Premier League round-up: The star performers from Saturday’s action

 

Southampton 0-0 Newcastle - Jack Stephens - 8.26 rating

 

Southampton and Newcastle have been two of the most underwhelming sides in the Premier League this season and a 0-0 draw can therefore come as no surprise. Newcastle didn’t even manage a shot on target, while Southampton centre-back Jack Stephens hit the target twice, more than any other player. The 24-year-old won eight aerial duels, made six clearances and completed two dribbles to finish as man of the match from a drab affair.

 

Watford 3-0 Huddersfield - Ben Foster - 9.03 rating

 

Despite running out 3-0 winners, Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster finished Saturday’s encounter at Vicarage Road as the WhoScored man of the match. The 35-year-old made seven saves to ensure Watford successive clean sheets for the first time this season. Foster also won one aerial duel and completed one tackle.

 

Brighton 1-0 Wolves - Matt Doherty - 7.91 rating

 

Wolves made a change to their starting XI for the first time this season but it backfired on Nuno, as the newly promoted side slipped to a 1-0 defeat away to Brighton. It wasn’t for a lack of trying, as Wolves had 25 shots to Brighton’s seven. Matt Doherty had only managed 12 shots prior to Saturday’s match but managed six against Brighton. The 26-year-old hit the target on two occasions and also created two goalscoring chances for his teammates. Doherty completed six tackles and interceptions combined and also won six aerial duels.

 

 

Fulham 0-3 Bournemouth - Ryan Fraser - 8.69 rating

 

The pressure is really on Fulham manager Slavisa Jovanovic after another heavy defeat. Bournemouth ran out 3-0 winners, with Ryan Fraser continuing his immense start to the season with two assists. Fraser has now played a direct hand in eight league goals in 10 matches. The Scotland international completed two dribbles and drew three fouls, as Eddie Howe’s moved to within one point of the top four.

 

Liverpool 4-1 Cardiff - Sadio Mane - 9.14 rating

 

Liverpool’s victory over Cardiff comes as no surprise to anyone, even Cardiff manager Neil Warnock, who all but conceded defeat before a ball was kicked. Sadio Mane is only the seventh African player to score 50 Premier League goals after netting twice against the Seagulls. The 26-year-old scored with both of his shots on target and also created two goalscoring chances for teammates. Mane also completed more dribbles than any other player on display at Anfield (3).

 

Leicester 1-1 West Ham - Fabian Balbuena - 8.44 rating

 

Fabian Balbuena netted his first goal in English football and defended valiantly to help West Ham earn a point away to Leicester despite playing more than 50 minutes with 10 men. Balbuena reacted quickest to his effort that came back off the woodwork to put West Ham ahead in the 30th-minute and was important in withstanding the Leicester onslaught. The 27-year-old won two aerial duels, made four tackles and interceptions combined and 15 clearances.  

Premier League round-up: The star performers from Saturday’s action