{"id":1101183,"date":"2019-08-12T16:54:36","date_gmt":"2019-08-12T15:54:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1101183"},"modified":"2019-09-29T20:09:17","modified_gmt":"2019-09-29T19:09:17","slug":"combined-xi-opening-premier-league-weekend","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/combined-xi-opening-premier-league-weekend\/","title":{"rendered":"Best & worst combined XIs from Premier League 2019\/20 opening weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"

Liverpool kickstarted the 2019\/20 Premier League campaign with a resounding 4-1 romp over newly-promoted Norwich City in Friday’s curtain-raiser on.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Manchester City followed suit, beginning their ‘three-peat chasing’ title defence with a rout of their own in the early kick-off on Saturday, ruthlessly exposing West Ham 5-0.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/audioboom.com\/posts\/7336082-10-predictions-for-the-2019-20-premier-league-season<\/p>\n

In the other Saturday matches, Burnley and Brighton registered emphatic 3-0 victories against Southampton and Watford respectively, while Crystal Palace versus Everton finished a goalless stalemate, Bournemouth drew 1-1 with \u00a0Sheffield United, and Tottenham Hotspur left it late to clinically dispatch Aston Villa 3-1.<\/p>\n

Arsenal registered a much-needed away win – and clean sheet – in their 1-0 triumph over Newcastle United, Leicester City and Wolves played out a 0-0 draw. The weekend signed off with Man Utd’s historic 4-0 win over Chelsea.<\/p>\n

It’s safe to say there were some standout performers at the weekend, but of course, there were also some equally low-grade displays. So, which players have made the first best and worst XIs of the 2019\/20 Premier League season?<\/p>\n

Disagree with any of our picks? Let us know on Twitter<\/a> or Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Best<\/strong><\/p>\n

Goalkeeper: David de Gea (Manchester United)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

One of nine goalkeepers to record a clean sheet this weekend, David de Gea played a key role in Manchester United’s 4-0 win over Chelsea. The Spaniard was back to his best in goal, keeping Chelsea out when called upon with reliable saves.<\/p>\n

Key stat: <\/strong>David de Gea (7) made more saves than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League’s opening weekend.<\/p>\n

Right-back: Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Arsenal)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Continuing his utility role for Arsenal, Ainsley Maitland-Niles put in an excellent performance against Newcastle United. The 21-year-old was strong defensively but also did his bit going forward, beating Jetro Willems before setting up the only goal of the game with a perfect cross.<\/p>\n

Key stat: <\/strong>Ainsley Maitland-Niles (4) completed more take-ons than any player in Arsenal’s win over Newcastle.<\/p>\n

Centre-back: Harry Maguire (Manchester United)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Another part of United’s defence in our Best XI, Maguire enjoyed a rock-solid debut, causing Tammy Abraham and then Olivier Giroud frustration at Old Trafford. The former Leicester City man was dominant in the air and is already looking like living up to his transfer fee.<\/p>\n

\n

Harry Maguire's game by numbers vs. Chelsea:<\/p>\n

86% pass accuracy
72 touches
7 clearances (most)
4 interceptions (most)
2 blocked shots (most)
1 chance created
1 clean sheet
0 fouls committed<\/p>\n

Worth every penny. ? pic.twitter.com\/zrP9IIkA4D<\/a><\/p>\n

— Squawka (@Squawka) August 11, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n