TEAMtalk's Premier League Picks

 

It's all about the new boys this week as Jones, Parker, Arteta and Aguero are all praised in our summary of the Premier League talking points.

On Saturday and Sunday evenings throughout the 2011/12 season, TEAMtalk's writers are presenting their Premier League Picks - the stand-out moments, star performers, stunning matches or shocking incidents from the day's action which we expect to dominate the headlines.

We get to see all the action unfold on the live TV feeds which are piped into TEAMtalk Towers from grounds up and down the country.

Once you've read through our choices, let us know your opinions by adding a comment below.

Hey lady - you call him Mr Jones!

It pains me to say it, but Sir Alex Ferguson's remoulded Manchester United side were breathtakingly brilliant once again on Saturday evening - cutting apart a Bolton side with such frequent ease that the 5-0 scoreline actually flattered the Trotters.

Wayne Rooney is clearly benefiting from a proper rest this summer (as consecutive hat-tricks testifies) and he'll obviously take the plaudits once again following their Reebok demolition job.

But the performances of Nani and Phil Jones really stood out for me and I must admit the form of the latter has really taken me by surprise. Already an accomplished centre-half, Jones filled in today at right-back and looked a class apart in his bursts forward.

I know Chris Smalling has done well in that position for United thus far this term, but Jones is far more dynamic than Smalling and could make the position his own this season - if he doesn't get games in his more favoured centre-half role. James Marshment

City Kun build up confidence

Cast your mind back to the Community Shield fall-out, when Manchester City's title ambitions were being seriously questioned in some quarters - not because of Roberto Mancini's transfer strategy, but because of his negative tactics and the lack of flair being shown by his side.

It's true that City were outplayed by United at Wembley, while last season the Italian was guilty on several occasions of adopting a stifling approach.

Those days seem long gone, with the stylish interplay of Tevez, Silva, Nasri and hat-trick hero Aguero (in varying combinations) unlocking Wigan time and time again at the Etihad on Saturday.

City dismantled Tottenham on their previous outing but will otherwise not meet a side with genuine top-four ambitions until the Manchester derby (already eagerly awaited) on October 23.

By maintaining an entertaining mindset against Fulham, Everton, Blackburn and Aston Villa, City can generate the kind of stylish confidence that they failed to show against United in the curtain-raiser - and considerably bolster their title credentials.

With a well-taken treble, Aguero has to be our star performer of the day - and six goals in four Premier League appearances puts him level with team-mate Edin Dzeko. Those two could end up staging their own duel for the Golden Boot - although Wayne Rooney will rightly have something to say about that. Jon Holmes

Raul breath of fresh air for Blues

One of the most controversial moves of transfer-deadline day was Raul Meireles' hastily-orchestrated late exit from Liverpool to Chelsea - but on Saturday's evidence at Sunderland, the deal represents an astute bit of business from Andre Villas-Boas.

Meireles brought an energy and an urgency to the Blues' midfield that had been patently lacking in their previous Premier League performances this season. Juan Mata may be more obviously eye-catching, but do not underestimate the role Meireles had in this victory, which was more comfortable than the scoreline suggested.

Meireles also claimed an assist for the Blues' crucial second goal, his floated ball over the top allowing Danny Sturridge - another youthful injection to the starting line-up - to improvise with a clever backheel.

It will be fascinating to see if AVB persists with this team and tactics in next Sunday's showdown with Manchester United at Old Trafford - but you would hope the confident young Portuguese boss says 'same again' as he goes up against Fergie. JH

New boys earn their Spurs

I expected Tottenham to come out quite nervously at Molineux on Saturday after a shaky start to the season for Harry Redknapp's side. But I needn't have worried after their professional display earned a 2-0 victory - with new boys Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor at the heart of everything good they did.

You always know what you are getting with Parker - he's a tidy midfielder who rarely gives away possession - and he slotted in effortlessly into the Spurs midfield, which with Niko Kranjcar, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale, is as good as any now in the Premier League.

Adebayor, however, is a different customer altogether as you never really know what you'll get from him. However, he looked fired up for this one and made a nuisance of himself to the Wolves' backline all afternoon, with his goal capping a satisfying debut. If Harry can keep him happy - and that's the key to getting the best out of the temperamental striker - Spurs could find their goals tally boosted to the tune of 15 goals this term. JM

Apologies Mr Fellaini

I've never really got Marouane Fellaini as a footballer. To me, I thought he was clumsy and very highly overrated.

However, after watching his display against Villa on Saturday, I think I owe the towering Belgian an apology! He was everywhere, breaking up wave after wave of Villa attacks and making a nuisance of himself in the opposition's penalty area. It was a man of the match display, which for me, finally justified the plaudits he's been long receiving.

It's quite a depressing time to be an Everton fan after the lack of investment in the team coupled with the sale of star midfielder Mikel Arteta. But more displays like this from Fellaini can help Everton soon forget the silky skills of the Spaniard. JM

Carragher cat calls are unfair

A penalty from striker Jonathan Walters earned Stoke a 1-0 home win over Liverpool after the frontman had been brought down in the box by Jamie Carragher.

Carragher tangled with Walters as the two battled for the ball and there will be some fans asking if the veteran Reds defender is becoming a liability.

While Carragher conceded the penalty, he otherwise had a decent game and his leadership and uncompromising style in my view means he is still very much worth a place in Kenny Dalglish's side.

There's no more dedicated a player for Liverpool than Carragher, and if he needs to step down for a match or two, I'm sure he'll be the first person to admit it.

But fans do need to be careful about overreacting and criticising an Anfield legend! Sam Nightingale

Arteta hits the ground running

Arsenal earned their first league win of the season after a 1-0 victory over Swansea and new midfielder Mikel Arteta looks to be settling in already.

From the off Arteta began to pull the strings in the Gunners midfield and the Spaniard looks a ready-made replacement for Cesc Fabregas.

Crucially, Arteta has Premier League experience and I'm delighted Arsene Wenger plumped for someone who knows English football to bolster his midfield rather than a player who will take time to adjust. Arteta already looks the part for me and can be a father figure to some of the young Guns such as Jack Wilshere once the England midfielder returns from injury. Cesc who? SN