Joleon Lescott's Premier League stars of Matchday 8![Copy icon](/ls-web-assets/svgs/common/link-471b4.svg)
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![Mohamed Salah scored both of Liverpool's goals at Brighton](https://uk1.sportal365images.com/process/smp-image-api/livescore.com/09102023/76b0fe7d-b067-4bfb-b57e-486ee3614c6f.jpg?operations=fit(707:)&w=707&quality=100)
I can't believe we are already at the second international break of the Premier League campaign. The games are flying by!
I've picked out my five stars of an action-packed Matchday 8.
Micky van de Ven (Tottenham)
Tottenham had an unlikely matchwinner at Luton in Micky van de Ven but I've been very impressed with the Dutch defender's start to life in England.
If you're making loads of headlines as a defender, they probably aren't all good ones — which is why it's good the way he is kind of slipping under the radar a bit.
He's settled seamlessly at Spurs, as has Destiny Udogie at full-back. They have both looked fearless in these early weeks.
The way this new-look backline has hit the ground running is testament to Ange Postecoglou and the camaraderie around his squad.
![Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven put in a flawless display against Luton](https://uk1.sportal365images.com/process/smp-image-api/livescore.com/09102023/e379a980-d794-4947-961a-cdd896a258b7.png?operations=fit(707:)&w=707&quality=100)
James Garner (Everton)
Everton got a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Bournemouth and I was delighted to see James Garner notch his first Premier League goal for the Toffees.
James is someone I worked with at England Under-21s level and he is a very intelligent, high-IQ footballer who can occupy a number of positions effortlessly.
As well as his quality on the ball, he is an all-action player who always gives 100% effort — something which I know from experience the Everton fans demand.
To have that first home win under their belts is vitally important. When they get things right, they actually look like a good team.
Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)
Chelsea have finally got some momentum going this season and Raheem Sterling was at the heart of everything good they did at Burnley on Saturday.
Raheem had a tough time last season but there was good reason for that. He joined to work with Thomas Tuchel and the German was gone weeks after he signed.
He seems to be enjoying his football again and looks in great shape — plus he's squaring up and driving at defenders, which is what he does best.
I was a little surprised to see him left out of the England squad but if he keeps playing like this, Gareth Southgate will be recalling him in no time.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah bagged both of Liverpool's goals in their 2-2 draw at Brighton and I do feel that we as Premier League fans take the Egyptian's quality for granted sometimes.
It's probably because he's not a big personality off the pitch compared to some of the other glamorous names, who love doing interviews and putting themselves out there.
But there are few forwards as efficient as Salah and even though he's not getting the numbers he was a couple of years ago, that's more down to Liverpool's struggles than his own.
There's been a lot of change at Anfield in recent times but if you create enough chances, Salah will always put them away.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
Alexander Isak also bagged a brace on Sunday and the Newcastle forward continues to showcase what a top-class operator he is.
I think plenty of people in the football world were aware of his quality but the Magpies moved first — and now they are reaping the rewards.
He's put in some superb performances in both the Premier League and Champions League and I'm sure plenty of Europe's top clubs are wishing they'd pounced for him earlier.
But I think that ship has sailed. Newcastle's current owners don't have any intentions of selling their key men any time soon!
Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill