The eighth week of Premier League action is history, and it was one that will live long in the memory. Late goals flying in was a recurring feature up and down the English top flight as players took the chance to make names for themselves and seal points which, even at this early stage, look set to be incredibly valuable further down the line.
The two North London clubs lead the way at the top of the Premier League table after eight games. A 10-man Tottenham side overcame Luton Town 1-0 to cement their position at the summit, while Arsenal rounded off Matchweek 8 by beating Manchester City 1-0 to end a 12-game top-flight losing run against the reigning English champions.
After another brilliant weekend of Premier League action, we now pause for the international break. But before we do, let us take a look at the top 3 players from the Premier League matchweek 8.
#Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)
Chelsea came from behind to record a 4-1 win against Burnley at Turf Moor for their second successive victory on the road in the Premier League. Winger Raheem Sterling stole the show and was at the heart of everything good Chelsea did.
The England international forced an own-goal to open the scoring for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, netted his own, won the penalty and then supplied a fine assist late in the match. With his pace, dribbling and unpredictable movement, the 28-year-old caused chaos in the Burnley box throughout the game.
This is the Sterling whom we saw in the first few games of the season. He is gradually getting back to the form he showed during his time at Man City.
#Simon Adingra (Brighton)
In a display of both tactical prowess and occasional defensive lapses, Brighton and Liverpool played an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Amex Stadium on Sunday. Young Simon Adingra was Brighton’s best player of the afternoon by a mile. He was at the heart and centre of their best moves, instigating, creating, finishing — doing it all.
With his unending energy down the right flank, Adingra capitalised on a lazy pass from Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk, sending an early shockwave through the visiting team with a swift strike into the bottom corner past the hapless Alisson Becker. The Belgian should’ve doubled his and Brighton’s tally in the second half at 2-1 when Evan Ferguson set him through on goal, only for Alisson to quickly come out of his line and paw his shot away from danger.
At 2-2, Brighton could’ve won the exciting contest when Adingra carved out a golden chance from the right for Joao Pedro, who blazed his shot over the bar from close range. Roberto de Zerbi would feel his side dropped two points at home but he’d be delighted by Adingra’s menacing display against a strong Liverpool side.
#Scott McTominay (Manchester United)
Scott McTominay came to Manchester United’s rescue against Brentford, as Erik ten Hag’s blushes were spared at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
The 20-time English champions were on course to lose three successive Premier League home games for the first time ever when Brentford took the lead in the first half through Mathias Jensen, thanks to another mistake from the hosts. With Man United trailing 1-0 and in desperate need of some inspiration, Scott McTominay entered the fray in the 87th minute but despite his limited time on the pitch, he emerged a hero.
The Scotland international netted twice in second-half stoppage time to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. He expertly brought the ball down and picked out the corner for the equaliser before heading home an extraordinary winner in the seventh minute of added time; whether such a heroic cameo that led to victory in ‘Fergie Time’ could become the turning point for the Ten-Hag-managed side’s season remains to be seen.