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In Focus: The Premier League stars who lit up Matchday 2
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Cian Cheesbrough
LiveScore
Dean Henderson's heroics helped Nottingham Forest earn their first victory back in the Premier League
Dean Henderson's heroics helped Nottingham Forest earn their first victory back in the Premier League

A thrilling start to the Premier League season continued with a host of memorable encounters on Matchday 2.

Chelsea and Tottenham took part in a pulsating London derby draw, while Manchester United’s misery reached a new low with a 4-0 demolition at Brentford.

Elsewhere, Arsenal and Manchester City both netted four times as they maintained their convincing starts to their campaigns and Nottingham Forest claimed their first victory back in the top flight.

Read on as we pick out our five stars who shone brightest for their sides.

Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)

Gabriel Jesus is only two appearances into his Arsenal career but he is already adored by the Gunners faithful.

Following an exciting debut against Crystal Palace, the Brazilian scored his first two goals for the club in a 4-2 victory over Leicester at the Emirates.

He picked out the far corner with a fine finish inside the box for the opener, before showing the predatory instinct to head home and double the hosts' lead.

Oleksandr Zinchenko, a player who also swapped Manchester City for Arsenal this summer, knows what an exciting talent they have in their ranks.

The Ukrainian said: "He's a world-class player. In terms of his numbers, the way he works, his attitude in training every single day. He's an example.

"He's still young. Of course, everyone needs to improve some things but he scores goals. The rest, he's unbelievable."

Gabriel Jesus netted his first two Arsenal goals in an excellent home debut against Leicester
Gabriel Jesus netted his first two Arsenal goals in an excellent home debut against Leicester

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Kevin De Bruyne has a reputation has one of the world’s best creators, but his ruthlessness in front of goal is perhaps an overlooked part of his game.

The Belgian’s outstanding finish with the outside of his boot in Manchester City’s comfortable 4-0 win over Bournemouth means he now has 20 goals in all competitions since the start of last season.

Manager Pep Guardiola said of the maestro: "I don’t know the numbers, the last season was the most prolific season in terms of goals.

"Kevin, before last season, was just assist, assist and now he is the pleasure to score goals. Important he scored again."

Also grabbing an assist for Phil Foden’s goal, De Bruyne was the best performer in another slick display from the champions.

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne was imperious against Bournemouth
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne was imperious against Bournemouth

Ivan Toney (Brentford)

It was another sorry afternoon for Manchester United on Saturday but let that take nothing away from Brentford.

While a number of candidates were deserving of a mention, it is the rough time Ivan Toney gave the Red Devils back four which earns him his place.

The 26-year-old won four aerial duels, one of which set up Ben Mee for the Bees’ third goal.

Minutes later, he teed up Bryan Mbeumo for their fourth with an exceptional first-time through ball on the run for undoubtedly the pick of the four goals.

Reinforcements up top are bound to be on United’s shopping list before the transfer window closes and Toney has shown them exactly the kind of striker they should be targeting.

Manchester United struggled to cope with Ivan Toney in Brentford's 4-0 win
Manchester United struggled to cope with Ivan Toney in Brentford's 4-0 win

Dean Henderson (Nottingham Forest)

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson has not been shy of speaking highly of his abilities as a goalkeeper during his career so far.

And during the Manchester United loanee’s home debut for Nottingham Forest, he showed exactly why that is.

A memorable afternoon at the City Ground saw the Reds pick up their first Premier League victory in 23 years by beating West Ham 1-0.

But it could have been much different had it not been for a number of high-class saves from the 25-year-old, who also denied Declan Rice from the penalty spot.

Manager Steve Cooper said: "In terms of his performance he was excellent.

"At times you need goalkeepers to have big moments, like you need strikers to have big moments."

Reece James (Chelsea)

Reece James was a standout performer in Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Tottenham
Reece James was a standout performer in Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Tottenham

Despite Spurs snatching a late point, Chelsea will be largely encouraged by their performance in a thrilling London derby and Reece James certainly played his part.

Deployed on the right of Thomas Tuchel’s back three, the England international ensured it was an unusually quiet showing for Heung-Min Son. 

He won all three of his tackles, both of his aeriel duels and claimed possession four times, outlining his suitability for that role in the weeks and months ahead.

The 22-year-old can count himself unlucky not to have grabbed an assist, with Kai Havertz failing to convert his delicious cross shortly after Pierre-Emerick Hojbjerg had equalised.

There were no such issues when presented with a chance himself though as he slammed past Hugo Lloris with ease after Raheem Sterling’s lay off.

Tags

Premier LeagueGabriel JesusKevin de BruyneIvan ToneyDean HendersonReece JamesArsenalManchester CityBrentfordNottingham ForestChelsea
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