Defending champions-Man City returned to winning ways this past weekend following a 2-1 win at home to Newcastle United. Chelsea and Liverpool continued their fine start to the season thanks to victories over Bournemouth and Leicester City respectively. There were also wins for Arsenal and Manchester United with the Gunners winning a five goal thriller at Cardiff while Jose’s men overcame a below-per Burnely side at Turf Moor.
Elsewhere, Watford maintained their 100% record at the expense of Tottenham Hotspurs on Sunday with the Hornets coming from behind to win 2-1. At the wrong end of the table, West Ham remain rooted at the foot following a 1-0 loss to Wolves on Saturday afternoon.
Here are the 11 players that stood out for me in game week four:
GK: Rui Patricio (Wolves).
When he joined from Sporting this summer, we all knew Wolves was getting a very good goalkeeper and Patricio is so far living up to the hype. On Saturday West Ham did everything they could to squeeze a result out of the fixture and would have done had Patricio not produced another fantastic performance at London Stadium. His save from Michail Antonio was sensational – only to be repeated when the Portugal international stopped Marko Arnautovic from putting West Ham ahead in the first half.
Patricio has saved 50% of the ‘big chances’ he has faced in the Premier League this season and that is another testament to how good the Portuguese is.
RB: Kyle Walker (Manchester City).
Walker scored his first goal for Manchester City in all competitions in his 52nd appearance for the club – a 2-1 win over Newcastle United. Many players who played up to six games at the world cup are showing signs of fatigue but Walker looks nothing like that, he’s sprints and energy makes you think he had the best preseason.
CB: Craig Cathcart (Watford).
Slowly turning into a menace of sorts in the opposition box when it comes to set pieces. On a day that Spurs failed to defend set pieces, Cathcart pounced and scored his fifth goal for Watford, one that turned out to be the winner at Vicarage Road.
CB: Joseph Gomez (Liverpool).
Gomez had a troubled start to life in Mersyside but ever since he put his injury issues behind him, he is turning into a very important player at Anfield. His performance alongside club record signing Van Dirjk against Leicester City was exceptional and it will be difficult for regular-Dejan Lovren to just walk back into the starting eleven once he (Lovren) recovers from injury.
LB: Jose Holebas (Watford).
This is the most difficult position to choose. You’ve to choose between Marcos Alonso, Benjamin Mendy, Ryan Bertrand and Jose Holebas. But I’m going to pick Holebas.
Jose Holebas assisted both Deeney’s and Cathcart’s goals in Watford’s sensational comeback against Tottenham. The 34-year-old Greek full-back played like he was in his mid-20s, running tirelessly along the left flank and snatching away all the 3 points for Watford. Sorry Marcos and Ben, maybe next week!
MF: Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United).
One of the most unloved players at Manchester United and some of the United faithful still think he is not worthy of wearing the club’s shirt. On Sunday, when United required a result as bad as they have not this season, Fellaini was my stand out player, patching up everything around him and in turn giving the more attack minded players room to express themselves.
He may not be an elegant player like Fred is but he surely got the job done against Burnely, something that must have pleased his manager and fans who craved for three points after two consecutive losses.
MF: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Southampton).
Hojbjerg was supposed to be the next big thing at Bayern Munich three years ago but somehow ended up at Southampton. Not even at the St. Mary’s has he lived up to the promise he showed as a kid at the Allianz Arena but on Saturday, he was the stand out performer on the pitch.
In addition to his goal, no Southampton player had more shots on target (two) or completed more passes in the final third (15) than Hojbjerg.
MF: Eden Hazard (Chelsea).
Chelsea simply wore Bournemouth down – the way Willian, Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho and Hazard twisted and tormented the visitors for 90 minutes, it was hardly surprising. But for all of Chelsea’s ingenuity it took something a little special from Hazard to put the game beyond the Cherries.
As well as scoring Chelsea’s second goal against Bournemouth, Hazard created more chances (five) than any other player in the Premier League this weekend.
FW: Alexandre Lacaztte (Arsenal).
Cardiff were almost about to get 1 point from the game, but Lacazette’s 81st-minute strike ensured all the 3 points to Arsenal. Cardiff equalized after Mustafi scored in the 11th minute.
And Daniel Ward’s strike cancelled out Aubameyang’s goal which was assisted by Lacazette. This was Lacazette’s first start this season and he did have an impact. With 1 goal and 1 assist, he was definitely Arsenal’s best player.
FW: Romelu Lukaku (Manchester united).
The Belgian scored both the goals for United in the 2-0 win over Burnley. After a horrendous miss against Tottenham, Lukaku was desperate to put up a world class performance. Though he missed a golden opportunity of scoring a Hat trick, he was United’s best player.
FW: Glenn Murray (Brighton and Hove Albion).
Glenn Murray scored 2 goals as Brighton came from two goals down to earn a point at home to Fulham.Being one of only two strikers to score a brace this past weekend, the Brighton legend walks into my team of the week.