The 2020-21 Premier League season got off to a good start, and although most of the top teams got a win, some had to work hard for it. There were quite a few surprising performances from the likes of Newcastle United, Everton, and the most exciting team of the week, Leeds United.
Although the Whites lost, they put up a good fight against the reigning champions, while Liverpool’s Merseyside neighbours Everton, were in sparkling form, too. Let’s take a look at the star performers of Gameweek 1 of the 2020-21 Premier League season and the players that make up our Team of the Week.
Goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford
Everton registered a narrow 1-0 win over Tottenham, but that margin could have been higher. Spurs’ new-look side, led by former Real Madrid attacker James Rodriguez, were creative and looked deadly in attack. But, they were also good at the back, and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford – who has been criticised in the past – made some smart saves and was dominant in the box.
Defence
Reece James
Chelsea, like Everton, have an exciting new-look attack, but it was their young, homegrown full-back Reece James, who stole the limelight, with his fantastic strike. James was lively on the right side, making overlapping runs into the Brighton half. Good performances like this could make him a regular for Chelsea and maybe even challenge for an England spot.
Wilfred Ndidi
Leicester City’s reliable defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi had to play at centre-back in the Foxes’ game against newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion. The Nigerian didn’t put a foot wrong at the back and seemed like a natural fit.
Gabriel
Arsenal couldn’t have asked for an easier start to their 2020-21 campaign as they took on Fulham, who looked uninspiring. New Arsenal signing Gabriel, played as part of the Gunners back three, and he too, did not put a foot wrong, apart from one ill-judged back pass which almost cost them.
Lucas Digne
Everton look good going forward and one man who has played a key part in that is French full-back Lucas Digne. Digne was at his enterprising best on the left side, linking up well with Richarlison, and even setting up the only goal with a delicious cross into the box.
Midfield
Willian
Another new Arsenal signing who impressed was Willian, who set up two goals on his debut. The experienced winger provided width, but also dropped in to help the midfield by pressing the Fulham players.
Mateusz Klich
Leeds United shocked everyone with their swashbuckling performance against Liverpool, and one man who played a key part in their opening game is midfielder, Mateusz Klich. Klich played further forward than usual and got an important goal with a superb volley in the box.
Jeff Hendrick
Newcastle United looked an altogether different side this weekend and their new signings all gelled well. Jeff Hendrick was their star man as the former Burnley man set up one goal and scored the important second goal to seal the game.
Jack Harrison
Jack Harrison is in his third season on loan at Leeds United, and he has grown into a fantastic player. His confident dribbling and flair were on show against Liverpool as the Manchester City winger drove time and again at the Liverpool backline, bagging Leeds’ first goal of the season.
Attack
Mohamed Salah
The scoreline in the Liverpool-Leeds match could have been altogether different if not for Mohamed Salah, who cooly converted two penalties, while also scoring an incredible thunderbolt of a shot from outside the box.
Raul Jimenez
Wolves got a comfortable win over Sheffield United, with two early goals. Raul Jimenez scored the first goal, as Wolves countered quickly before the Mexican slashed the ball into the back of the net. He looked lively throughout the game and could have scored more.
