We’re three weeks into the new Premier League season and people’s predictions as to the eventual arrangement of the table are beginning to take shape. It’s still very early doors, but we’re starting to get an idea of which teams will dazzle and entertain us this season, and more specifically which players. Interestingly, a number of those making names for themselves in Stars Of The Week early on are playing for teams that are not really expected to trouble the big guns, which points to an exciting season ahead.
Stars in Premier League – Round 3
1. Goalkeeper: Illan Meslier (Leeds United)
After shipping seven goals in their opening two games, it was urgent for Leeds United and Illan Meslier to tighten up in the games ahead, which they did expertly against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United. Although shaky against Fulham last week, in this game Meslier was superb, with the 20-year-old pulling off a string of excellent saves to help his side to a smash-and-grab 1-0 win to keep their impressive start to the season going.
2. Defender: Jannik Vestergaard (Southampton)
Southampton were another side in desperate need of tightening up at the back, and were much improved in Matchweek 3 following their abysmal 5-2 drubbing to Tottenham. Jannik Vestergaard, sometimes maligned during his Southampton career, came into the team and dealt brilliantly with the physical threat of Burnley as the Saints won at Turf Moor for the first time in over a decade. Can he keep up this level of performance?
3. Midfielder: John McGinn (Aston Villa)
This was a very close call between John McGinn and Leicester man Youri Tielemans, but I’ve narrowly gone with McGinn, who helped Aston Villa maintain their perfect start with a win against Fulham. The Scot assisted two of Villa’s three goals, including a perfect defence splitting pass for Jack Grealish’s opener. It’s no wonder that Villa were so desperate to get him back from injury after last season.
4. Forward: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
Could it really have been anyone else? Jamie Vardy really does seem to go from strength to strength, and at the age of 33 he has just become the first player ever to score a Premier League hat-trick against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Two emphatic penalties and a genius flicked finish over Ederson earned Vardy the match ball and Leicester one of their most impressive wins ever.
5. Manager: Brendan Rodgers (Leicester City)
Whilst it’s easy to give Vardy the plaudits for Leicester City’s stunning win, let’s find the time to give equal credit to Brendan Rodgers as well. Rodgers set up his side perfectly here and laid out a tactical masterclass, enabling his team to weather the early pressure, thrive on very little ball possession, and eventually tear Manchester City apart. Make no mistake, Rodgers gave the managerial performance of the season so far in this incredible match.
