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Joleon Lescott's Premier League stars of Matchday 1
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Joleon Lescott
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Erling Haaland picked up where he left off in Manchester City's win at Burnley
Erling Haaland picked up where he left off in Manchester City's win at Burnley

The Premier League was back with a bang over the weekend and I'm absolutely buzzing for the new season!

Read on to see which five players I've picked out as my stars of Matchday 1.

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

What Erling Haaland achieved last season was outstanding and I don't ever want us to start taking him for granted — but he really did pick up where he left off against Burnley.

It took him less than five minutes to hit the back of the net and he produced two really smart finishes, which is ultimately all you want from a centre forward.

All this talk last season about how many touches he has or how involved he is in the build-up play needs to stop. He is there to score goals and that's it.

Whether or not he'll break his own record again this season I don't know. But the types of chances he scores come very frequently and I'd be amazed if he didn't scoop another Golden Boot.

Sandro Tonali (Newcastle)

Newcastle were very impressive in thrashing Aston Villa and two of Eddie Howe's men make my five, starting with debutant Sandro Tonali.

I've seen a little bit of Tonali at AC Milan and I know about his fabulous passing range but I was impressed by how dangerous and energetic he looked going forward.

Obviously he got his goal and there was a very passionate celebration, which did make me laugh given how some have questioned his happiness over joining Newcastle.

One thing I would say is that Italian players thrive on the tactical side of the game. And in Howe, he'll be working with an excellent tactician, so it bodes well.

Sandro Tonali's Newcastle debut impressed Joleon Lescott
Sandro Tonali's Newcastle debut impressed Joleon Lescott

Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Anthony Gordon is someone I know well from my work with England and his brilliant performance at the weekend didn't surprise me one bit.

The noise around his Everton departure was always going to be negative given his local link and the Toffees' troubles but I can't question his professionalism — he's very dedicated to his craft.

At this summer's Under-21 European Championship, he played out of position, didn't moan, picked up Player of the Tournament and then had just three days off before rejoining Newcastle training.

In a humble way, he rates himself very highly — and so he should. I was delighted to see him start so well.

Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)

Enzo Fernandez showed every element of a top-class midfielder against Liverpool on Sunday.

Honestly, it was one of the most rounded midfield performances I've seen. We've seen Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne put on some masterclasses but this was every bit as good.

His output, efficiency and decision-making were all spot on. It was a side to him we didn't see all that much last term when he was in a holding role.

His opposite number Alexis Mac Allister even gave him a shoutout after the match. That's when you know you've played well!

Matheus Cunha (Wolves)

Matheus Cunha delivered an all-action performance for Wolves at Old Trafford
Matheus Cunha delivered an all-action performance for Wolves at Old Trafford

Wolves were very unlucky to leave Old Trafford with nothing last night but I thought Matheus Cunha was outstanding.

The Brazilian didn't pull up any trees after his January arrival last season but he stood out against Manchester United, with his turn of pace too much for them to handle at times.

He's an explosive player who gets defenders on the back foot and he probably have walked off disappointed not to have scored a couple.

With my Wolves hat on, I entered this game a little worried about things but that performance put my mind at ease.

Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill

Tags

Joleon LescottPremier LeagueErling Braut HaalandManchester CitySandro TonaliAnthony GordonNewcastle UnitedEnzo FernandezChelseaMatheus CunhaWolverhampton Wanderers
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