Newcastle dominate opening weekend XI: Premier League team of the week

Manchester City have two players in the side after opening their title defence with victory at Burnley

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  PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE WEEK (3-4-3): GK: Bernd Leno (Fulham). The scoreline reads a miserable home defeat for Everton, but it was the heroics of Fulham goalkeeper Leno which led Fulham to victory. The German produced several top saves, including twice on Neal Maupay. PA

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  CB: Thiago Silva (Chelsea). Another busy and expensive summer at Chelsea – and still their standout player was the ageless Brazilian. Stood tall and composed to help his side claim a draw against Liverpool. AP

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  CB: Raphael Varane (Manchester United). United were far from their best against Wolves but Varane’s goal secured an opening-game victory. The Frenchman helped keep a clean sheet at the other end, too. Getty

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  CB: Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace). One of three clean sheets on the opening weekend belonged to Crystal Palace, and their Danish centre-back was key to the shutout at Sheffield United. Getty

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  RM: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal). A moment of magic from a magical player, Saka scored Arsenal’s second in the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest with a long-range stunner. Get the sense the England winger is going to have a massive season. PA

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  CM: Rodri (Manchester City). Picked up where he left off for the treble winners. The Spaniard bossed the midfield in City’s 3-0 win at Burnley, provided the assist for Erling Haaland’s first, then put a bow on the performance by scoring the third. The best holding midfielder in world football. Getty

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  CM: Sandro Tonali (Newcastle). About as perfect as debuts come. The Italian took just six minutes to score his first Newcastle goal then oozed class throughout the 5-1 demolition of Aston Villa. Very early days, of course, but looks a diamond signing by Eddie Howe. Getty

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  LM: Solly March (Brighton). In the team as ambassador for several Brighton players – Karou Mitoma both Joao Pedro both worthy of mentions – but March gets the nod for sending Brighton on their way to a 4-1 win over promoted Luton Town. Reuters

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  RF: Alexander Isak (Newcastle). Given the nod to start as centre-forward, the Sweden international proved why he’s one of the most exciting strikers in the division with a brace against Villa. Looks primed for a prolific season. EPA

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  CF: Erling Haaland (Manchester City). Barely in the game yet struck twice to guide City to a comfortable win at Burnley. If he keeps up this scoring rate, he’ll have 76 goals by the end of the league season. Wouldn’t put it past him. Reuters

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  LF: Harvey Barnes (Newcastle). One of the most devastating 20-odd-minute cameos you’re likely to see. Came on for his debut in the 68th minute, set up Callum Wilson nine minutes later, then scored himself in injury time. Getty

The Premier League returned with a bang this past weekend.

Defending champions Manchester City got the new season under way with a 3-0 victory on Friday evening against promoted Burnley and their manager, City legend Vincent Kompany.

Arsenal, hoping to again push City close, followed suit with three points of their own in Saturday's early fixture, defeating Nottingham Forest 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

Four matches took place on Saturday afternoon: Brighton easing past promoted Luton Town 4-1 at the Amex Stadium, Fulham edging past Everton at Goodison Park, Crystal Palace beating promoted Sheffield United at Bramall Lane - both 1-0 - and Bournemouth holding West Ham to a 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium.

Saturday's evening match saw two of last season's most impressive teams square off at St James' Park, and it was Newcastle who ran out emphatic 5-1 winners over Aston Villa in the performance of the round.

Sunday then began with a 2-2 draw at the Brentford Community Stadium where Tottenham began life after Harry Kane, before Chelsea and Liverpool played out a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in the blockbuster match of the weekend.

The round concluded on Monday night at Old Trafford where Manchester United snuck a 1-0 win over Wolves.

Check out the photo gallery above for our Premier League team of the week. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or swipe if using a mobile device.