Premier League front runners after week 10
Some English Premier League players were very quick off the block. While some have lost steam and quietly recoiled into their average nest, some have proven indestructible. Players like Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez and Bafetimbi Gomis would be remembered for their early season devastating form but six games without any performance of note has returned them to planet earth while some sensations were either reborn, reinvented or reincarnated. Heroes of last season have been largely quiet this term, notably all the think tanks behind Jose Mourinho's title winning charge; the reason behind that would obviously be left for another discuss room but for now, we celebrate the movers and shakers of the EPL after ten games.
10. Petr Cech
Arsenal fans were left wondering if there was a return policy option in the sale of Cech by Chelsea after a horrendous showing at home to Westham and a below par outing at Selhurst. But from there on, it's been upward and forward for the game changer at Arsenal. From the visit of Liverpool to the last gasp one on one save vs Mirallas of Everton, Petr Cech has consistently been giving fans something to savour. Two clean sheets away from dusting David James's record and the high hopes of something good for the gunners at the end of the campaign.
9. Yohan Cabaye
Yohan Cabaye has made the most interceptions (34) in the Premier League this season. pic.twitter.com/SEQDdjju4b
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 23, 2015
When news filtered round that Crystal Palace were about to sign Yohan Cabaye from PSG, only few believed such coup could happen. But if you say Estebian Cambiasso at Leicester City, then impossible is nothing in European transfer stories. The calm and assured demeanor of the Frenchman has stabilized the Eagles such that relegation talks may never spring up at Selhurst. He ranks above everyone else on the tackles table and he has contributed goals too. Mile Jedinak may forget any hopes of starting with Cabaye fit and running. What a coup that was.
8. Anthony Martial
Were you surprised when Morgan Schneiderlin revealed that Wayne Rooney called him to find out who Anthony Martial was? At £36m, for a nineteen year old fringe forward at Monaco, it took weeks after his sensational move to Old Trafford for lots to know top managers actually scouted the teenager during the window. Van Gaal talked up a mystery signing but while Muller, Cavani and Sergio Ramos were expected, the fleet footed nimble forward showed up. He's been the leading lights in Manchester United's inconsistent season and one can only expect more.
Anthony Martial: Crazy skills | Tricks | Dribbles. #Mufc pic.twitter.com/N2NIEpqVTz
— Jíthú (@JuanClubUnited) October 27, 2015
7. David Silva
David Silva is out injured but the Manchester derby stalemate was down to his absence. Yaya Toure created little in the number ten role handed to him in the absence of the ageless magician, the Spaniard was the spine of the Citizens as they romped past teams on the opening five games. He's been sorely missed as the leaders struggle to create chances in his absence.
6. Saido Mane
Southampton once again snatched a point from the jaws of defeat thanks to the sharpness of their Senegalese forward Saido Mane. Notably at the Stamford Bridge stadium, Mane was a thorn in the flesh of the blues all afternoon, he's in a terrific form and certainly looks the bet to hit twenty goals and get a look in by the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea who desperately need a striker.
In his 40 PL appearances, Saido Mane has now been involved in 20 goals: 13 goals, 7 assists. pic.twitter.com/tEzWEwMEWf
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) October 25, 2015
5. Dmitri Payet
Westham got for themselves a bargain in the signing of Dmitri Payet from Marseille. Third on the log after some unbelievable results against Arsenal at the Emirates, Liverpool at Anfield, Manchester City at the Etihad and Chelsea at Upton Park. Payet has been at the heart of everything good at Westham and Slaven Bilic must be reeling at his gamble after the Frenchman engineered another win over the champions at the weekend.
Most chances created in Europe's top five leagues in 2015:
D. Payet (106)
M. Özil (98)
Nolito (87)
D. Silva (78) pic.twitter.com/7fXIqe0XOc
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 26, 2015
4. Alexis Sanchez
Having been excused at the beginning of the campaign following a successful showing at the Copa America, Alexis Sanchez had a quiet start to life in the ten round old season but once he started scoring, he became a menace again. Leicester City were monstrous and indestructible before Alexis hatrick subdued them. His showing against Manchester United was so devastating that Martin Darmian has lost his place in United's starting line up after being squared against the Chilean. Although a bit worn out, certainly to be rested for the cup game, expect Alexis to fire again next weekend.
Watch some of his highlight so far below:
Alexis Sanchez, world class. pic.twitter.com/8BEibDFO9o
— Football Only (@FootbaIIOnly) October 27, 2015
3. Sergio Kun Aguero
Like David Silva, Sergio Aguero is out injured and that explains why we endured a boring goalless draw at the weekend in the last installment of the Manchester derby. His quiet start to the season was lit by his rampaging show vs Chelsea, were it not for the brilliances of Begovic on the night, Aguero would have been celebrating his hatrick as early as the half hour mark. Against Newcastle, the lil argentine rammed five past Tim Krul and could have been more. Injury on international duty has limited him, but when fit, you can only imagine what the forward would have done to passes from Kevin De Bryne and David Silva
2. Mesut Ozil
All the criticisms that were aimed at the German playmaker Mesut Ozil following his underwhelming first season at Arsenal have dried up after seeing him in different dimensions this term. His stylish guile and energetic runs have destroyed defenses so much that hardly would anyone want him on the opposing team sheet. There were talks of big game disappearance but against Manchester United and Bayern Munich this season, Ozil have been extraordinary. His sublime aerial pass to Olivier Giroud for Arsenal's opener vs Everton was outrageous, Ozil has added goals to his game and more energy to his runs. What more do you want from your playmaker?
Olivier Giroud 1-0. That pass from Mesut Ozil is amazing. #Arsenal⚽🔥 pic.twitter.com/CCh0Yz7tH7
— Arsenal Related (@ArsenalsRelated) October 24, 20151. Jamie Vardy
Three years ago, this English forward was playing non league football, fast forward to today, ten goals in ten games and two three lions caps, Jamie Vardy is the new king in town. Playing for some team that was doomed for relegation, now sitting fifth in the premier league, Jamie Vardy have scored in seven consecutive games and raring for more. Sad thing is he's twenty eight years old, but as an English player, you can imagine some lofty figures in January when teams in crisis come lurking for his signature.
Jamie Vardy became the 8th ever Premier League player to score in seven consecutive games. Amazing achievement. pic.twitter.com/i2WjxFJEIh
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 24, 2015
He is the new Harry Kane, though older, but with his energy intact and finishing skills sharpened by the games, don't expect Leicester to join Sunderland and Aston Villa down there and don't expect Vardy to stop scoring.
Written by @Komptrolla
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