Match day seven provided extremely fierce competition for places in Goal‘s Premier League Team of the Week, with eight players who will feel disappointed to miss out.
Ron Vlaar, Mark Noble, Oscar, David Silva, Ahmed El Mohamady, Sergio Aguero, Saido Berahino and Daniel Sturridge all narrowly missed out, which goes to show the fine performances on display in England this week.
Artur Boruc (4), however, is the standout candidate to don the gloves after providing a number of saves to help Southampton record victory against Swansea. His distribution left something to be desired at times, but his interventions proved crucial.
Sascha Riether (3.5) was Fulham’s best player as they beat Stoke 1-0 on Saturday, twice clearing off the line and almost scoring himself. Riether has continued his fine form from last season into the new campaign and the Cottagers must be worried about interest from bigger clubs in the coming months.
At centre-back, Curtis Davies (4) makes it two consecutive showings after he put in another fine performance for Hull City against Aston Villa. He is joined by Winston Reid (4), who was a giant at the back for West Ham as they picked up a stunning 3-0 victory at Tottenham, scoring the first goal and keeping out Spurs’ attacking talents at the back.
Liverpool’s Jose Enrique (4) continued his impressive start to the season against Crystal Palace on Saturday, and makes our team after setting up the Reds’ first two goals and looking solid at the back – exactly what you want from a potential wing-back.
In a three-man midfield, Jordan Henderson (4) takes up a role on the right side following an assured display at Anfield, winning tackles and making simple passes to provide his team-mates with a solid platform.
Victor Wanyama (4) slots in alongside him. The Southampton man was our Top of the Match against Swansea, helping out his defence and disrupting the visitors’ passing rhythm.
But the star of the team this round is Manchester United’s young talent, Adan Januzaj (4.5). The 18-year-old scored two goals – the second of which a superb volley – on his full debut to hand David Moyes a much-needed victory.
In the role behind the striker, Ravel Morrison (4) gets the nod after scoring a superb individual effort in West Ham’s win at White Hart Lane. The 20-year-old showed a flash of the brilliance he is capable of to cap a perfect day for the Hammers.
Luis Suarez (4) makes it two appearances in two since his return from suspension, thanks to an early goal and all-round fine display against Palace. He is joined by Loic Remy (4.5), who scored twice in Newcastle’s victory at Cardiff City, the second of which a delicate finish into the far corner.