Butland
The Stoke goalkeeper has had the hype around him for a long time and he is stepping up to fill Asmir Begovic’s place with style. He made a number of key stops to prevent Arsenal and although his side lost, it would have been a lot worse without Butland, who was arguably the man of the match.
Nyom
The Watford right back had a great game as he managed to keep both Wayne Routledge and Jefferson Montero quiet all afternoon. The latter has caused a lot of defenders problems this season with his pace and direct running, therefore Nyom’s performance shouldn’t be overlooked. He also offered support going forwards and played a key role in Watford’s win.
Stones
John Stones has been the subject of a lot of speculation this summer, but he has put his head down and continued to put in consistent performances for Everton. On Saturday, he was incredible as Everton completely outclassed Chelsea in every department. It would have left Chelsea fans and Jose Mourinho wondering what could have been as Stones looks ready to make the step up to a bigger side.
Blind
The Dutch international has been playing out of position at centre back, but he is beginning to look like he is meant to play there. He was comfortable against Liverpool and didn’t look out of his depth against some excellent attacking players. He also managed to score at the other end, with a wonderfully placed finish.
Targett
The Southampton left back is the latest to come through the club’s famous youth academy and establish himself in the first eleven. He has become a regular in the side, which is bad news for Ryan Bertrand, who will be facing a real test to get his place back in the starting eleven when he returns from his knee injury. On Saturday, Targett played a key role in getting his side a clean sheet with some excellent tackles, while his reading of the game was excellent.
Cazorla
Arsenal have had a mixed start to the season, but they gave an accomplished performance to beat Stoke on Saturday and they were unlucky not to score more than the two goals that they managed. Cazorla ran the game in the midfield and opened the opposition up on a number of occasions, including an assist for Olivier Giroud late on.
Noble
Mark Noble has been one of the most consistent players in the Premier League over the last few seasons and he once again played a vital role in a West Ham victory. He assisted Payet’s first goal and dominated Jack Colback and Vurnon Anita in the Newcastle midfield. His reading of the game was excellent, as was highlighted by his ability to intercept the ball on a number of occasions.
Mahrez
The Leicester winger had an incredible start to the season, contributing six goals in his opening five matches. The Foxes have had a great beginning to the campaign and Mahrez has been central to that. Every side needs a player who can produce in the final third and that is what Mahrez is to Leicester. At the weekend, he produced when the game was going against his side, which highlights his good mentality. He managed to produce two of the three goals and he was at the centre of all the Leicester attacking play.
Naismith
The Everton forward has been a key part of the squad at Goodison Park over the last few seasons. He isn’t the most talented player, but he always puts in 100% and he can always be relied upon for a good number of goals every season. He came on after an early injury and never looked back as he became the first player to score a hat-trick against Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side. His movement in the final third was always smart and he made the Chelsea defence look ordinary at times. The Scottish international is a good finisher when chances come his way and he displayed that on Saturday.
Payet
Dimitri Payet highlighted why he should be considered for the French national side after voicing his disappointment at being left out of the previous squad. He ran the show on Monday against Newcastle, scoring two goals. The first goal was a wonder strike, while the second showed his intelligent movement as he was in the right place at the right time. He could turn out to be one of the signings of the summer if he maintains his form.
Vardy
After his breakthrough into the England squad, Jamie Vardy continues to impress for Leicester with his tireless style of play, while he is adding goals to his game. Last season he struggled to score, but he already has three goals and that is due to his improved movement in the final third. If he continues to play well for his club, Vardy should be a certainty for Euro 2016.