for Graham Potter's men, guiding his side to a 2-1 win away at Turf Moor.
Duffy made ten clearances, won nine of his 13 aerial duels and had two shots in total for the afternoon to make it into team of the week.
Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
Despite starting at left-wingback, Marcos Alonso makes his way into this side considering he is primarily a defender by trade.
The 30-year-old scored for the Blues, struck four accurate long balls and made two key passes in Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Midfield
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Arguably the player of the week, Fernandes was unplayable against Leeds as he guided his side to a 5-1 demolition of Marcelo Bielsa's side.
The Portuguese international scored a hattrick and made three key passes as he got United off to a stonking start.
An opening day hat-trick for Bruno Fernandes ⚽️⚽️⚽️
And what a finish! First time, absolutely blasts it past Illan Meslier.
Watch the match here 📺 https://t.co/04p18jVdOB#OptusSport #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/933keAK7kb
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 14, 2021
Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
The other Red Devil in the team is none other than Paul Pogba, who put on one of his best displays since joining United.
The 28-year-old chalked up a staggering four assists as well as five key passes, six long balls and two shots in a performance that will fill United fans with confidence.
What a ball from Paul Pogba 😍😍
A 40-yard through ball sits perfectly for Mason Greenwood, and the teenager makes no mistake.
Watch the match 📺 https://t.co/04p18jVdOB#OptusSport #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/6GOTfrDcdF
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 14, 2021
Sergi Canos (Brentford)
The ex-Liverpool winger started at right midfield/right wingback role for Thomas Frank's side on Friday night and was their best player by a country mile.
Canos made seven tackles, three interceptions and scored a blistering strike into the bottom left corner as he helped the Bees to victory in their first top flight game since 1947.
Look at it. LISTEN TO IT 😍
It's the first goal of the 2021/22 Premier League season. It's Brentford's first top-flight goal since 1947.
It's Sergi Canos. It's beautiful 🐝
LIVE | https://t.co/fu78kOnEjd #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/3s5yz2tlcF
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 13, 2021
Attack
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mo Salah picked up where he left off, constantly menacing the Norwich defence on Saturday afternoon at Carrow Road to guide the Reds to a 3-0 win.
'The Egyptian King' scored a curled effort in the 74th minute as well as providing both assists for Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino.
You have to watch Mo Salah's goal again to fully appreciate how ridiculous his first touch is.
"Messi-esque. If Lionel Messi does that, we're shouting about it from the rooftops!" 🇦🇷😮#PL #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/qAF74xlqvS
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 15, 2021
Emmanuel Dennis (Watford)
The Hornets got off to a great start on their return to the top flight and striker Emmanuel Dennis was at the core of it as Xisco's side beat Aston Villa 3-2 at Vicarage Road.
The Nigerian forward scored and assisted as well as making three key passes before he was subbed off in the 66th minute.
Watford lead against Villa in their first game back in the #PremierLeague! 😱
Just listen to that roar at Vicarage Road! 🤯🤯🤯
Stream #PLGoalRush LIVE, or on demand after, here 📺 https://t.co/nkP1sX0dag#OptusSport #PL #CHECRY #WATAVL #LEIWOL #EVESOU #BURBHA pic.twitter.com/Rmy90TEm3o
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 14, 2021
Ismaila Sarr (Watford)
The final player in this weeks team is the another Watford player in the form of speedster Ismaila Saar.
The 23-year-old got on the scoresheet in the 42nd minute as well as making four key passes and four successful dribbles.