Manchester United anchorman Nemanja Matic tops the class but Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger is given rough ride by Burnley: Premier League new boys rated after opening weekend

  • Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku had dream debuts for Manchester United 
  • Alexandre Lacazette scored after just two minutes of life in the Premier League
  • Mohamed Salah and Wayne Rooney were among the goals in opening weekend
  • But Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Antonio Rudiger both conceded three goals

The Premier League is back, and while the opening weekend saw many familiar faces returning on the scene, there were many new players on show to light up the opening weekend of the season.

Manchester United and Huddersfield Town both enjoyed dream starts to the new campaign thanks in large part to business done over the summer months, while other sides may have wished they had stuck to a 'tried and tested' formula. 

While there is still plenty of time to bed in to their new surroundings, Sportsmail assesses the debutants who contributed to the Premier League breaking the £1billion barrier in transfers since the window opened.

Romelu Lukaku continued his fine record against West Ham on his Manchester United bow

Romelu Lukaku continued his fine record against West Ham on his Manchester United bow

Alexandre Lacazette made a blistering start to life in the Premier League with a debut goal

Alexandre Lacazette made a blistering start to life in the Premier League with a debut goal

Ahmed Hegazi already looks tailormade for West Brom having scored from a set piece

Ahmed Hegazi already looks tailormade for West Brom having scored from a set piece

 

ARSENAL


Alexandre Lacazette - 8/10

Lacazette was quick off the mark to settle him quickly in the Premier League. Only time will tell if he can adapt to life in England, but the early signs are good. 

The Frenchman is just the seventh player to score on his Premier League debut for Arsenal after Kevin Campbell, Steve Bould, Fredrik Ljungberg, Emmanuel Adebayor, Samir Nasri and Thomas Vermaelen. 

Took his goal instinctively and worked tirelessly when pushed out left to make way for Olivier Giroud through the centre. 

Sead Kolasinac - 6.5

Having scored in the Community Shield against Chelsea, Kolasinac showed his strengths going forward once more as he set up Danny Welbeck for Arsenal's first equaliser.

But the Bosnian also suggested he is fallible at the back, albeit in a less natural role as part of a defensive three, with Jamie Vardy and Shinji Okazaki both profiting from poor marking. 

Lacazette scored with his first shot and second touch in the Premier League after 94 seconds

Lacazette scored with his first shot and second touch in the Premier League after 94 seconds

Sead Kolasinac produced a strong performance going forward but was suspect at the back

Sead Kolasinac produced a strong performance going forward but was suspect at the back

BOURNEMOUTH

Asmir Begovic - 7

Beaten at close range by the 'Nesta of the Pyramids' Ahmed Hegazy, Begovic will not have been happy that the downward header went through his legs but the Bosnian shouldn't be too hard on himself.

Busy from the first minute, the goalkeeper signed for £10m from Chelsea showed why he is an upgrade on Artur Boruc. 

Nathan Ake - 7

Having shown his importance to Bournemouth following his return to Chelsea in the second half of last season, Ake's return for £20m was unsurprising, but he went missing for Hegazy's winning goal.

The youngster composed himself, however, to limit West Brom to few chances thereafter and he nearly earned his side a penalty late on after a challenge on him by Craig Dawson.

Nathan Ake instructs his team-mates during his first  appearance since his permanent move

Nathan Ake instructs his team-mates during his first appearance since his permanent move

Jermain Defoe - 6

Howe opted to start Defoe on the bench due to fears over a groin strain, and the free transfer from Sunderland is likely to start against Watford this weekend after a quiet afternoon from Benik Afobe.

Having scored 19 goals for the Cherries in his first spell on loan back in the 2000-01 season, Defoe will be expected to excel once more on the south coast but at The Hawthorns he was given just half an hour to make an immediate impact. 

BRIGHTON

Matthew Ryan - 7

The Australia international, a £5.8m summer signing from Valencia, made every inch of his 6ft frame count as he kept out a point blank effort from Gabriel Jesus in the first half.

The keeper was unable to react quickly to Lewis Dunk's inadvertent header on his own goal, but his earlier reflexes suggest he could be the difference to the Seagulls staying up this season. Ryan attempted more passes than any outfield Brighton player in this match (27). 

Matthew Ryan made an excellent save to deny forward Gabriel Jesus to keep the score at 0-0

Matthew Ryan made an excellent save to deny forward Gabriel Jesus to keep the score at 0-0

Pascal Gross - 6

Cut a lonely figure in Brighton's attack, and was far too isolated to be in any real position to demonstrate his true qualities. 

Will certainly face easier afternoons in the top flight but worked hard to replicate the creativity shown at Ingolstadt to bring about his move.

Izzy Brown - 6

One of several Chelsea loanees on show in the Premier League this weekend, Brown's evening was ended early following a bright start. A knee injury means it may be a little while before he is able to prove his worth at this level.

Davy Propper - 5

Having sealed his move just days before the curtain raiser, Propper was chasing shadows for large parts of the game at the Amex Stadium.

The £10m midfielder struggled to get on the ball and often conceded possession cheaply. Worked tirelessly but a lot more will be expected from him following the club-record move.

Davy Propper found the going tough on his Premier League debut against a stellar City cast

Davy Propper found the going tough on his Premier League debut against a stellar City cast

BURNLEY

Jonathan Walters - 6

The veteran striker was brought on in the 75th minute in an effort to close out the game, and victory for Walters will have tasted all the sweeter after he scored two own goals for Stoke against Chelsea in January 2013. 

Jack Cork - 8.5

An excellent debut from Cork. There was plenty of scepticism surrounding his £10m move to Turf Moor having been allowed to leave Swansea for a potential Premier League rival, but the former Chelsea trainee relished being back on familiar territory.

With Cesc Fabregas suspended, Tiemoue Bakayoko unfit and Nemanja Matic sold on, Cork showed Antonio Conte what he's missing ahead of the game against Tottenham.

CHELSEA

Antonio Rudiger - 5.5

Rudiger may have seen a home fixture to Burnley on the opening day as the perfect assignment to ease himself into the Premier League but he was in for a rude awakening.

Granted he was not helped by the dismissal of his captain Gary Cahill, but the presence of Sam Vokes unsettled him, and there's plenty more revered strikers in the English top flight that await. Booked.

Antonio Rudiger was given an unsettling ride by Burnley on his Premier League debut

Antonio Rudiger was given an unsettling ride by Burnley on his Premier League debut

Alvaro Morata - 8

Antonio Conte looked at the positives after the champions were humbled by the traditionally travel-sick Clarets at Stamford Bridge, and in Alvaro Morata he certainly found one.

The £70m buy from Real Madrid had an instant impact, reducing the deficit with a well-placed diving header before setting up a Grandstand finish with another glance into the path of David Luiz.

Could have completed the comeback in stoppage time but was unable to adjust his feet, by the early signs are that he will be a hit in west London. 

Alvaro Morata was far more of a threat than Michy Batshuayi during the 3-2 loss to Burnley

Alvaro Morata was far more of a threat than Michy Batshuayi during the 3-2 loss to Burnley

CRYSTAL PALACE

Timothy Fosu-Mensah - 5

Fosu-Mensah denied Steve Mounie the chance of a hat-trick with a superb recovery challenge after a slip from Scott Dann but it was clear the youngster has had barely a training session in him in this unfamiliar three-man defence. 

Plenty of room for improvement but his versatility makes him a useful asset both in defence and midfield. Having looked impressive for United during pre-season, he will want to forget about his first Palace outing quickly.

Jairo Riedewald - 5

A far from impressive start from the defender signed from Ajax for £7.9m. Riedewald's nerves appeared to rub off on the fans in the Holmesdale End, and he was far too reluctant to carry the ball forward. 

The Dutchman will want to draw a line under his Premier League bow after a tense affair in which he was sarcastically cheered by fans when he did eventually launch the ball towards the front.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 6

Loftus-Cheek was the one high note for Frank de Boer on a chastening opening day in English football. 

Driving his side forward from midfield, Huddersfield were kept busy but he looked more effective when he was withdrawn from his initial attacking position. Certainly needs more from those around him to be a hit. 

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was asked to play in two position on his Premier League debut for Palace

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was asked to play in two position on his Premier League debut for Palace

EVERTON

Jordan Pickford - 8

Having arrived at Everton for a British-record fee for a goalkeeper, Pickford suggested he will not be overawed by his £30m price tag as he produced a quietly commanding performance despite Stoke's blunt attack.

The former Sunderland goalkeeper knew when to punch and when to gather from the countless number of balls thrown into his box, and his distribution with the ball at his feet was impeccable. 

The save from Xherdan Shaqiri in the dying minutes having not been tested all game earned his side two points and an immediate return on his hefty outlay.

Michael Keane - 8

Like Pickford, Keane has fitted seamlessly into this Everton defence. Having lost a tooth for his troubles in the second-half, the former Burnley man battled on manfully with the threat of Peter Crouch and never put a foot wrong. 

Three clean sheets in all competitions from three appearances says all you need to know about the start he's made on Merseyside.

Michael Keane was straight into the wars for Everton but his performance was exceptional

Michael Keane was straight into the wars for Everton but his performance was exceptional

Davy Klaassen - 6

The Dutchman, like so many early on in the Premier League, appeared somewhat lost at times in the first half as the Toffees struggled to assert themselves with a system of three centre-halves.

Klaassen clearly has quality on the ball, but too often he found himself crowded out in central areas, and could have done more to find pockets with his defence soaking up slow possession.

His movement for the goal, dragging two Stoke defenders with him to create space for Rooney was the standout moment before he was withdrawn on the hour-mark. 

Wayne Rooney - 8

Rooney was the difference between the two sides, both in his decisive finish and overall quality. Brought his game management when Everton needed a calm presence during Stoke's late onslaught, winning free-kicks, and he was rarely wasteful in possession.

His goal brought memories of a time when he would make late dashes into the box at Manchester United and the early signs are that he will comfortably hit double figures this season upon his return to his boyhood club.

No player has scored more Premier League goals on the opening day than Wayne Rooney (8)

No player has scored more Premier League goals on the opening day than Wayne Rooney (8)

Sandro Ramirez - 6

Another summer signing who looks like he will take time to adjust to the rigours of the Premier League. Sandro was involved in the winner with a sharp turn but he snatched at his only chance.

Was moved out to the left during the half-time reshuffle but his understanding with Rooney will need work if it is to prosper. 

Cuco Martina - 6

Brought on at half-time as Koeman shuffled from three at the back to a more familiar 4-3-2-1 formation, Martina provided his side with better balance as youngster Dominic Calvert-Lewin was pushed further up field. 

One comical foul throw aside, the indications are he can provide an adequate stopgap while Everton await the return of Seamus Coleman.

HUDDERSFIELD

Jonas Lossl - 8

Lossl is the latest goalkeeping Dane to leave an impression in the top flight having marked his debut with a clean sheet. 

Signed on loan from Mainz, the 28-year-old demonstrated an excellent command of his area, reflexes and distribution to keep Crystal Palace at bay during the 3-0 win.

Mathias Jorgensen - 7.5

Jorgenson - or Zanka as he may well become known - signed a three-year deal this summer and he dealt well with the threat of Loftus-Cheek, Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke.

The defender rose well at the far post to create his side's opener, showing he can be useful in both boxes for his side this season. 

Mathias Jorgensen rises to clear a cross into the box as Huddersfield beat Crystal Palace

Mathias Jorgensen rises to clear a cross into the box as Huddersfield beat Crystal Palace

Aaron Mooy - 8.5

Having impressed during the promotion-winning campaign, Mooy was signed for £10m in the summer and the defensive midfielder turned attacking maestro was heavily involved in everything good about the Terriers.

Mooy delivered the set piece which caused Joel Ward to put the ball into his own net, and it was his cross once more that found the head of Steve Mounie for Huddersfield's second.  

Danny Williams - 6

A second-half replacement for Tommy Smith, Williams said it would be his dream to play in the Premier League and he fulfilled this in the 57th minute with his side leading 2-0. 

Was asked to do a job by David Wagner in an unfamiliar right-back position with Palace looking to increase the urgency through Zaha, and he didn't disappoint.

Steve Mounie - 8.5

Two goals on his Premier League debut, it's no wonder Mounie was the name on everyone's lips in the away section at Selhurst Park. 

Ought to have completed his hat-trick but led the line impressively following his club-record move from Montpellier. Could be one of the finds of the season.

Steve Mounie scored with his first two shots on target in English football for Huddersfield

Steve Mounie scored with his first two shots on target in English football for Huddersfield

LEICESTER CITY

Harry Maguire - 8

Recovered from Lacazette's early goal to play a hand in Leicester's instant equaliser, towering at the far post to set up Shinji Okazaki for a simple finish. Arsenal's own defensive problems down the other end served to accentuate Maguire's qualities.

There were eyebrows when the Foxes parted with £17.5m for his services from Hull, but having been wanted by Tottenham, this was a very promising start from an individual perspective despite the late collapse. 

Harry Maguire gets up above Olivier Giroud to win one of a number of aerial duels on Friday

Harry Maguire gets up above Olivier Giroud to win one of a number of aerial duels on Friday

Kelechi Iheanacho - 6 

Iheanacho was introduced by Craig Shakespeare at the Emirates at a time when his side were trying to preserve a 3-2 lead, but the Nigeria international appeared to not understand his role as the switch played into Arsenal's hands.

The return of Okazaki and Jamie Vardy working so effectively as a partnership prior to his appearance could mean the man signed for £25m has to wait for his opportunity from the start.

LIVERPOOL

Mohamed Salah - 8

Salah was the first of two Egyptians to score on Saturday, as he and Hegazy became the first to notch on the same day in the competition since November 1, 2008 (Mido and Amr Zaki).

The former Chelsea winger won the penalty which led to the second equaliser, and he looks set to feature prominently this term, prodding in at the far post after an exquisite take and lob from Roberto Firmino. A constant threat.

Mohamed Salah celebrates putting Liverpool in front with a close range finish against Watford

Mohamed Salah celebrates putting Liverpool in front with a close range finish against Watford

MANCHESTER CITY

Ederson Moraes - 6

Recovered from a nervous first touch as his clearance failed to make the halfway line, but Brighton offered very little to reveal if the £35m signing from Benfica is the man long-term to guard Pep Guardiola's goal. A virtual spectator. 

Danilo - 6.5

In Benjamin Mendy's absence, Danilo was deployed in the left wing-back role and the Brazilian provided dangerous in-swinging deliveries particularly in the first half. 

Regularly looked to get forward on the overlap to show why Guardiola forked out £26m on a player who can play both sides.

Kyle Walker - 7.5

After all the hype surrounding his £54m move from Tottenham, Walker made a strong start to life at City. The England right-back got was a constant outlet, unchained from his defensive duties with Brighton pinned in their own half. 

Bernardo Silva - n/a

Tipped by many to be the standout signing of the summer, Bernardo Silva was made to watch from the bench among others from City's wealthy talent pool, and his seven minutes of action were not enough to draw a rating.

Kyle Walker saw plenty of the ball in his customary right wing-back role for Manchester City

Kyle Walker saw plenty of the ball in his customary right wing-back role for Manchester City

MANCHESTER UNITED

Romelu Lukaku - 8.5

Lukaku has now scored on his Premier League debut for three different clubs - West Bromwich Albion, Everton, Manchester United.

His latest goals means he has now scored more in all competitions against West Ham than he has against any other English side (11). But his overall game was sound as he again showed his clinical streak against sides outside the top six. More will be expected.

Nemanja Matic - 9

Lukaku grabbed the headlines with his brace, but the performance of Matic was every bit as impressive as he protected the back four and showed his ability on the ball with one brilliant piece of skill on the right side. 

Composed in possession and always in the right place, if there was a performance to suggest he is the missing piece of the jigsaw at United, this was it. 

Nemanja Matic had a debut to remember for United showing Chelsea what they are missing

Nemanja Matic had a debut to remember for United showing Chelsea what they are missing

NEWCASTLE 

Javier Manquillo - 6

Having failed at Liverpool and Sunderland, this must surely be Manquillo's final chance to show he is cut out for the Premier League, and fellow Spaniard Rafa Benitez may feel he can get a tune out of him.

The full-back was a willing runner going forward providing a couple of good crosses and he dealt well given the enforced changes alongside him.

Florian Lejeune - 6

Looked comfortable until Harry Kane's scything challenge brought a premature end to his debut. The Frenchman was caught late by the England striker after 34 minutes and will now be assessed.

Christian Atsu - 7

Having impressed with two goals and four assists during pre-season, Atsu continued his good form with a display full of energy having made his loan move from Chelsea permanent over the summer.

Having got the best out of him last year in the Championship, the Ghana international could prove lethal for Benitez against lesser sides.

Christian Atsu had a good battle with Kyle Walker-Peters down Newcastle's left flank

Christian Atsu had a good battle with Kyle Walker-Peters down Newcastle's left flank

Mikel Merino - 6

Brought on after Jonjo Shelvey's brainless sending off, Merino plugged a hole in midfield but saw little of the ball with Tottenham making full use of the man advantage. 

Will learn more when likely to be handed his chance from the start at Huddersfield this Sunday. 

SOUTHAMPTON

None 

STOKE 

Kurt Zouma - 7

Signs of encouragement for Zouma as he reminded Antonio Conte of his qualities as starter, keeping Sandro Ramirez quiet before the forward's withdrawal.

Found things tougher up against Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and there was one hairy moment when he was dispossessed cheaply by the Englishman which led to a smart save by Jack Butland.  

Darren Fletcher - 7

Fletcher helped Stoke make the brighter start at Goodison Park in recycling the ball for the creative likes of Xherdan Shaqiri to cause problems, and came within a yard of equalising with a long-range drive.

The former West Brom midfielder's presence will enable Joe Allen to venture into more advanced areas and he kept his side compact and organised even after Rooney's breakthrough.

Darren Fletcher has replaced the experience of Glenn Whelan in the Stoke engine room

Darren Fletcher has replaced the experience of Glenn Whelan in the Stoke engine room

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting - 6.5

Stoke were blunt in attack with Said Berahino who still cannot buy a goal in the Potteries, but in replacing Marko Arnautovic, Choupo-Moting produced an encouraging cameo despite his inability to salvage a draw.

Comfortable on the ball, the Cameroon international received a glowing report from his manager Mark Hughes. In line to start the next match against Arsenal. 

SWANSEA

Tammy Abraham - 7

Abraham was a threat all afternoon to a Southampton defence shorn of Virgil van Dijk, and the Chelsea loanee will perhaps feel he ought to have done better with a headed chance in the first half that went inches wide.

Showed his qualities in the box by carving out another chance for himself in the second period, and may have to do so throughout the season given the likelihood of Gylfi Sigurdsson departing. Brought off after 80 minutes.

Tammy Abraham will look to build on a lively stat for Swansea against Manchester United

Tammy Abraham will look to build on a lively stat for Swansea against Manchester United

TOTTENHAM

None 

WATFORD

Kiko Femenia - 5

Brought on to replace Daryl Janmaat after 18 minutes, Femenia didn't look equipped for the Premier League. Up against Liverpool's swashbuckling three-pronged attack, the former Alaves full-back struggled more and more as the game wore on.

Tom Cleverley - 6.5

Brought in on loan last season, Cleverley completed an £8m switch from Everton over the summer, and his industry was on show in the build-up to Watford's second goal. 

Often described as neither one thing or another, the former Manchester United midfielder built on an encouraging spell at Vicarage Road last term by dragging his side back from 3-2 down.  

Nathaniel Chalobah - 6.5

Chalobah returned to the Hornets following a successful loan spell four years ago, and he looked assured in possession during a game in which neither side had control. 

Produced an audacious attempt to catch Simon Mignolet out with a 50-yard effort which shows the former England Under 21 international is not short on confidence despite a lack of opportunities at Chelsea. 

Nathaniel Chalobah could prove to be a snip at just £5m and he looked assured in possession

Nathaniel Chalobah could prove to be a snip at just £5m and he looked assured in possession

Andre Gray - 5.5

Signed late last week, Gray was made to wait for his full Watford debut as he was handed a brief cameo by Marco Silva. 

Brought on with his side trailing, the former Burnley striker looked to stretch the tiring Liverpool defence but he had little impact on the game. A case of watch this space. 

Richarlison - 6

Another one of Silva's summer signings who came off the bench, the Brazilian looked a threat down the left-hand side and won a free-kick in the lead-up to the stoppage time equaliser.

Richarlison was one of a number of new Watford players on show against the Reds on Saturday

Richarlison was one of a number of new Watford players on show against the Reds on Saturday

WEST BROM

Jay Rodriguez - 7

Rodriguez at £12m could prove a snip, and his pre-season form suggested he is over the worst of his injury worries. 

The 28-year-old may have scored on a couple of occasions but still received glowing feedback from his manager Tony Pulis. Kept at bay on this occasion, but his energy suggests he could be a real asset for the Baggies this term.

Ahmed Hegazy - 9

The star Premier League debutant of the weekend along with Matic, Hegazy could become a cult hero. Provided a constant aerial threat at set pieces, and had chances to add to the opportunity he did convert from Chris Brunt's cross.

Pulis watched the Egypt international at the African Cup of Nations, and here on his first appearance at The Hawthorns the centre-back already looked at home. Defensively sound, West Brom can make Hegazy's loan move permanent and that could well be secured well in advance of the end-of-year option.

Hegazi rises at the far post to hand West Brom the lead against Bournemouth on Saturday

Hegazi rises at the far post to hand West Brom the lead against Bournemouth on Saturday

WEST HAM 

Joe Hart - 6

Hart will not have been grateful to the fixture computer for throwing up United as his opponents upon his return to the Premier League, but there was little he could do about the goals.

Will hope the develop a relationship quickly with those in front of him to convince Gareth Southgate he is still the right choice as England's No 1 and he can expect to be kept busy on this evidence. 

Pablo Zabaleta - 6

Another former Manchester City player who has certainly seen better days, Zabaleta was given a torrid time by Marcus Rashford, and was already on a booking when he looked up to see Anthony Martial coming on in his place.

Honest as the day is long but cannot be expected to provide the Hammers with the athleticism of modern-day full-backs, and he received very little protection from Arnautovic.

Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart both experienced unhappy visits to their former local rivals

Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart both experienced unhappy visits to their former local rivals

Marko Arnautovic - 5 

Different shirt colour, but the same mercurial Austrian. He will have his days, but this was not one of them.

Arnautovic pushed through a move to West Ham over the summer claiming he was joining a bigger club, but this was another one of those days where he looked disinterested when his new team needed him to put in a shift.

Javier Hernandez - 7

The one bright spark for West Ham. 'Chicharito' had very little support at Old Trafford, but the Mexico striker worked hard in his bid to score against his former club. 

Lacked endeavour at times from those around him, but Slaven Bilic is unlikely to leave him as isolated in less challenging encounters.

Javier Hernandez was eager to impress on his return to the Theatre of Dreams but to no avail

Javier Hernandez was eager to impress on his return to the Theatre of Dreams but to no avail

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