After each Premier League match week of the 2022/23 season, VAVEL will reveal its picks for best player, performance, manager, and goal of the week, ending on the best XI of the match week.
It has been a great start to the season, and this week did not disappoint. There was plenty of drama and plenty of goals scored over the weekend, with seven games seeing three or more goals scored.
Arsenal continued their impressive start to the season and made it three wins out of three, away at Bournemouth. Whilst their north London rivals, Tottenham saw a Harry Kane goal seal them all three points at home to Wolves.
Fulham, Crystal Palace and Southampton all got impressive wins against tough opposition in Brentford, Aston Villa and West Ham respectively.
There was only one draw this weekend as Everton denied Nottingham Forest back-to-back league wins with an 88th-minute equaliser.
Manchester City were held in a thrilling game at St James’ Park which ended 3-3, a game in which Eddie Howe’s Newcastle impressed, with a particularly electric first half.
Meanwhile the red half of Manchester managed an unexpected 2-1 win against Liverpool, getting their first points of the season, lifting them above their opponents in the table.
But the biggest shock was at Elland Road where Leeds put three past Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea. This was certainly a result few expected, but through some poor defending and a great pressing Leeds side, it delivered a great game for the neutral.
Player of the Week – Wilfried Zaha
There were plenty of players who could have arguably featured as this week’s player of the week, but it is hard to ignore Wilfred Zaha’s superb performance at Selhurst Park.
He continued his great start to the season, making it three goals in three games so far. His two goals in this one ensured a 3-1 win against a struggling Aston Villa, with the Ivorian showing he still is not finished in the Premier League.
His first goal involved having to use his pace as he made a good run to meet the flick-on from Odsonne Edouard before smartly tucking the ball into the far corner, a quick reply to get Palace back in the game immediately.
He later put his side in front to make it 2-1, scoring the rebound after Emiliano Martinez saved his penalty.
After Eberechi Eze missed most of last season with a long-term injury, it was great to see the linkup between him and Zaha, with both players building an understanding of where the other is on the pitch.
However, it is clear Zaha is still Palace’s Starman, and they will surely do everything to keep him at the club for as long as possible.
Performance of the Week – Newcastle United
This was one of the bigger shocks of the weekend as most would have expected the champions to gain all three points. Despite Newcastle eventually drawing this game, they showed the quality their squad possesses and how they can match the top teams in the league.
When Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring early on, Newcastle fans would have been fearing the worst, but their side did not let that affect them and they came right back on the front foot.
Howe’s side maintained a high line and gave Man City little time on the ball which led to the first goal from Miguel Almiron.
Allan Saint-Maximin was a thorn in Pep Guardiola’s side, and his great work to drive the ball up the pitch got the Magpies in the lead. His excellent run and a quality pass was taken nicely by Callum Wilson and finished even better.
Another mazy run from the winger brought a free kick in great range for a certain Kieran Trippier. England fans will know of the quality the right back possesses from a dead ball and he again showed this, with a near-perfect effort into the left-hand top corner.
City were always going to get chances and with the quality they have in the attacking positions, they were always going to score.
Erling Haaland got their second goal from close range, whilst a perfect pass from Kevin De Bruyne fed Bernando Silva to complete the comeback.
Admittedly not a perfect performance, but a showing the Magpies can be proud of, evenly matching one of the best sides in the world.
Manager of the Week – Jesse Marsch
An award that could have very well gone to Eddie Howe after the impressive draw against the champions, however, it is hard to ignore Jesse Marsch's role in the big win against Chelsea.
The American’s game plan worked down to a tee in a 3-0 win, thanks to goals from Brenden Aaronson, Rodrigo, and Jack Harrison.
Chelsea throughout the match struggled to play out from the back and this was thanks to Marsch’s men's impressive press. The energy in the side was enough to unnerve the Chelsea players, which Leeds were able to capitalise on through some clinical finishing.
There were big doubts around Leeds after the losses of big players such as Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, but additions like Aaronson have certainly helped maintain the energy Leeds like to play with.
Seven points from the first three and up in third place, an impressive start to the season for the American coach, in his first full season managing in the Premier League.
Goal of the Week – William Saliba
The Frenchman has been flawless so far this season for Arsenal and capped this off with a superb finish in their 3-0 win away at Bournemouth.
A cross from Gabriel Martinelli was played across the box to Granit Xhaxa who took the ball down well and layed off a pass to Saliba.
The pace on the ball allowed the centre-back to just sweep the ball with his left foot into the top right corner, showing what he can bring further up the pitch.
Team of the Week
Formation (4-3-3)
Illan Meslier – 8/10
The Frenchman made some crucial saves to keep a clean sheet against Chelsea, with a stop at 0-0 from Mason Mount’s shot the pick of the bunch.
Ivan Perisic – 8/10
A great performance from the Croatian who deserved to feature in this team of the week. His defensive work rate was immense throughout whilst offering a threat going forward, claiming another assist for Kane with a flick-on.
Lisandro Martinez - 9/10
The Argentine put doubts to bed with a great performance, which saw him win multiple aerial duels whilst throwing himself in front of any ball that entered the Manchester United box.
William Saliba – 9/10
A performance that saw the Frenchman complete all 76 of his passes, topped off with that superb finish to ensure Arsenal all three points.
Kieran Trippier – 8/10
The right-back is a threat for any team with his technical ability, this was showcased in the fantastic free kick to make it 3-1 at the time.
Tyler Adams – 8/10
The American was a big part of a team that outran Chelsea, using his energy to win the ball back countless times. A great introduction to the Premier League.
Brenden Aaronson – 9/10
Another Leeds man and another American who ran the show, quite literally. He was everywhere in this game with plenty of touches across the pitch, a performance rewarded with a goal thanks to pressing Edouard Mendy.
Martin Odegaard – 8/10
The Arsenal captain was in the right place at the right time for two early goals against Bournemouth, whilst always being a threat with his creative capabilities.
Wilfred Zaha – 10/10
A constant threat with his pace and power on the counterattack, which was rewarded with two goals. Continuing to be a big handful for any opposition, whilst linking up well with those around him.
Allan Saint-Maxmin – 9/10
The Frenchman was in fine form on Sunday and was hard to stop on the counter once he drove forward. He was a leading figure in everything that went well for Newcastle and was a big hand in some of the goals.
Che Adams – 9/10
The Scotland international's two goals saved Southampton and presented them with their first three points of the season, changing the game from the bench.