Sports Illustrated Premier League Team of the Week: Gameweek 1 Highlights

The first weekend of the Premier League season delivered several remarkable individual displays. Chelsea's revamped attack shone brightly in a West London Derby, while other teams showcased both flair and resilience after a hectic World Cup break and numerous managerial shifts.

This season looks set to be unpredictable, with many standout moments already captured by Sports Illustrated's Team of the Week for Gameweek 1.

Goalkeeper

• Jordan Pickford (Everton): England’s top keeper was crucial against Crystal Palace. Everton won 2–0, but early on the visitors threatened until Pickford made an exceptional save denying Eddie Nketiah. His performance rivaled some of the best saves seen recently, stopping nearly one goal equivalent during the weekend.

Defenders

• Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton): Playing in a more attacking role, De Cuyper was relentless against Aston Villa. His efforts contributed directly to Brighton’s lead through an own goal and then he scored himself, earning him the Fantasy Premier League Player of the Week with 17 points.
• Nobel Mendy (Hull City): On his Premier League debut, Mendy helped Hull stun Manchester United by scoring from a set-piece and finishing the game with 12 clearances, holding firm to maintain a two-goal advantage.
• Joško Gvardiol (Man City): After a shaky start, Gvardiol’s attacking run led to the match-winning goal against Bournemouth, expertly timing his move beyond the defense and calmly finishing to secure victory for City.
• Keane Lewis-Potter (Brentford): Lewis-Potter opened the scoring in Brentford's dominant display over Tottenham, proving to be a constant threat on the left side despite missing a very clear chance early on.

Midfielders

• Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton): Switching jersey numbers to 8 signals Brighton’s confidence in Hinshelwood. The young English midfielder netted twice in a commanding win over Aston Villa, capitalizing on some poor defending and showcasing his readiness to become a key player.
• Mamadou Sangaré (Brentford): Signed for a club-record fee, Sangaré dominated midfield in his debut, overwhelming Tottenham’s players. He assisted the opener and took a shot that led to a third goal, demonstrating why Brentford invested heavily in him.

Attackers

• Yoane Wissa (Newcastle): Wissa played a vital role in Newcastle’s energetic showing against Liverpool. Although not on the scoresheet, his work in transition helped create the winning goal by Joe Willock.
• Cole Palmer (Chelsea): Palmer returned fully fit and impressive, combining well with Chelsea’s attacking trio dubbed “JP Morgan.” He ended the game with both a goal and an assist as Chelsea edged their local rivals 3–2.
• João Pedro (Chelsea): Chelsea’s No. 9 wasted no time making an impact, scoring within the first half-minute. His skillful finish rewarded Palmer’s assist and confirmed him as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards aside from Erling Haaland.
• Christos Tzolis (Arsenal): Making his debut for Arsenal, Tzolis looked right at home. The Greek winger offered pace and directness, quickly winning fans’ hearts as a strong replacement for Leandro Trossard, and showed promise of future goals.