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Joleon Lescott's Premier League stars of Matchday 3

Joleon Lescott
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Darwin Nunez's dramatic brace helped Liverpool stun Newcastle
Darwin Nunez's dramatic brace helped Liverpool stun Newcastle

Dramatic late winners for Liverpool and Manchester City headlined a thrilling weekend of Premier League action.

I've picked out my five players who shone brightest on a memorable Matchday 3.

Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)

Raheem Sterling has looked really sharp in all three outings so far this season and he was devastating against Luton.

He's occupying a role we haven't seen him in for a long time but in his current form, the England man can play anywhere and cause havoc.

People forget that Raheem moved to Chelsea mainly to play with Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked a few weeks after he arrived. That's going to have a negative impact on any player.

But he's drawn a line under it now, taken on a new fitness regime which is paying dividends and he looks at the top of his game again.

James Maddison (Tottenham)

James Maddison put on a passing masterclass for Tottenham at Bournemouth
James Maddison put on a passing masterclass for Tottenham at Bournemouth

I know James Maddison a little bit and I'm not surprised to see he's enjoying the responsibility of stepping up for Tottenham after Harry Kane's departure.

He inherited Harry's old No10 shirt days before the new season and though he's a different player to his countryman, he's proving equally influential.

With Kane and Heung-Min Son up front, Spurs have always had creativity but now there's someone in the middle and lower thirds able to open the game up in deeper areas.

Honestly, the last player I remember Spurs having capable of doing that was Luka Modric. Not bad company to be in!

Matty Cash (Aston Villa)

Matty Cash is a popular figure with Aston Villa's fanbase and showed exactly why during his side's impressive win at Burnley.

Cash is exciting to watch. A flying full-back who is effective going forward — as his two goals here showed — but also one who loves defending.

He won't shy away from a battle with an opposition winger and I think he has a style of play that will prove very effective when it comes to playing in Europe, too.

That Newcastle game on the opening day probably just came too early for Villa. They've bounced back extremely well and have an exciting season on the horizon.

Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Newcastle came out on the wrong side of a thrilling contest with Liverpool but Anthony Gordon once again ran riot down the wing.

Anthony's biggest strength is how comfortable he is going down the line. Most wingers want to come inside these days but he's more than happy to make direct runs into tight spaces.

Poor old Trent Alexander-Arnold had a tough afternoon and he'll have been delighted to see Anthony brought off with 20 minutes remaining.

For me, the game changed a little bit at that point and Magpies boss Eddie Howe may look back on that substitution with a bit of regret.

Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)

Darwin Nunez showed ice-cool composure to convert both of his chances against Newcastle
Darwin Nunez showed ice-cool composure to convert both of his chances against Newcastle

Of course, Darwin Nunez's brace proved decisive and it may end up being a pivotal moment in the Uruguayan's Liverpool career.

I'm not sure Nunez has ever lacked belief. He's always made good runs and keeps putting himself into positions to score.

Previously though, I've always felt like he's rushing in front of goal — trying to do everything as quickly as possible rather than as needed.

Both finishes against Newcastle showed real composure though and those celebrations show you how well-liked he is by his team-mates. 

They will all be hoping it's the start of a hot streak for him.

Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill

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Joleon LescottPremier LeagueRaheem SterlingChelseaJames MaddisonTottenham HotspurMatty CashAston VillaAnthony GordonNewcastle UnitedDarwin NunezLiverpool