We are now four games into the Premier League, so we thought it would be a good idea to check up on some of those who have had a bright start to the campaign. In no particular order:
1) Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal
The young Welshman looks like a completely different player this season. So far he has scored two league goals, with an additional three in other competitions, as well as completing 87% of his passes and averaging five defensive actions per game.
2) Sylvain Distin – Everton
The Bullish Toffees centre-half has been integral to what Roberto Martinez is trying to do at Goodison Park. Everton have drawn three and won one, with Distin making an average of 12 defensive actions per game. He has won an incredible 80% of his duels, 9/11 headers and 7/9 tackles, while completing 85% of his passes.
3) Jan Vertonghen – Tottenham
The Belgian has been crucial to Tottenham’s early success as he has averaged eight defensive actions per game so far from four appearances. The big Belgian has completed an incredible 94% of his passes – the highest percentage at the club – and won 8/12 headers.
4) Gary Cahill – Chelsea
Cahill has been brilliant so far this season, winning 84% of his duels, including 100% of his tackles and 12/15 of his headers, as well as making 18 clearances and three interceptions in his three league outings.
5) Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
The Liverpool skipper has dropped back into a deeper role and is getting more time on the ball as a result, making it easier for him to dictate play. Gerrard has hit the target with 60% of his shots, completed 85% of his passing and won 8/12 tackles, while also creating seven chances in his four games.
6) Christian Benteke – Aston Villa
Continuing his fine form from last season, Benteke has already hit four in four this term, as well as sculpting nine key passes. He has already been involved in 78 headed duels, which 56% of have gone his way, and he has hit the target with 78% of his shots.
7) Jussi Jaaskelainen – West Ham
We saw on Sunday against Southampton just how good the 38-year-old still is. So far this season he has kept three clean sheets from four games, making an average of 10 saves per goal and successfully claiming 100% of his attempted.
8) Olivier Giroud – Arsenal
We tipped the Frenchman to go on and hit 20 goals this season and it looks as though the Arsenal man is on the way. His four goals in four games have alleviated the pressure from Arsene Wenger’s back regarding a new striker, but it will be interested to see how they cope without him in the side.
9) Daniel Sturridge – Liverpool
Liverpool are sitting pretty at the top of league at current with three wins and a draw from their first four, and it’s largely been thanks to former Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge. His four goals in four games have the Liverpool fans dreaming of that elusive Premier League title come May.
10) Fabian Delph – Aston Villa
The 23-year-old has come on leaps and bounds thanks to the trust that Paul Lambert has put in the midfielder, and he’s started brightly this season. Delph has won 70% of his tackles, 78% of his take ons and chipped in with six defensive actions per game, on average.