After the weekend’s games, BBC pundit Garth Crooks picked his best XI from the nine games that were played.
Below you can see the players that made his starting line-up.
GOALKEEPER – JOE HART (Manchester City)
Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones should have had a hatful of goals and, if it were not for Joe Hart, he could have. After a shaky start to the season, Hart looks like he is finally starting to show some form.
DEFENDER – CARL JENKINSON (Arsenal)
I got the distinct impression that this lad left Charlton for Arsenal too soon. However, he is beginning to look every bit a Premier League player every time I see him. It was Jenkinson’s cross that was responsible for Aaron Ramsey’s first goal against Sunderland, and the full-back was always prepared to get involved in the action.
DEFENDER – CURTIS DAVIES (Hull City)
The 28-year-old defender scored his first goal of the season in the 1-1 draw against Cardiff. He is a player who, in my opinion, is still to fulfil his true potential, but Hull City is definitely a move in the right direction.
DEFENDER – GARETH McAULEY (West Brom)
I was tempted to select team-mate and fellow centre-back Jonas Olsson in this position until I saw Gareth McAuley’s superb header from a set-piece snatch a point for the Baggies from a desperate Fulham. Just as well as West Brom manager Steve Clarke was looking a little desperate himself at the time.
DEFENDER – DANNY ROSE (Tottenham)
Danny Rose is another Tottenham player who has returned to White Hart Lane after a loan spell looking like a player with a big future. The two blocks he produced to deny Norwich striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel from scoring were enough to make your eyes water.
MIDFIELD – HATEM BEN ARFA (Newcastle)
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has replaced the frown with a smile and the pregnant pauses with praise for his talisman: Hatem Ben Arfa. The Frenchman was superb against Aston Villa, the second consecutive game for the Magpies in which he has impressed.
MIDFIELD – AARON RAMSEY (Arsenal)
You cannot underestimate the impact a fractured leg can have on a professional footballer – both physically and psychologically. Aaron Ramsey has not only recovered from a shocking break but he is now playing some of the best football of his career. Another outstanding display for the midfielder and the Gunners.
MIDFIELD – MESUT OZIL (Arsenal)
Mesut Ozil looked like he had been playing for Arsenal all his life and not a player playing for a new club for the first time. The former Real Madrid midfielder began his debut for Arsenal with a prayer, although he did not need any divine help. He practically tore Sunderland apart all on his own.
FORWARD – GYLFI SIGURDSSON (Tottenham)
John Hartson spoke with glowing praise on Final Score about this player’s performance for Spurs in the 2-0 win against Norwich. His first goal was so technically brilliant that Hartson’s jaw visibly dropped while watching in the studio. The Iceland international was unlucky not to get a hat-trick on the day and his link-up play with Christian Eriksen is another feature well worth keeping an eye on.
FORWARD – WAYNE ROONEY (Manchester United)
Wayne Rooney played the most mesmerising pass to Robin van Persie in the first half against Crystal Palace, which put the Dutchman clear on goal with only the keeper to beat. Not only did Van Persie fail to score, but he also failed to acknowledge the pass from Rooney. Scoring goals will set Old Trafford alight but the occasional acknowledgement of a world-class pass from a world-class player will go down just as well with an appreciative United crowd.
FORWARD – CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN (Tottenham)
A most impressive debut crowned by the most exquisite of passes for Gylfi Sigurdsson’s opening goal against Norwich. The former Ajax favourite appears comfortable on the left or right side and has enough Champions League experience to be a major asset for Tottenham’s European campaign and all for a mere £12m at the tender age of 21.
