
Gameweek 2 Team of the week
Formation: 3-4-1-2
Goalkeeper: David Raya - Arsenal
Arsenal's second game of the season was against their so-called bogey team, Aston Villa, who had done the double over them last season. Another win for the Villains seemed likely, but Arsenal's shot-stopper Raya had other plans. His defining moment came in the 54th minute with the game still deadlocked at 0-0. After Onana's shot deflected onto the crossbar, Watkins was first to react, heading the ball from close range. However, Raya leapt across and clawed the ball away in a stunning save that spurred Arsenal on to eventually defeat one of their toughest opponents.
Defender: Cristian Romero - Tottenham Hotspur
Romero made a habit of scoring last season, netting five goals, and it didn’t take him long to open his account this season. The Argentinian defender rose above the Everton backline to meet Maddison’s corner, thundering the ball off the underside of the crossbar and in. Beyond his goal, Romero was a force at the back, leading the match with six tackles and winning 10 duels, helping secure a rare clean sheet for Ange’s men. To cap it off, Romero also completed the most passes in the game with 90, delivering a superb all-around performance in a dominant victory.
Defender: Max Kilman - West Ham United
Kilman has quickly settled into life at West Ham, starting their first two games of the season. Despite West Ham's loss in the opener, Kilman delivered an encouraging debut against Aston Villa. He followed that up with an even stronger performance against Crystal Palace, where he effectively neutralized their main attacking threats, Eze and Mateta. Kilman capped off his solid defensive display with a clean sheet and a superb assist for West Ham’s second goal. He surged through the heart of Palace’s midfield before setting up Bowen, who secured all three points for the Hammers.
Defender: Micky van de Ven - Tottenham Hotspur
Much like his center-back partner Romero, Micky Van de Ven was instrumental in Spurs’ dismantling of Everton. Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou praised Van de Ven as “special” in a post-match interview, and it’s easy to see why. Throughout the game, Van de Ven showcased his exceptional defensive awareness and positioning. However, it was his incredible pace that truly stood out—a trait that saw him clock the fastest speed in the Premier League last season. In the 77th minute, Van de Ven intercepted a wayward pass on the edge of his own box and used his blistering speed to carry the ball nearly 78 meters before laying it off to Son, who finished it off for Tottenham’s fourth goal.
Right Midfielder: Noni Madueke - Chelsea
All eyes were on Noni Madueke during Chelsea’s clash with Wolves, especially after he posted a provocative Instagram story mocking Wolverhampton just hours before the match. However, it was Madueke who had the last laugh. The young winger scored his first-ever Premier League hat-trick as Chelsea routed Wolves 6-2 at Molineux. After starting on the bench in Chelsea's previous match against Manchester City, where Christopher Nkunku was preferred, Madueke made a statement when called upon. He linked up brilliantly with Cole Palmer for all three goals. The first came from a low shot that deflected off Ait-Nouri, wrong-footing Sa and finding the far corner. Madueke’s second was a powerful strike lashed low underneath Sa from a tight angle, and he completed his hat-trick by calmly placing the ball into the bottom corner once again. It was a flawless performance that silenced any doubts about his place in the starting lineup.
Central Midfielder: Yves Bissouma - Tottenham Hotspur
Bissouma has had a tumultuous few weeks. Prior to Tottenham’s season opener against Leicester, manager Ange Postecoglou suspended him for an off-field incident, emphasizing the importance of redemption and learning. Postecoglou stated, “I’ve always believed in opportunity for redemption and learning. We're still in that space at the moment with Biss.” When Bissouma returned to the starting lineup against Everton, he had a point to prove and a fire in his belly. It didn’t take long for him to make an impact, as he put Spurs ahead with a stunning first-time strike from the edge of the box. Throughout the rest of the game, Bissouma was composed and effective, distributing neat passes and controlling the midfield. Remarkably, he wasn't dispossessed at all during the entire match, showcasing his strength and composure under pressure. It seems Spurs fans have quickly forgiven him, appreciating his contribution on the pitch.
Central Midfielder: Ryan Gravenberch - Liverpool
Ryan Gravenberch's performance may have gone unnoticed by many, but he quietly controlled the midfield in Liverpool’s recent 2-0 win over Brentford. Gravenberch played a pivotal role, leading the game with 72 completed passes and making crucial defensive contributions, including three tackles and nine recoveries. His understated dominance was key to Liverpool's victory, showcasing his ability to influence the game from the center of the pitch.
Left Midfielder: Heung-Min Son - Tottenham Hotspur
Son’s finishing was clinical in his recent outing against Everton, reaffirming his status as one of the Premier League’s top finishers over the past five seasons. He netted a brace from just three shots, showcasing his lethal efficiency in front of goal. Ange Postecoglou’s pressing system played a key role in Son’s first goal, as he pounced on a poor touch from Pickford, stealing the ball and calmly slotting it into an empty net. Son secured his second and Tottenham’s fourth with a precise finish from a tight angle, underscoring his composure and sharpness under pressure.
Attacking Midfielder: Cole Palmer - Chelsea
Cole Palmer's spectacular performances are quickly becoming the norm as he cements his place among the Premier League's elite. The newly crowned PFA Young Player of the Year shone brightly in Chelsea's 6-2 victory over Wolves, contributing a goal and three assists. Palmer's first-half goal was a moment of brilliance, as he expertly looped a half-volley over the backtracking Wolves keeper. In the second half, he shifted from scorer to provider, setting up all three of Madueke's goals, capping off a scintillating display that underscores his growing influence at Chelsea.
Striker: Joao Pedro - Brighton & Hove Albion
Many Premier League fans were initially skeptical about Brighton's new managerial appointment, Fabian Hurzeler, the youngest permanent coach in the league’s history. However, Brighton's start to the season has been nothing short of perfect, with Joao Pedro playing a key role in their success. His performance against Manchester United highlighted the versatility and depth of his game. Starting in an attacking midfield role behind Danny Welbeck, the Brazilian used his strength and power to drive Brighton forward during transitions. After Welbeck was subbed off, Joao Pedro moved into the striker role, where he made the decisive impact, nodding home a 95th-minute winner to maintain Brighton’s perfect start to the season.
Striker: Erling Haaland - Manchester City
Erling Haaland secured a straightforward hat-trick in Manchester City’s recent 4-1 win over newcomers Ipswich, marking his 7th Premier League hat-trick for the club. The Norwegian striker is now just one hat-trick shy of the eight trebles scored by Harry Kane, Thierry Henry, and Michael Owen, and five away from matching Sergio Aguero’s record of 12 for City. Haaland's goal-scoring rate is unmatched, averaging a hat-trick every 10 games—numbers the league has never seen before. His first two goals came from a penalty and a calm finish after rounding goalkeeper Muric. He completed his hat-trick with a special moment, delivering a pinpoint strike from the edge of the area into the bottom corner. With his form, it seems likely that many more hat-tricks will follow this season.