After months of waiting, the Premier League is back, and wasn’t it worth the wait?
New signings scoring, champions losing, relegation certainties claiming victories, a seven-goal thriller and injury time winners. Not bad for one weekend of football action.
While the transfer window still remains open, as teams continue to strengthen, fans got their first glimpses as to how their sides plan to set-up for the season. For some, it ended in disappointment (apologies Arsenal fans), whilst for others, the joy of grabbing three points on the opening day brings unbounded joy (congratulations Hull fans).
Despite many teams failing to generate performances worthy of fan excitement, there was at least one player from each club who impressed sufficiently enough to make this article.
Check out which player shone for your club on the opening weekend of the Premier League season…
Arsenal – Alex Oxlade Chamberlain
The bright spark in a disastrous opening day defeat to Liverpool, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looked very lively when he came on in the second half and scored a fantastic solo goal.
The Englishman deserves some more game time, considering he was one of the only Arsenal players who looked up for the challenge.
Bournemouth – Adam Smith
Spending much of last campaign on the bench, right-back Adam Smith had a chance to impress on the opening weekend against Manchester United, and did just that.
Smith kept Anthony Martial reasonably quiet while also contributing an impressive consolation goal for Bournemouth.
Burnley – Andre Gray
Despite the lack of signings at Turf Moor this summer, Burnley fans have every reason to believe they can achieve decent results in the Premier League, especially if Andre Gray continues to perform.
All doubts about that striker and whether his talents were of Premier League quality were put to bed on Saturday as he was the solitary threat for Burnley going forward.
Chelsea – Eden Hazard
Wow. Ladies and Gentlemen, Eden Hazard is back. Or so it seemed in Chelsea’s opening weekend victory over West Ham.
The Belgian was incredible and looked unstoppable at times. Should he continue at this rate, the former PFA Player of the Year could lead Chelsea back to the summit.
Crystal Palace – Andros Townsend
In a game where no Crystal Palace player lived up to their potential, new signing Andros Townsend was the sides’ standout player.
The former Spurs man was always keen to attack and create from wide positions. Losing Yannick Bolasie may not be as much of a problem, with Townsend in this kind of form.
Everton – Maarten Stekelenburg
Having spent much of the last few years of his career on-loan or on the bench at Fulham, Maarten Stekelenburg was certainly a gamble for Ronald Koeman.
However, the gamble paid off and the Dutch keeper was in majestic form, saving Everton from an opening day defeat.
Hull – Sam Clucas
For a man who was plying his trade in the Conference just four years ago, the rise of Sam Clucas has been remarkable.
The 25-year-old looked every bit as talented as Leicester’s title winning midfielders and was a key part of Hull’s opening day victory.
Leicester – Ahmed Musa
In a game where very few players impressed for defending champions Leicester, new signing Ahmed Musa was a bright spark.
The Nigerian showed his devastating pace and trickery, while also creating a number of chances for his teammates.
Liverpool – Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho never plays by half measures. He will either be the star of the show, or totally anonymous. On Sunday against Arsenal, he was incredible.
The Brazilian’s masterful free-kick changed the complexion of the game and his link up play between his offensive teammates was a joy to behold at times.
Man City – Raheem Sterling
After a torrid summer with England, Raheem Sterling put to rest any doubts about his talents with a great display on the opening day for City.
Sterling and teammate Nolito were the best players on the park, as they were a constant threat from wide positions.
Man United – Eric Bailly
Calm, composed and classy. Considering his distinct lack of experience in the professional game, Eric Bailly was a revelation in Manchester United’s defence in their opening game of the season against Bournemouth.
His partnership with Chris Smalling could be formidable this season, if he stays clear of injuries.
Middlesbrough – Gaston Ramirez
For a player who struggled to adapt to Premier League life with Southampton, Gaston Ramirez looks like a different man at Middlesbrough.
The Uruguayan was at the heart of every offensive move that Aitor Karanka’s side created and could well be their key man this season.
Stoke – Xherdan Shaqiri
Stoke’s star player turned in a star performance on Saturday, in Stoke’s opening day draw with Middlesbrough.
Shaqiri showed real appetite to make his mark on the game and scored a sublime free-kick for the visiting side.
Spurs – Erik Lamela
The Argentinian ran his legs into the ground during the game and thoroughly deserved his goal to level the scores at Goodison Park.
It could well be a defining season in Lamela’s career, especially if he keeps his performance levels up.
Swansea – Fernando Llorente
The new man at Swansea had a very accomplished debut, holding up play well for teammates and assisting on the only goal of the game.
Once the Spaniard nets his first goal, his confidence should grow significantly and he could be a vital player in South Wales this season.
Southampton – Nathan Redmond
New Saints signing Nathan Redmond was by some distance the best player in a Southampton shirt as they were held to a draw at home to Watford on the opening day.
The former Norwich man was a constant threat from the front and grabbed a spectacularly finished equalizer for the South coast club.
Sunderland – Lamine Kone
Despite needing possibly half a dozen new players before the transfer window closes, the best bit of business that David Moyes could achieve this summer, is holding onto defender Lamine Kone.
The Frenchman was fantastic against Man City and kept the most dangerous looking offense in the Premier League quiet for the majority of the game at the Etihad.
West Brom – Salomon Rondon
While Salomon Rondon impressed in patches during last season, it always seemed as though the Venezuelan had more to give.
In the Baggies opening day victory at Crystal Palace, the striker looks fitter, slimmer, faster and sharper and could be a legitimate threat in the Premier League this season.
West Ham – James Collins
While no player in a West Ham shirt did themselves any justice in their loss to Chelsea on Monday, James Collins was probably the pick of the bunch.
The Welshman was solid defensively and scored with a sublime half-volley to level the game at Stamford Bridge.
Watford – Troy Deeney
Built like an absolute beast, Troy Deeney was immense in Watford’s opening day draw to Southampton.
His sheer strength and hold up play, combined with his eye for goal, make the club captain an essential part of their season.
