Premier League team of matchweek one: Snodgrass stars, Coutinho’s class shines through
Published:
Lee Gormley | August 15, 2016
Premier League team of matchweek one
The Premier League finally returned over the weekend, following a summer of international football at Euro 2016 and the ongoing Olympics, and the opening games did not disappoint with no less than 25 goals being scored on Saturday and Sunday.
Londoners Chelsea and West Ham United are still set to do battle during Monday night’s featured top-flight clash but, after a welcomed return to action, Coral pick out a starting XI to make up our Premier League team of matchweek one.
So, read on to discover who made the cut…
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea City)
Swansea stopper Fabianski was the star of the show in the 1-0 win at Turf Moor, as he recovered from an early mishap during a corner to eventually produce two match-winning saves to deny both Burnley’s Sam Vokes and Luke Marney.
Right back: Antonio Valencia (Man Utd)
The arrival of Jose Mourinho has evidently boosted several players within the Manchester United ranks, especially makeshift right back Antonio Valencia, who excelled on his 250th club appearance in the 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
It seems the Ecuador international has taken time over the summer to learn how to cross the ball, with his final delivery having previously been a constant frustration for Red Devils fans, but he performed strongly at Dean Court, both in attack and defence.
Centre back: Jordi Amat (Swansea City)
Amat was solid at the heart of the Swans rearguard and kept Burnley’s leading marksman from last term, Andre Gray, at bay throughout 90 minutes, coming out on top in this head-to-head battle to help keep a clean sheet.
Centre back: Eric Bailly (Man Utd)
One of Mourinho’s summer signings, Bailly picked up where he left off in the Community with another Man of the Match outing for Man Utd. The 22-year-old showed great composure throughout his Premier League debut, as well as a superb range of passing from the backline, looking like he a future Old Trafford star.
Left back: Jonny Evans (West Brom)
Tony Pulis preferred Evans at left back and the Northern Ireland international didn’t let his manager down, nullifying all of Crystal Palace’s tricky wingers to make sure the Baggies came away from Selhurst Park with three points.
Central midfield: Leroy Fer (Swansea City)
Dutchman Fer started proceedings quite shakily for Francesco Guidolin’s Welsh outfit, but he kept going and ultimately got his reward, as he pounced in the final minutes to earn his side a narrow victory.
Central midfield: Etienne Capoue (Watford)
In the 1-1 draw with Southampton, Capoue was crucial in the centre of the pitch during an all-action performance from the Frenchman. He took his opening goal after just nine minutes extremely well and aided the Hornets offensively as well as thwarting plenty of Saints attacks.
Right wing: Robert Snodgrass (Hull City)
Scotland winger Snodgrass was pivotal in helping Hull stun defending champions Leicester City 2-1 in the new season’s opening encounter, as he constantly troubled the Foxes and netted the decisive goal to secure an unexpected three points.
Attacking midfield: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
In the game of the weekend between Arsenal and Liverpool, it was Brazil playmaker Coutinho that grabbed the headlines for his outstanding showing at the Emirates, helping the Reds edge their London rivals n a 4-3 epic.
The Samba Boys star dispatched a double to sink the Gunners, including a truly spectacular free-kick, but Liverpool fans face an anxious wait after seeing him limp off late on.
Left wing: Erik Lamela (Spurs)
With Tottenham having gone behind to Everton after just five minutes, wideman Lamela was their saving grace as he fired in the equaliser on the hour mark, starring in an otherwise toothless Spurs attack as Harry Kane and Dele Alli failed to perform to expected standards.
Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Man Utd)
Man Utd’s new era under Mourinho started successfully with Juan Mata and skipper Wayne Rooney netting, but summer signing Ibrahimovic got in on the act with a superb long-range strike.
The all-time Sweden top scorer’s first Premier League goal meant he has now dispatched on his debut in England, Italy, Spain, France and the Champions League. Not bad.
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