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The English Premier League is finally back after almost three months. Gameweek 1 of the Premier League saw all 20 sides in action in high-throttle matches.
In a brilliant weekend of football, viewers were treated to some spectacular matchups. The weekend saw a grand total of 34 goals across ten fixtures and there were a couple of upset results as well.
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While some sides came in and performed like they never left, others weren't as impressive. Let's take a look at the top five Premier League footballers from game week 1.
#5. Son Heung-Min - Tottenham Hotspur
Son Heung-Min was one of the best players from the first gameweek of the Premier League as he starred against Manchester City for a depleted Tottenham side without captain Harry Kane. Not many expected Spurs to take all three points, but that's what they did through a 1-0 win. Son was a standout performer for Spurs with the likes of Japhet Tanganga and Pierre Emile-Hojberg putting in excellent performances as well.
Nuno Espirito Santo took charge of his first Premier League match against the defending champions in this game. The match also saw Jack Grealish make his Premier League debut for the Cityzens, but it sadly ended in defeat for the ex-Aston Villa man.
Spurs set themselves up perfectly against City, sitting back to defend and allowing City to keep the ball while attacking with speed on the counter. The lack of an orthodox striker was felt by the Manchester outfit as their lost chances were immediately punished by swift counters from the likes of Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura.
The South Korean was the star of the show, scoring a fine left-footed winner in the 55th minute. His relentless pressing and speed on the ball simply could not be handled by Manchester City on the night.
#4. Michail Antonio - West Ham
West Ham United's season opener saw them travel to Newcastle and the two produced an enthralling match.
The Hammers were coming off an excellent season under David Moyes. The Hammers were down at the break, but they went on to complete a stunning turnaround with Michail Antonio right in the thick of the action.
The England-born attacker had a hand in three goals, scoring one himself and grabbing two assists. His contribution led his team to a 4-2 victory.
Antonio impressed right from the start with his attacking nous. Although he missed a penalty, he made amends by scoring a goal hardly three minutes later. Considered their main attacking outlet, Antonio was up to the task as he spearheaded the Hammers' comeback.
His two assists included an inch-perfect cross for teammate Said Benrahma.
#3. Mohamed Salah - Liverpool
Mohamed Salah brought in the new edition of the Premier League with a goal and two assists.
Drawn against Norwich at Carrow Road, Liverpool looked to kick off their season with a convincing result against the newly promoted side. Salah put in an excellent all-round performance in the victory.
Liverpool won 3-0 and Salah had a hand in all three goals. He set up team-mates Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino before grabbing a goal for himself in the 74th minute. His pace and craftiness were too much to handle for the Norwich backline and resulted in the Reds taking home all three points.
Salah also created a unique personal record: he has now scored in all (five) opening-day fixtures since joining Liverpool.
He will surely be an important member in deciding Liverpool's fortunes this season.
#2. Paul Pogba - Manchester United
Manchester United beat Leeds United 5-1 in their opening fixture of the 2021-22 Premier League.
Through a five-star performance, the Red Devils got off to a brilliant start to their season. Paul Pogba was right at the center of the action; grabbing an extraordinary four assists in the one-sided fixture.
Having recently announced the marquee signings of Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho, United were hoping to send an early message to their rivals against Leeds. The midfield partnership between Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes proved too good on the night, with the pair involved in all of United's goals.
Pogba set up two goals for Bruno Fernandes, enabling him to bag a hat-trick, and also set one up for Fred as well. He seemed at the peak of his powers; drifting around the center of the park and controlling the game.
His future at the club in doubt, and the current season could help decide where Paul Pogba plays next season.
#1. Bruno Fernandes - Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes was arguably the best player from the first gameweek of the Premier League.
Fernandes bagged a hat-trick in United's season opener and made sure they secured all three points to kick off their season in the perfect manner. Undoubtedly a gifted player, Bruno treated fans to a pure attacking display with the help of midfield partner Paul Pogba.
The Portuguese got off the mark in the 30th minute, receiving an inch-perfect pass from Pogba and beat Illan Meslier to give Manchester United the lead. He grabbed his next goal in the 54th minute, before completing his hat-trick just six minutes later with the best of the three.
An excellent long ball from Victor Lindelof was read expertly by Fernandes, who took a deft touch to control the ball before smashing it past Meslier to complete his first Premier League hat-trick.
His form is certainly an encouraging sign for United fans, and he will undoubtedly be a key figure for United this season.
