Premier League round-up: Saturday’s man of the match performances assessed

There were few shocks in the Premier League on Saturday. Liverpool made it four league wins in a row, doing so at the start of a new Premier League campaign for the first time in their history. Reigning champions Manchester City also triumphed, while West Ham have now lost their first four games after defeat at home to newly-promoted Wolves. We look at the WhoScored Man of the Match performances from all the action.

Leicester 1-2 Liverpool: Sadio Mane - 8.00 rating

Rewarded with the No.10 shirt during the summer, Sadio Mane has made an immense start to the season. The 26-year-old is now the joint top scorer in the Premier League after netting his fourth goal of the campaign. Mane opened the scoring for Liverpool and also won four aerial duels against the Foxes - he has never won more in a Premier League game. Mane was also fouled twice and made two tackles to help Liverpool over the line in Saturday’s early kick off.

Brighton 2-2 Fulham: Glenn Murray - 8.46 rating

Brighton go into the international break on four points from as many games after drawing with newly-promoted Fulham. Glenn Murray has made an impressive start to the campaign and took his tally to three goals after netting a brace against the Cottagers. The 34-year-old had six attempts on goal against Fulham and won eight aerial duels. He was a constant threat in attack, earning Brighton five free-kicks with a dominant performance up against Fulham’s defenders. In fact, no player has been fouled more times in a Premier League game this season than Murray.

West Ham 0-1 Wolves: Adama Traore - 8.25 rating

Adama Traore made a huge impact off the bench against West Ham, netting the only goal of the game during his 29-minute appearance. Wolves’ club-record signing hit the target with both of his shots on target, while also creating two goalscoring opportunities for his teammates. The 22-year-old is renowned for his powerful running with the ball and the powerful winger completed five dribbles during his cameo, two more than any other player at the London Stadium.

Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth: Eden Hazard - 8.96 rating

Eden Hazard has now scored and assisted in each of his four Premier League appearances this season after netting against Bournemouth on Saturday. The Belgium international secured all three points for Maurizio Sarri’s side with five minutes remaining. Hazard created five goalscoring opportunities against Bournemouth and completed as many dribbles. The 27-year-old was fouled more times (4) than the rest of his Chelsea teammates combined (3), proving a constant threat.

Crystal Palace 0-2 Southampton: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - 8.42 rating

Southampton had lost 25 of their last 28 Premier League matches prior to Saturday’s meeting away to Crystal Palace, making their 2-0 triumph at Selhurst Park even more of a surprise. There are already questions about Mark Hughes’ time at Southampton but that result would have lifted some pressure on his shoulders. Sent off last weekend, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg bounced back with an immense performance here, wrapping up all three points with a stoppage time goal. The 23-year-old hit the target with two of his three shots, won four aerial duels and registered two key passes. 

Everton 1-1 Huddersfield: Philip Billing - 8.47 rating

Huddersfield have made a poor start to the season but David Wagner will be pleased with a point away to Everton. Philip Billing has emerged as a regular in recent matches and vindicated Wagner’s faith with a goal at Goodison Park, his first ever Premier League goal. The 22-year-old was important defensively as well, completing nine tackles and interceptions combined, while also making three clearances.

Manchester City 2-1 Newcastle: Raheem Sterling - 7.84 rating

Despite managing 78% possession, Manchester City could only grind out a 2-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday evening. Raheem Sterling has now scored two goals in the Premier League this season and also won the WhoScored Man of the Match award on two occasions. He had three shots on goal against the Magpies, while also creating two goalscoring opportunities. Newcastle struggled with Sterling’s pace at times, fouling the 23-year-old on five occasions. Perhaps surprisingly, however, Sterling completed more tackles than any City player (4).