The Premier League is on an extended international break and does not return until October 10.
It is, therefore, a good time for a little reflection and to look back across the first five matchdays and identify the players that have stood out in August and September.
Only one team has two players in the best XI and, unsurprisingly, that is leaders Manchester City.
GOALKEEPER
James Trafford (Leeds)
This was always going to be a big season for Trafford after joining Leeds from Manchester City. The England international moved to Elland Road in the summer and started a top-flight campaign as a club number one for the first time. He has not disappointed, conceding just three times, and making a league-best 20 saves, as part of a strong start from Daniel Farke’s side.
DEFENCE
Anan Khalaili (Crystal Palace)
Khalaili had the difficult job of replacing Daniel Munoz down the right side of the Palace defence but has done a sterling job. It has not been a seamless transition from Oliver Glasner to Pierre Sage at Selhurst Park but 22-year-old has been one of the shining lights with a series of strong displays. Khalaili has made a league-best 21 tackles and added 15 clearances and, at the other end, also got on the scoresheet in the defeat to Ipswich.
Semi Ajayi (Hull)
Few pundits foresaw Hull’s fine start to the season with the Tigers heading into the hiatus in eighth place. Ajayi has been a mainstay of a defence that has conceded just four goals in five games and also got the season up and running with the opening goal in their 2-0 victory over Manchester United on the opening day.
Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool)
Jacquet has had fans purring with a string of fine performances at the heart of the Liverpool defence. The 21-year-old missed the bulk of last season due to a shoulder injury but has already formed a strong partnership with Virgil van Dijk. It remains early days but Jacquet already looks the natural heir to Van Dijk as the leader of the Reds’ back four.
Lewis Hall (Newcastle)
Hall suffered the disappointment of being snubbed by Thomas Tuchel for a place in England’s World Cup squad. It was a decision that appeared mystifying at the time and even more baffling now given his strong start to the season. Newcastle managed to retain Hall when other big-name players departed over the summer and the left-back has responded with a series of impressive displays defensively and he also grabbed a goal in the win over Hull on Saturday.
MIDFIELD
Elliot Anderson (Manchester City)
Trying to replace Rodri in the Manchester City midfield is a thankless task but Anderson has been a huge contributor for Enzo Maresca over the first five weeks of the season. The pressure was on Anderson following his big-money move from Nottingham Forest but he has been a key driver in City winning their first five games and sitting top of the tree.
Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
After a difficult couple of seasons. Odegaard has sparkled in the opening weeks. Prior to Saturday’s dismal display at Brighton, Arsenal looked firm favourites to retain their Premier League trophy with Odegaard providing the creative spark in midfield. The Norway international scored matchwinning goals against Chelsea and Napoli and also notched in the opening night victory over Coventry.
Pascal Gross (Brighton)
The veteran German has been a revelation in Brighton’s strong start. Now 35, he has lost none of his creativity and has excelled in a youthful Seagulls midfield with his nous and the energy around him moulding together to form a formidable unit. Gross ran the show against Arsenal on Saturday, scoring the opener and supplying the corner from which Chema Andres also netted. His weekend display came on the back of a goal and two assists against Coventry and another goal against Manchester United in the EFL Cup.
ATTACK
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Xavi Alonso has made a mixed start to life at Chelsea but his problems lie in defence. Palmer has shone at the other end, striking up a strong working relationship with Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers. His form saw him recalled to the England squad only for him to pull out due to injury. Palmer has four goals and two assists in all competitions and there will be plenty more to come.
Kevin Schade (Brentford)
Germany international Schade is one of the most underrated forwards in the top flight. Pacy, direct and with an eye for the spectacular, the 24-year-old already has three goals to his name – two against Bournemouth in a 2-2 draw and the equaliser as the Bees drew at Leeds. Those three goals came from an xG of just 1.52.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
There is no other number nine in world football who can match Haaland’s numbers. He already has seven goals in all competitions from five appearances. He also completed the set of scoring against all the other Premier League teams after notching against Sunderland at the weekend. The big Norwegian is firmly on course to win the Golden Boot for the fourth time in five seasons.
