Premier League team of the week – Gameweek 2

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The second weekend of Premier League action saw Aston Villa bounce back from their Newcastle humbling with a 4-0 win over Everton, while Brighton climbed to the top of table after their 4-1 victory over Wolves. Take a look at SoccerMag’s best 11 performers from Game week 2 of the Premier League.

We used buildlineup.com to put our team onto paper, but our selections are explained below.
Goalkeeper
Alphonse Areola – West Ham United
Alphonse Areola had an impressive game against Chelsea. West Ham would have surely lost if not for the 30-year-old, with the Frenchman making some crucial saves, including an Enzo Fernandez’s penalty.

Defenders
Pervis Estupinan – Brighton and Hove Albion
For the second week in a row, Pervis Estupinan has made our team of the week. The Ecuadorian assisted Mitoma for the opener and scored Brigthon’s second against Wolves in an overall impressive performance. Taking current form into account, Estupinan is arguably the best fullback in the league with his contributions vital to Roberto De Zerbi’s brand of football.

William Saliba – Arsenal
Playing against Palace, Arsenal grinded out their second victory of the season with the Eagles causing the Gunners serious problems throughout the 90 minutes. William Saliba was the difference that helped Mikel Arteta’s side keep the cleansheet, dominating his duels and working tirelessly to clean up any chances Palace had.

Serge Aurier – Nottingham Forest
Serge Aurier is looking back to his best since the start of the season and his performance against Sheffield was a prime example of the qualities he possesses. Aurier whipped in a perfect cross to the back post for Taiwo Awoniyi to open the scoring early and ended the game with another beautiful ball into the area, this time finished by Chris Wood.

 Midfielders
Pape Matar Sarr – Tottenham Hotspur
One of the best performers from the weekend, Pape Matar Sarr was dominant against Manchester United. The Senegalese midfielder had a complete performance in the middle of the park, beating players with the ball, showing strength, work rate and capping his display with a goal. He was likened to Patrick Vieira after the game, a compliment of the highest level.

Solly March – Brighton and Hove Albion
Solly March had an exceptional start to the new season having scored three goals in his first two appearances. March has evolved into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and is beginning to add the numbers his game was missing. His brace against Wolves took the Seagulls to the top of the Premier League table as they continue to disrupt the top six status quo.

Leon Bailey – Aston Villa
Leon Bailey had an electrifying game against Sean Dyche’s Everton. The Jamaican international assisted John McGinn for the opener early in the first half before getting on the scoresheet himself for Villa’s third.

Phil Foden – Manchester City
The absence of Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne has given Phil Foden the perfect opportunity to get consistent minutes under his belt. The 23-year-old took his opportunity well, causing havoc for the Newcastle midfield and defence. Foden’s assist to Julian Alvarez was the highlight of the game.

Forwards
Kaoru Mitoma – Brighton and Hove Albion
Kaoru Mitoma is the third Brighton player in our selection this week. The Japanese international scored Brighton’s opening goal against Wolves. The winger’s spectacular solo effort is a goal of the season contender and it is only gameweek 2. Mitoma looks like he is hungry for European football.

Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford
This week Bryan Mbeumo stood out. His work rate, ability on the ball and mentality are top tier. Mbeumo’s relationship with Yoane Wissa is just what Brentford need in Ivan Toney’s absence and it seems that Tomas Frank is set for a selection headache in January when Toney returns. Mbeumo’s brace sealed Brentford’s comfortable win over Fulham.

Michail Antonio – West Ham United
Michail Antonio’s performance against Chelsea was a classic Antonio performance. The striker was a menace up top for the Hammers. Antonio never stops running, he chases every ball and will bully every defender in front him until his body gives in. His goal in the second half was the game changer and even when isolated he is a threat, he is so powerful and fast with a clinical edge it is almost impossible to handle.

Photo: twitter @StatmanDave

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Dylan Johnson