- Newcastle United 6-0 Aston Villa: Match Report / Fulham 2-2 Manchester United: Match Report
Goalkeeper - David Stockdale (Fulham)
Despite conceding twice in his side's 2-2 draw with Manchester United yesterday afternoon, Stockdale was one of Fulham's best performers. He produced a string of top saves throughout the game and even saved a late penalty from United winger Nani - a stop which ultimately meant that Brede Hangeland's injury-time header was an equaliser and not a consolation.
Right-back - James Perch (Newcastle United)
Having joined from Championship side Nottingham Forest in the summer, Perch stepped-up to the top-flight with aplomb yesterday at St James' Park. The utility man dealt with the attacking threat of Ashley Young, Stuart Downing and Marc Albrighton with relative ease throughout the 90 minutes.
Central defence - Brede Hangeland (Fulham)
A rock at the back for most of game against United, Hangeland was unfortunate to see the ball bounce off his leg and into his own goal with just a few minutes left to play. He responded in spectacular fashion - scoring a towering header in the last minute to rescue a point for Mark Hughes' men.
Central defence - Gabriel Tamas (West Bromwich Albion)
After a dismal display against Chelsea last week, Tamas and the rest of the West Brom defence turned in a much-improved display at the Hawthorns on Saturday. He dealt with the threat of Darren Bent and Fraizer Campbell well, a positive sign that he's up to the challenge of the Premier League.
Left-back - Jose Enrique (Newcastle United)
A dodgy start to his Newcastle career had many fans wondering if Enrique had a future in the north-east. But after a superb season in the second tier last year, the former Villareal man put in an excellent display down the left-hand-side against Aston Villa yesterday.
Right-midfield - Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
Heavily criticised for his end product, Theo silenced some of his critics with arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt on Saturday afternoon. His pace and ability to run at defenders was constantly on show, while his hat-trick proved his goal-scoring abilities.
Central midfield - Kevin Nolan (Newcastle United)
The Championship's player of the year last season endured a difficult start against Paul Scholes and co at Old Trafford last Monday. But yesterday he excelled in the middle of the park, throwing himself into challenges and getting forward to bag a brace.
Central midfield - Joey Barton (Newcastle United)
Yet another Newcastle man makes it into my team of the week, with Joey Barton securing his position after a brilliant performance alongside Nolan in the heart of the Magpies' midfield. Well known as a bit of a bad-boy, Barton lashed in a stunning long-range strike to give his side the lead against Villa.
Left-midfield - Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)
For someone whose career seemed to be going nowhere at the start of last season, Gareth Bale has turned his fortunes around by reinventing himself as a flying winger. The Spurs star bagged both goals at Stoke on Saturday, the second of which was a breath-taking volley into the top corner.
Striker - Andy Carroll (Newcastle United)
After missing a sitter against Manchester United last week, Carroll returned with a great all-round showing at home to Aston Villa yesterday afternoon. The big striker, normally known for his ability in the air, scored a hat-trick of left-footed strikes to send the Toon army into ecstacy.
Striker - Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
He might not have scored this week but Drogba still put in a masterful performance at the DW Stadium. The Ivorian added to his hat-trick from last week with a trio of assists to help his side to a second successive 6-0 win.
Source: DSG
