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The newbies from Wales scored a huge upset, while two of the Premier League’s most fancied sides played out a tense draw. But who were the standout 11 players from the weekend’s action?
Ben Foster – West Bromwich Albion
The former Manchester United goalkeeper turned in an inspired performance to almost singlehandedly secure a point for West Brom.
His goal came under constant threat from the Everton attackers, but he denied the home side brilliantly with seven saves.
The 30-year-old, who has six caps at international level for England, was substituted late on and it has now been confirmed that he will miss up to 12 weeks with a foot injury. A massive blow for the Baggies.
Branislav Ivanovic – Chelsea
Was one of only a few Chelsea players to cause the United defence any concerns with his surging runs from the back.
His strength in the air also shone out on many occasions, and made some vital interceptions on the most dangerous player on the pitch, Robin van Persie.
Provided some defensive steel when the team needed him the most. A vital cog for the Londoners and has started the season in typically consistent fashion.
Steven Caulker – Cardiff City
Tottenham’s sale of the 21-year-old was met with consternation from the Spurs fans, and with good reason – the highly-rated defender is seen by many as being a genuine replacement for John Terry in the England side.
On the weekend he showed just why, keeping Manchester City’s strikers at bay for the majority of the match.
An unsung hero in the Bluebirds’ historic victory over their highly fancied opponents.
John Terry – Chelsea
After Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho announced his lineup against Manchester United, one knew that the likes of veteran Terry would have to be at the top of his game.
Thankfully for Blues fans he was, thwarting a series of attacks from the home side. His aerial prowess came to the fore and he looks to be reinvigorated by the return of Mourinho.
Davide Santon – Newcastle United
Was one of Newcastle United’s most proactive players in a tepid stalemate with West Ham United. Restored to the left-back position after missing out on the City game through injury.
His overlapping runs saw him take up dangerous areas on the left flank and he produced some decent crosses into the 18-yard box.
The 22-year-old is fast-becoming one of the league’s finest attacking defenders.
Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal
That cruel leg break in February 2010 derailed his meteoric rise through the ranks. Over three years later and Arsenal fans are finally beginning to see the Welshman return to that damaging player he promised to be.
His outstanding display against Fulham will have warmed the hearts of Gunners fans and eased the unnecessary pressure on manager Arsene Wenger.
Has an eye for an incisive pass in the final third, and possesses a deadly shot. Capable of having a real impact this season.
Etienne Capoue – Tottenham
The £9.5m capture from Toulouse made his Tottenham debut in a 1-0 victory against Swansea City and endeared himself to the fans immediately.
An imposing display from the midfield enforcer will have delighted boss Andre Villas-Boas. The France international showed his strength and fine ability to read the play by making a host of intercepting tackles.
Is a welcome addition to the Spurs squad and will aid the competition for places with Brazilian defensive lynchpin Sandro.
Peter Whittingham – Cardiff City
One of the Championship’s most consistent performers down the years and has acquitted himself well in the top-flight.
Swung in the inch-perfect corner kick that Joe Hart failed to deal with and Campbell capitalised on for Cardiff’s second goal. Influenced the proceedings from midfield with his passing range and was disciplined when his side didn’t have the ball.
More of the same and the Bluebirds will have a far greater chance of avoiding the drop. Showed that his delivery from set-pieces will cause any team in the league problems.
Wayne Rooney – Manchester United
Produced an all-action performance to reinforce his worth as a player to Manchester United. Shrugged off the transfer speculation and gave a truly professional display.
Posed the biggest threat throughout and made some wonderful tackles when called upon defensively. At 27, there’s plenty more to come from the England international.
It looks like his desperate attempts to leave the club will dissipate, with Rooney declaring he will not being handing in a transfer request this week.
Frazier Campbell – Cardiff City
The Manchester United academy graduate scored the decisive brace that sealed an incredible result for Cardiff.
Before he became the match winner, the 25-year-old was a constant thorn in the City defence. His pace was causing the likes of makeshift centre-back Javi Garcia and Joleon Lescott all kinds of problems. If not for the fine intervention of Hart he could of had a brace in the first half.
Campbell’s goals will give him every chance of securing a regular first-team position.
Lukas Podolski – Arsenal
The German was clinical, scoring two superb goals in his team’s comfortable win at Craven Cottage.
After a productive debut season with 16 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, the experienced striker will be targeting an upturn in league form. Capable of scoring close to the 20 goal mark, and with creative midfielder Santi Cazorla returning to full fitness and Ramsey improving every week he will be provided the service to do so.
The 28-year-old will be determined to impress against bitter rivals Tottenham at the weekend.
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