We’re into week three of the new Premier League season, and whilst you might expect form to be starting to settle down there have been plenty of intriguing twists and turns so far, not least champions Chelsea stuttering along like mid-table also-rans.
But even the Blues had a turn-up for the books this week. Tom Lainchbury assesses the players we’re talking about after week three…
Pedro, Chelsea
The former Barcelona forward’s much discussed future was finally concluded on Thursday when the 28-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge in a deal worth £19 million plus add-ons. And that figure is looking to be an even more remarkable coup following just about as perfect a debut as his manager could have hoped for.
Jose Mourinho donned a satisfied grin from the sidelines at the Hawthorns as Pedro scored the opening goal for Chelsea and then laid on a brilliant assist for fellow countryman Diego Costa to earn the Blues a much needed first victory of the season, 3-2 at West Bromwich Albion.
Following their club’s much publicised lacklustre pursuit of the player Manchester United fans looked on with envy, as the Spaniard inspired his side to three points with some powerful runs and impressive counter-attacking moves.
With United struggling for goals and Chelsea now up and running following his arrival, Pedro’s signature could prove to be one of the summer’s most influential, and Louis van Gaal may consider the Spain international a missed opportunity if he continues to turn out performances like he did last weekend.
Man of the match – @_Pedro17_ ! #WBACHE #CFC pic.twitter.com/02dW6Qbhw2
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 23, 2015
Callum Wilson, Bournemouth
The rise of Bournemouth’s prize asset is almost as admirable as his club’s, but few will have been aware of Callum Wilson’s impressive journey until the 23-year-old hit the headlines with a remarkable hat-trick last weekend.
Wilson’s three goals to give the Cherries their first ever Premier League points completed a rapid rise from non-league nobody to Premier League striking sensation. The striker capitalised on some poor West Ham defending to bag a first half brace, and completed the first hat-trick of the season when he confidently tucked away a penalty with 10 minutes remaining as Bournemouth won 4-3.
Wilson’s three goals were only half the story, however, as the young Englishman gave the West Ham defenders an afternoon to forget. As well as his clinical finishing (his first two goals were first-time hits), Wilson bullied the Hammers defence, forcing mistakes and proving himself impossible to mark as he involved himself in the majority of Bournemouth’s attacking moves.
The striker ran 11.25km and attempted 54 sprints. To maintain this level of performance will be a tall order, but Wilson may soon hope to emulate the achievements of Rickie Lambert and Charlie Austin in making England’s international squad from non-league football.
SEE ALSO: 10 under-the-radar value picks for your Fantasy Premier League team
David Silva, Manchester City
Undoubtedly one of the most talented midfielders in the league, David Silva showed his class once again in a comprehensive 2-0 victory for Manchester City over Everton this weekend.
The Spaniard’s quality teamwork, movement and passing were instrumental in Manchester City’s patient build-up play, linking well with Sergio Aguero and always providing an outlet when Everton looked to have done enough to win the ball back.
Silva is evidently enjoying his role in the centre of the park for City with the arrival of Raheem Sterling out wide, the 29-year-old taking full advantage of the freedom afforded to him playing centrally by popping up all over the pitch and pulling the strings with ease.
Silva would have had a goal to top off a near magical display if it weren’t for the woodwork, but that doesn’t take away from one of the standout performances of week three.
SEE ALSO: Manchester City transfer news – Should Kevin De Bruyne choose City?
Riyad Mahrez, Leicester City
Leicester’s recent Premier League form has been nothing short of remarkable. Since the start of April, the Foxes have earned more points (29) than any other side, and are currently sitting pretty in 2nd place. One man who has been instrumental in their astonishing start to the season is current league top scorer Riyad Mahrez.
The Algerian international brought his tally to four goals this campaign already with a brilliant strike against Tottenham in a 1-1 draw, but arguably it should have been more as the winger toyed with the Spurs defence repeatedly.
The 24-year-old’s mazy dribbling and eye for goal has understandably drawn the attentions of rival clubs, but with a week remaining of the transfer window manager Claudio Ranieri has reiterated that the player is not for sale at any price.
Fabricio Coloccini, Newcastle United
Manchester United’s lack of fire-power and Wayne Rooney’s poor form were one of the main talking points prior to the club’s clash with Newcastle United, but that shouldn’t detract from what was an excellent defensive display from Fabricio Coloccini this weekend.
The Argentine was solid at the back as Newcastle shut-out the Red Devils for 90 minutes, limiting United to few clear cut chances in a 0-0 draw. Coloccini was a leader from the back, ensuring Newcastle’s defence was well organised and piled pressure on United’s frontline.
The 33-year-old’s proficiency in keeping Rooney in particular out of the game was demonstrated by the number of times the England captain was forced to drop deep to collect the ball, and a number of great clearing headers and last ditch tackles epitomised the defenders attitude.
A questionable display against Swansea the week before had fans questioning Coloccini’s ability to still cut it in the Premier League, but a resolute performance this week has confirmed his status as one of the more experienced and dependable centre-backs in the league on his day.
Jack Butland, Stoke City
The sale of Asmir Begovic to Chelsea was the kind of opportunity Jack Butland will have been hoping for this season: years of being second choice to the Bosnian at Stoke had done little to develop his career.
But, handed the number 1 shirt at the start of the season following a number of loan spells in the Championship, Butland is going a long way to proving his talent. The 22-year-old made a string of outstanding saves to keep Norwich City at bay in a 1-1 draw. Butland was eventually beaten by Russel Martin in the 22nd minute, but kept Stoke in the game even in spite of a broken finger and almost single-handedly earned the Potters a point.
Butland made his solitary England appearance in a friendly against Italy three years ago, but if he can maintain the level of performances like that of this weekend it shouldn’t be much longer before he is called upon once again to stand between his country’s sticks.
SEE ALSO: Grading Jack Butland and 14 England U-21s on their chances of wearing the senior shirt again
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