Premier League new signings from all 20 clubs rated and slated after a rollercoaster opening weekend
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The Premier League is back, back, back.
And it wasn't too shabby an opening weekend was it?
Arsenal set to bar high in the entertainment states with their 4-3 win over Leicester under the Friday night lights and the rest of the weekend didn't disappoint.
Liverpool played out a six-goal stalemate at Watford, champions Chelsea were humbled 3-2 at home to Burnley and Manchester United got off to a perfect start against West Ham.
Plenty of new signings were on display and several, with several of them getting off to goalscoring starts.
But who hit the ground running? And who had debuts to forget? We run the rule all this weekend's debutants right here...
Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal)
(Image: Getty)
Looked sharp and alert after what was a dream start – a goal on his debut inside the first two minutes.
But this is a player who thrives on service and it wasn't that great to be fair to him.
He took a couple of tumbles and only got half the free-kicks he felt he should have had. Bienvenue a L'Angleterre, Alexandre.
He will get used to it. He will have to.
To his credit, he came alive in the box and it was his shot that was saved by Kasper Schmeichel for the corner which brought the fourth Arsenal goal from Giroud.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT
Sead Kolasinac (Arsenal)
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Labelled a “monster” by Theo Walcott and he certainly looks powerful.
He let Riyad Mahrez know he was there with some muscular harassment but eventually the Algerian got his measure to provide Jamie Vardy with ammunition the England striker needs.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT
Harry Maguire (Leicester)
(Image: Plumb Images)
England manager Gareth Southgate was watching and he must have been impressed the £17million signing from Hull.
Composed in possession and his physical prowess is there for all to see.
On Friday night's evidence, Robert Huth can take his time with his recuperation from ankle surgery.
Wes Morgan has a new best mate.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT
Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester)
(Image: Plumb Images)
Came on for his debut in the 82nd minute as it was clear Jamie Vardy needed an ally.
The £25million man was just in time to see Aaron Ramsey's strike to make it 3-3.
Then Olivier Giroud got the fourth. Some debut.
Mirror Football verdict: JURY'S OUT
Alvaro Morata (Chelsea)
(Image: Reuters)
A goal early after his introduction made for the perfect start to life in the Premier League. He reinvigorated the Chelsea team as he came off the bench and was unfortunate not to score a late equaliser. HIT
Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)
(Image: Dan Mullan)
A day to forget. Lost his captain, his team lost their shape, their heads and their discipline. Harsh to judge him on this shambles. He’ll have better days for sure. MISS
Jeremie Boga (Chelsea)
(Image: Getty Images AsiaPac)
The 20-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder can count himself so unlucky to have had his day cut short. He was replaced by Andreas Christensen when Cahill was sent off. JURY'S OUT
Andreas Christiansen (Chelsea)
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
On as a first-half sub in place of Boga when Cahill taken off. All over the place at first as Burnley ran riot. Better in the second half and unlucky not to be involved in a goal for 2-3. MISS
Charly Musonda (Chelsea)
(Image: Darren Walsh)
Not enough time to make his mark as a late replacement for Christiansen as Chelsea chased the game late on. JURY'S OUT
Jack Cork (Burnley)
(Image: Dan Mullan)
Disciplined in midfield, intelligent on the ball and an all-round performance to justify the £10million spent to take him to Turf Moor from Swansea this summer. Dug in during the second half as Chelsea rallied and never stopped working. HIT
Jon Walters (Burnley)
(Image: REUTERS)
A late second-half substitute as Sean Dyche battled to preserve Burnley’s lead. His experience vital as a calming influence as his new team strove to see the game out. JURY'S OUT
Mo Salah (Liverpool)
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
It remains a mystery how the Egyptian winger could look so inhibited, hesitant and inconspicuous at Chelsea when he has pace to burn.
Salah was quiet for half an hour on his Liverpool debut at Vicarage Road, but blazed his first chance over the top after a mistake by Jose Holebas sent him racing clear. Then he spooned a cross into the Rookery end when there were three scarlet-red shirts waiting in the six-yard box.
But like Liverpool's overall performance, if he was sluggish at first, he burst into life after the break, brought down by Heurelho Gomes for the penalty which made it 2-2, and then he bundled in Firmino's goalbound lob to put the Reds ahead.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT
Nathaniel Chalobah (Watford)
(Image: REUTERS)
For Watford's returning puppetmaster in midfield, this was probably his highest-profile screen test at club level since he played in the Hornets' Championship play-off final defeat by Crystal Palace at Wembley four years ago.
Even though Watford kept losing their grip in a see-saw contest, he passed the test competently enough.
The England Under-21 midfielder enjoyed a stellar year on loan with the Hornets as a 17-year-old in 2012-13, and his career was in danger of withering on the vine among the platoon of youngsters struggling for meaningful game time at Chelsea.
Chalobah's mobility, passing range and an eye for goal were all on parade here, including an audacious attempt to catch Simon Mignolet off his line from 50 yards, although his shot drifted wide on the swirling wind.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT
Andre Gray (Watford)
(Image: Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
Hornets' record £18m signing came off the bench with his new club 3-2 down and Liverpool in the ascendancy.
Not the easiest circumstances to make your debut, but Gray's pace stretched the Kop's back four and there were promising glimpses that he will prosper in the longer term.
Mirror Football verdict: WAIT AND SEE
Marco Silva (Watford head coach)
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
He arrived at Vicarage Road to fanfares as the most-wanted coach in the Premier League after his near-miss with a miraculous escape from relegation with Hull last season.
And Silva must have inexhaustible reserves of confidence in his squad strength if he can afford to spend £29 million on Brazilian winger Richarlison and record signing Andre Gray – and leave both on the bench.
But the coveted Portugese still has much to prove, not least away from home, where he won only two points from a possible 27 with the Tigers.
Mirror Football verdict: WAIT AND SEE
Nemanja Matic (Manchester United)
(Image: AFP)
Jose Mourinho was surprised his former club Chelsea were willing to sell Matic to him, as was current Stamford Bridge boss Antonio Conte, and it's easy to see why after such an imperious performance from the Serbian.
Matic is precisely what United needed, a midfield anchorman to protect the back-four, break up the play and give balance to the entire team.
But Matic, as he proved against West Ham, is much more than a physical midfield enforcer, even if it was his interception, winning the ball from the feet of Pedro Obiang, that led to United's opener.
He has quick feet, superb control and touch, and possesses an impressive array of passing, all of which makes him such a key signing for United and Mourinho. If he carries on playing like this for United, Chelsea will be racked by regret and self-recrimination that they ever let him go.
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Romelu Lukaku
(Image: Getty)
Lukaku scored on his debuts for West Brom and Everton, and continued that impressive record by bagging two goals on his Premier League debut for Manchester United.
The first was a rasping finish in off the near post after impressive work from Marcus Rashford and Matic, who won the ball to spark the move that led to the goal.
Lukaku's second was simpler but no less significant, a glancing header from a Henrikh Mkhitaryan free-kick which left West Ham keeper Joe Hart rooted to the spot and gave Jose Mourinho's side the breathing space they needed to see out the game with a deserved and comfortable win.
Lukaku could not have wished for a better debut following his £75million - rising to £90m - move from Everton, his power, physicality and clinical finishing filling the void left by the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the summit of United's attack.
Joe Hart (West Ham)
(Image: Rex Features)
The cheers of 'City reject' began when Hart came out for the warm-up and were cranked up by the Stretford End as West Ham's on-loan keeper stood in front of Manchester United's fans prior to kick-off.
Hart claimed he had nothing to prove to Pep Guardiola, only to Slaven Bilic and England boss Gareth Southgate, but the 30-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Torino, was under huge scrutiny at Old Trafford.
Hart was certainly kept busy by United's relentless pressure and equipped himself well, coming off his line sharply in the 18 minute to deny Juan Mata, and showed decent anticipation to palm away a dangerous cross from Henrikh Mkhitaryan just before the half-hour.
There was little he could do to keep out Lukaku's thumping opener or the forward's second, for which he was left exposed by his lamentable defence.
Pablo Zabaleta
(Image: REUTERS)
Released by Manchester City in the summer, Zabaleta found himself back in his former adopted city for the opening game of the new campaign, along with former Blues team-mate Hart.
He may have lacked the pace and dynamism demanded of full-backs by Guardiola, but Bilic wanted Zabelata's experience, although that counted for little with the Argentine stranded upfield as United launched the breakneck counter-attack that led to their opener.
Zabaleta was also culpable for United's second goal, his cynical foul on Marcus Rashford earning him a yellow card and allowing Mkhitaryan to pick out Lukaku from the set-piece to establish a 2-0 lead. Not a happy return to Manchester for Zabaleta.
Marko Arnautovic
(Image: REUTERS)
Signed from Stoke for £20m this summer, rising to £25m, Arnautovic was largely anonymous here, his task made harder given he was up against Antonio Valencia, described by Mourinho as “the best right-back in the world”.
Arnautovic plundered some spectacular goals for Stoke, but his Premier League debut for West Ham was strangely subdued, his only moment of note coming in the first-half coming when he was ruled offside, then compounded that error by thudding a shot against the frame of the goal after the whistle had gone, much to the amusement of the home fans.
Arnautovic did clip the bar with a looping header just before the hour mark, but such moments were few and far between from the Austria international.
Javier Hernandez
(Image: PA)
Former Manchester United striker Hernandez received a warm reception before kick-off on his return to Old Trafford, but the Mexico international, who spent five years with the Reds, scoring 59 goals in 157 appearances, did little to trouble his old club.
It took Hernandez, a predatory finisher but also an habitual offside offender throughout his career, just two minutes to ensure the assistant referee's flag was raised, although West Ham played so deep and had so little of the ball there were few occasions when the 29-year-old forward was able to get in behind United's defence.
One moment summed up Hernandez's afternoon, just after the hour, when he found himself in bags of space in the centre circle, under no pressure, and proceeded to under hit a pass which was intercepted with ease by United full-back Valencia. Hernandez will surely score goals for West Ham, but his best days - which came in the red of United - are undoubtedly behind him.
Kyle Walker-Peters (Tottenham)
(Image: REUTERS)
Has big feet, and name, to fill - with his almost name-sake moving to Manchester City for £50m this summer - but proved he was more a Kyle Walker-Plus.
The 20-year-old wasn't overly tested on his first Spurs start defensively as he replaced Trippier in the starting XI.
Was out paced by Christian Atsu in the first half on one occasion but that was the only hiccup.
Overall will be happy with his performance, seeing plenty of the ball and distributing it well.
Another good option for Mauricio Pochettino and yet another star nurtured from the academy by the Argentine.
VERDICT: HIT
Florian Lejeune (Newcastle)
(Image: Rex Features)
Didn't take long to acclimatise to the Premier League following his switch from Eibar this summer.
The Frenchman couldn't have had much more difficult first assessment in English football, as he watched Harry Kane strut his stuff.
But Lejeune prevented the England ace from grabbing his 100th Spurs goal in an assured outing before being subbed off after a nasty tackle from Kane in the 34th minute.
VERDICT: HIT
Javier Manquillo (Newcastle)
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Well known in the Premier League after spells at Liverpool and Sunderland.
Barely registered at full-back as the ball went through the centre or down the Newcastle left more often than not.
Dealt well with the regular enforced first half changes at the back and slotted in without whoever he was paired up with on the left-side of defence.
VERDICT: TOO SOON TO TELL
Christian Atsu (Newcastle)
(Image: REUTERS)
One brilliant run down the wing in the first half showcased what he is all about.
But other than that breathless sprint he shied away from the action, with Matt Ritchie on the other flank more often involved.
Rafa Benitez knows how to get the best out of him, after being an integral part of the promotion team while on loan, and again a lesser team could be lethal.
VERDICT: MISS
Mikel Merino (Newcastle)
(Image: Serena Taylor/Getty Images)
Came off the bench for the last 14 minutes with the game already lost.
Sured up the weakened midfield somewhat but Spurs were in cruise control.
Could be in line for his full debut next week, with Shelvey set to miss the next three matches.
VERDICT: TOO SOON TO TELL
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Crystal Palace)
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
Started in very attacking role as part of Crystal Palace's front three before dropping back into central midfield at the break.
First-half role didn't seem to get the best out of Chelsea loannee. Found it hard to get on the ball and only able to show flashes of his talent.
Deeper role suited him much better. Was much more influential, involved and able to show off his ability to burst powerfully from midfield as well as his passing range.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT...As a central midfielder
Timothy Fosu-Mensah (Crystal Palace)
(Image: Jordan Mansfield)
Was part of a shaky Crystal Palace defence and struggled at times himself with his marking.
But also showed some the qualities – strength, power and love for a tackle – that he will bring to the south Londoners.
His best moment came when he raced back and produced a perfectly-timed, last ditch tackle to rob Steve Mounie when he raced clear and looked all set to make it 3-0.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT...just about. Work to do but signs of promise
Jairo Riedewald (Crystal Palace)
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
Was it confidence or nerves? It was difficult to tell but the home fans didn't seem to like it.
Whenever the £7.9m signing from Ajax got the ball he seemed to take an age before he did anything with it.
He passed it backwards so often – and probably under instruction to keep the ball by boss Frank de Boer – that he was sarcastically cheered when he played a long ball in the second half.
That came to nothing and his patience and refusal to just punt hopeful balls forward is actually to be admired but his approach contributed hugely to the tension around Selhurst Park.
Mirror Football verdict: MISS
Frank de Boer (Crystal Palace)
(Image: 2017 Getty Images)
Crystal Palace could have done with him on the pitch if his touch to control a high ball in his technical area is anything to go by.
There were signs of promising link-up in attack but his team struggled to get to grips with his 3-4-3 setup, especially at the back. At times they looked all at sea and horribly vulnerable from crosses.
Clearly wants Palace to pass and keep the ball rather than play direct.
Didn't get the time he needed to get his ideas across during ill-fated spell at Inter Milan and will need some results ASAP to show he on the right path.
Mirror Football verdict: MISS
Frank de Boer admits mid-table safety with Eagles will feel as good his previous trophy wins
Jonas Lossl (Huddersfield)
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Loan signing from Mainz was given the nod in goal and made confident start with an early claim from first corner he faced.
Looked alert in and around his box and distribution was good.
Wasn't overworked but two saves to deny Wilfried Zaha and a flying one to keep out Christian Benteke's header were top stops.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT
Tom Ince (Huddersfield)
(Image: REUTERS)
Side-footed one early chance straight at Wayne Hennessey and his movement and pace occasionally cause problems, not least when Joel Ward had to produce a desperate last-ditch tackle to stop him scoring a third for Huddersfield.
But he wasn't involved often enough and drifted in and out of the game.
Mirror Football verdict: MISS
Steve Mounie (Huddersfield)
(Image: Rex Features)
Good pace, link-up play, movement in the final third, a threat in the air and on the ground and two goals to cap it all off. A dream start from Huddersfield's £11.5million record signing.
Attributes made him an ideal out ball and was useful at set-pieces in his own box too.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT
Mathias Jorgensen (Huddersfield)
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
On this showing, the big Danish defender looks ideal for the Premier League.
No nonsense, a good nose for danger and does the basics well. Head it, kick it, tackle it, clear it.
No frills from the centre-half who will relish the physical nature of English football.
Threat from set-pieces too and had a hand in Huddersfield's opener.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT
Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield)
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
No wonder Huddersfield were keen to snap him up quickly after his loan spell last season.
Mooy pulled the strings for the Terriers against Palace and the ball seemed to be attracted to him like a magnet.
A genuine midfield all-rounder capable of contributing all over the pitch.
Displayed an impressive range of talents here - mopping up in and around his own box, putting his foot in and pressing in midfield, crossed for Huddersfield's second goal and dictated play with his passing.
Mirror Football verdict - HIT
Mat Ryan (Brighton)
(Image: Reuters)
The Aussie keeper, a £5.8m summer signing from Valencia, is listed as 6ft and half an inch. Yes, the all important extra half an inch because he will need that in this league.
Ryan will be very much a goal line keeper - he does not have the presence to command his box - but that will be OK if he keeps on making the sort of reflex saves which kept Brighton in the contest.
The best was from Gabriel Jesus’s 34th minute header which made him an instant hit with the Brighton fans.
VERDICT: HIT
Davy Propper (Brighton)
(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The £10m midfielder struggled to get on the ball and gave it away carelessly when he did get possession, one clumsy pass producing a collective groan from the home fans.
Worked hard enough but struggled to make an impact or affect the game. Needs time to settle.
VERDICT: MISS
Izzy Brown (Brighton)
(Image: Rex Features)
Made a bright start, pushing forward from midfield. The Chelsea loanee looked a prospect and will surely be nurtured under Chris Hughton.
Bit after trying to break forward from midfield, his afternoon was cut short by a knee injury. He was distraught when he went off.
VERDICT: TOO SOON TO TELL
Ederson (Manchester City)
(Image: AFP)
First touch was a nervy, half hearted clearance which did not even clear the halfway line. Not a great start from City’s new £35m keeper.
But, in truth, it was difficult to make much of a judgement because he was a spectator for so much of the game.
Read the game well on a couple of occasions to shut down danger.
VERDICT: TOO SOON TO TELL
Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Loved getting forward down the right hand side, but, despite costing in excess of £50m, he is a full back rather than a match winner.
Looked solid, strong, good in defence and dangerous going forward.
Will be a good buy for City despite not getting the chance to really shine on his debut.
VERDICT: HIT
Danilo (Manchester City)
(Image: Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
The £26m left back from Real Madrid played as left wing back with Benjamin Mendy not fit after his summer move from Monaco.
The Brazilian was lively, got forward and was always looking to overlap and get forward.
Decent if not spectacular.
VERDICT: HIT
Ahmed Hegazi (West Brom)
(Image: Getty Images)
Never heard of him to be honest. Egyptian international on loan from Al Ahly with a view to a permanent deal. Baggies might snap him up now with this goal and performance.
VERDICT: HIT
Jay Rodriguez (West Brom)
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
Brought life, pace and ideas to a West Brom attack that is often deadly dull. Might have had a hat-trick. Deserved one. He’ll be worth his £12m.
VERDICT: HIT
Rekeem Harper (West Brom)
(Image: Rex Features)
The latest graduate from West Brom’s academy. Made his debut at 17 years old in midfield in the second half as a sub for another home grown lad, Sam Field.
VERDICT: HIT
Nathan Ake (Bournemouth)
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
Cost £20m after his loan. Hmmm. Where was he when Hegazi scored? No one challenged. Ake’s job to make sure that didn't happen.
VERDICT: MISS
Asmir Begovic (Bournemouth)
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
Justified his £10m move after being loaned to Bournemouth. Busy from the first minute. Conceded when ball went through his legs. But don’t blame him. He did well.
VERDICT: HIT
Jermain Defoe (Bournemouth)
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
Came on in the second half for his second ‘debut’ having scored 19 goals for the Cherries on loan back in 2000-01. Quiet re-start for him, but looks like they will be relying on him again.
VERDICT: MISS
New Saints manager – Mauricio Pellegrino
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
The new Southampton manager went for the casual look on the touchline, alongside Swansea’s Paul Clement who was suited and booted.
But there was nothing informal about the way he set up his team for a first Premier League match, after arriving from La Liga club Alaves over the summer.
The Argentinian knew a bit about defending as a player for Barcelona, Valencia, and for a brief time Liverpool. It was only goals that were missing today and Saints should have had three or four.
Even without unsettled star defender Virgil van Dijk, missing with a virus, the pairing of Jack Stephens and Maya Yoshida kept Tammy Abraham and Jordan Ayew fairly quiet.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT
Tammy Abraham (Swansea)
(Image: Rex Features)
The teenage striker scored for fun for Bristol City on loan from Chelsea in the Championship last season – and that saw the level of suitor go up a few notches for Abraham.
The going is expected to be a lot tougher this season, with the Premier League champions keen to see how he will fare against tougher defences.
The 19-year-old forward was only inches off target with a towering header after just 10 minutes, served up with an inviting cross from the right.
And in the 46 minute a brilliant turn from a player full of confidence almost yielded a goal, but for another last-ditch Southampton block. Brought off after 80 minutes.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT
Jordan Pickford (Everton)
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
Had little to do as Everton produced solid, and uncompromising, cover in front of him. Looks confident and vocal, and was strong when he had to come and deal with late long balls to Crouch.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT
Michael Keane (Everton)
(Image: AFP/Getty)
Timing impeccable in the tackle, and reads game well. Can also bring the ball out with confidence and already looks a key signing for the Blues in ability to pass ball through the midfield.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT
Sandro Ramirez (Everton)
(Image: Rex Features)
Tough ask for any young striker to come into the Premier League from a middling Spanish side, and found the pace and intensity tough. But great touch and drag back before Rooney's goal showed promise.
Mirror Football verdict: On the fence
Wayne Rooney (Everton)
(Image: Getty)
Basically ran the show for the Blues, and looked like he'd never been away from Goodison. Fitting he got the first league goal of the season here, and his desire for the cause suggests there'll be many more.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT
Davy Klaassen (Everton)
(Image: AFP)
Came off after an hour, which was another indication of the pace of the game. Has quality on the ball though, and when he can come to terms with the physicality of the Premier League will be an asset.
Mirror Football verdict: On the fence
Kurt Zouma (Stoke)
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
One fine tackle when Calvert-Lewin looked certain to scored showed his pace and strength, but lost Rooney for the goal on the stroke of half time, which highlighted inexperience.
Mirror Football verdict: On the fence
Darren Fletcher (Stoke)
(Image: AFP)
Bad haircut aside, everything you'd expect from the veteran midfielder. Kept Stoke compact and organised, and obvious his knowledge will be a big plus in an area where team were weak last season.
Mirror Football verdict: HIT