Best XI of Matchday 3 EPL: goalkeeper isn't Alisson, and the attack is unbeatable!
The third round of the EPL 2024/25 concluded over the weekend of August 31st to September 1st.
The teams provided us with many spectacular moments, including Bournemouth's incredible comeback, Liverpool's emphatic victory over Manchester United, Haaland's hat-trick, and Ipswich's first point of the season.
The Dailysports team presents the symbolic team of this thrilling third round of the Premier League.
Formation: 4-3-3
We're going with a classic formation that EA SPORTS FC enthusiasts will certainly appreciate!
Manager: Arne Slot (Liverpool)
Perhaps it’s a bit predictable, and there might have been more strategic masterminds this weekend. Maybe Manchester United is just a familiar victim for Liverpool. Nonetheless, credit must be given to the newest addition to the Merseyside club. After all, who won the battle of the bald managers?
Many doubted Arne Slot. With no transfers and the departure of the legendary Klopp, surpassing his achievements seemed a daunting task. Yet, he has managed to secure 9 out of 9 points.
In the match against Manchester United, Liverpool looked composed. You don’t need to be an expert to see how much the Red Devils struggled in midfield. It seemed like the hosts had forgotten how to control the ball or break through a press.
Liverpool, on the other hand, simply needed to let their opponents have the ball and seize it effectively in the middle of the pitch. It appeared that Liverpool could have easily scored a few more goals. Everything seemed too easy, and Erik ten Hag simply lost the tactical battle. Though, was there really any strategy from the Red Devils? Or were they just relying on Casemiro, who seemed to forget what a solid defense looks like?
Goalkeeper: Sam Johnstone (Wolverhampton)
If not for this guy, Nottingham Forest would have taken all three points at home.
Johnstone made five saves, two of which were simply phenomenal. First, he saved a free-kick, stretching out to keep the ball next to the post, then, reacting quickly, he stopped a header that was headed in the opposite direction.
Many blame Sam for the goal conceded, as it wasn’t the most difficult shot, and he could have reacted better. But he immediately spread his arms out... A Nottingham player was clearly obstructing him, and the referee could have called an offside. But, as it happened, Sam showed his level in the subsequent moments.
Left-back: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa)
This one is straightforward. A superb assist to Duran for the second goal against Leicester. Lucas executed a perfect one-two, drove the ball forward, looked up, and delivered a precise cross to his teammate.
And his defensive work was substantial. Five interceptions, one tackle. When Leicester scored, Lucas interfered with the Foxes' forward from heading properly. Only after the rebound did they manage to score.
Centre-backs: Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate (both Liverpool)
Again, this one is clear. Manchester United failed to create anything, not only in midfield but also in attack. Van Dijk and Konate had flawless performances and were the key figures behind the victory, alongside Díaz and Salah.
Right-back: Joël Veltman (Brighton)
A surprising choice, perhaps. But this player was crucial in Brighton securing points against Arsenal. How? Did he provide an assist? Score a goal? Even better!
Veltman’s involvement resulted in Declan Rice receiving two yellow cards! In the first instance, Veltman made a timely tackle. For the second yellow, there was much debate, but Joël’s acting was top-notch! Or rather: no emotion, arms spread wide, indicating either a dive from Rice after being hit or Rice’s trickery in trying to prevent the ball from being played. Veltman knew Rice was on a yellow card and quickly took the throw-in while Rice was nearby. Genius move, wasn't it? :)
Midfield: Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Onana scored a good opener against Leicester, completed 92% of his passes, and was a constant threat, particularly with three shots. We believe Onana played a key role in the victory, much like Digne.
Kevin De Bruyne is simply a maestro, never having a bad match. Yes, he didn’t score or assist Haaland, but he was close to scoring himself, hitting the crossbar, completing 68 out of 80 passes, and taking six (!) very dangerous shots.
Cole Palmer - the assist provider. The man practically carries Chelsea on his back, and everyone knows it. He could have scored himself, with two attempts, and looked very much in tune with a rather dull Chelsea.
Left Winger: Luis Díaz (Liverpool)
Is there really much to say? Díaz scored a brace at Old Trafford. That's enough.
Right Winger: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Similarly, is there anything more to add about the Pharaoh? Two assists and a goal at Old Trafford. It's a shame this is Mo's final season for the Reds…
Forward: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
It might be obvious, but how can you not pick him confidently? A hat-trick, a powerful performance, a formidable presence, and a nightmare for defenders. We certainly had no problem choosing our attacking line!
Leo Peterson
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
