EPL Team of the Week

The second week of EPL is over. After their third win in a row, Chelsea went to the top of the Premier League table and are already looking like the team to beat, while Manchester United got their season up and running with a nervy win over a determined Fulham side. Arsenal failed to score yet again, settling for a goalless draw against their bogey team Stoke. Manchester City were let off the hook by an error-riddled Liverpool, while Everton and Swansea continued their good starts with clinical victories. Here’s the team of the week-

Ali Al-Habsi (GK) - The keeper from Oman was back to his best against newly promoted Southampton, making 6 saves in the game, with the fingertip save from Lallana’s shot proving the most important, and ensured that Wigan held on for a comfortable win and valuable 3 away points.

Rafael (RB) - Though he is a bit susceptible in defence, Rafael was a real threat down the right flank, needing no invitation to push forward. He already had a goal ruled for offside by the time he met an Ashley Young cross to register what proved to be the match winner against Fulham.

Gary Cahill (CB) - Since his move from Bolton in January, Cahill seems to be improving with every passing game at Chelsea. He was once again rock solid against Newcastle’s dangerous Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse, and put in a assured and calm display to help himself to a clean sheet.

Thomas Vermaelen (CB) - Arsenal were hardly at their best going forward against Stoke but they displayed a solidity at the back that they had been lacking in previous seasons. Much of the credit goes to Vermaelen who dealt with the inevitable array of set-pieces and throw-ins launched into their box without a fuss.

Assou-Ekotto (LB) - He is the only Spurs player to feature this week, with the Cameroon international beating off competition from Leighton Baines.He didn’t do much wrong defensively and scored the goal which temporarily put his side ahead at White Hart Lane.

Eden Hazard (LW) - The Belgian has taken the Premier League world by storm. He has a hand now in all but one of Chelsea goals, and was once again at his influential best against Newcastle, creating a goal and converting from the penalty spot to open his league tally.

Joe Allen (CM) - The midfielder showed why he is rated so highly with an impressive display on his home debut against City. He linked up the play beautifully and used the ball well. In fact, the 22-year-old made 21 passes in the opening half and didn’t misplace one of them.

Steven Pienaar (CM) - The South African was once again instrumental as David Moyes’ men sealed a 3-1 away victory at Aston Villa to continue their impressive start. He is playing better than ever at the moment and curled home a fine goal in just the third minute of the match.

Shinji Kagawa (RW) - Another debutant enjoying life in England’s top flight is Shinji Kagawa. The Japanese midfielder excelled on his introduction to life at Old Trafford. His goal against Fulham was a just reward for his efforts and he seems a bargain at £12m.

Fernando Torres (FW) - With two goals in two matches Torres is finally beginning to look like the player for whom Chelsea paid 50 million pounds. He justified his role as the main man winning a penalty and dispatching a brilliant toe-poked finish from Hazard’s cute back heel.

Robin Van Persie (FW) - Relegating Rooney to the bench, The ‘Flying Dutchman’ looked at ease at Old Trafford and opened his account with a glorious finish. With Rooney out for a month, the onus is now on RVP to take over the goalscoring duties and the club will hope that he can reproduce last season’s spectacular form.