Premier League team of matchweek 3: Pedro potent on debut

The Premier League offered both dazzling debutants and familiar thrilling performers in matchweek three, as Sunderland steered their ship around and Chelsea got back on track.

So, Coral experts bring you our picks of the top performers from this time out. See who made out starting XI…

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Costel Pantilimon (Sunderland)
The embattled Romanian stopper deserves a shout-out after being instrumental in Sunderland finally picking up a point, excellently repelling several of Swansea City’s second half attempts. Jack Butland’s awesome exploits for Stoke at Norwich get an honourable mention.

Right back: Cedric Soares (Southampton)
While playing in a wing back role, the new Saints defensive signing put in an energetic and tenacious effort down the right flank to add forward thrust as well as help keep a clean sheet.

Centre back: Jose Fonte (Southampton)

One of Southampton’s best performers and brightest points, the Portuguese held the Saints’ defence together, isolating Watford skipper Troy Deeney with ease.

Centre back: Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle United)
Brave and bold, as always, the Argentine was a thorn in Manchester United’s side as he helped the Magpies (3/1 with Coral for a Premier League top 10 finish) hold out for a famous point at Old Trafford.

Left back: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Another who has been wobbly in recent weeks but showcased just what is in his locker this time out, Azpilicueta notched the superb style just before the break, while his cracking cross-field pass played a crucial part in Diego Costa’s goal.

Defensive midfield: Fernandinho (Manchester City)
Kept Everton at bay easily, and followed up last matchweek’s superb strike with an effective shielding performance here.

Central midfield: James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion)
Morrison’s brace almost bagged Albion a point, despite an early penalty miss, as the midfielder dragged his team back in to contention with a fine finish followed by a determined header.

Attacking midfield: David Silva (Man City)

Instrumental yet again, Silva schemed and plotted relentlessly against Everton and was at the heart of City’s best work. In such superb form there are few better.

Winger: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City)
The Foxes’ flying form is in no small part due to flank threat Mahrez, who created havoc for Tottenham with his twists and turns, before nabbing his fourth goal in as many matches.

Centre forward: Callum Wilson (Bournemouth)
Crucial in the Cherries claiming their first win, the young striker showed sublime finishing and cool composure, with two strikes and a spot-kick seeing Wilson chalk-up a first top tier hat-trick.

Winger: Pedro Rodriguez (Chelsea)

As far as debuts go, this was the most brilliant of bows. Xherdan Shaqiri and Bakary Sako also deserve honourable mentions, put potent Pedro’s impact was essential for Chelsea (3/1 to retain the Premier League). The classy forward snatched the opening goal and a vital assist to show Man Utd just what they are missing.