One week into the Premier League season we have Tottenham Hotspur winning the league, Arsenal back to their Arsene Wenger days, Manchester United in full-blown crisis and Erling Haaland and Aleksandar Mitrovic ready to break scoring records. But beyond the hyped-up storylines what are the cold hard facts from week one in the English top flight?
We already know winners, scorers and under-performers, but who were the speediest stars on show around the country across the weekend? We take a look at the five fastest players in the Premier League on Matchday 1, collated by Viaplay and based on top speed. A couple of them may surprise you...
READ MORE:
5th - William Saliba (Arsenal) - 34.49 km/h
Arsenal fans will be pleased to see their new defensive rock in this list as he had quite the Premier League debut to remember. The Frenchman was disciplined, organised and looked right at home in the Gunners’ back four. With speed on his side, he will be more than a match for any trying forwards looking to best him in a one-on one.
4th - Andreas Pereira (Fulham) - 34.52 km/h
The former Manchester United man had an impressive competitive debut with his new side Fulham at Craven Cottage as they held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw. People were quick to praise Fulham’s organisation, their pressing and how sharp they looked when they were able to get forward and attack. Pereira looked lively in the central role just behind Aleksandar Mitrovic and has seemingly demonstrated his ability to get up the pitch quickly when his team are in a dangerous position.
3rd - Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham) - 34.80 km/h
Another Cottager makes the cut and surprisingly another defender punctuates the list. Adarabioyo put in a strong performance against last year’s Champions League finalists, despite conceding two goals. He was quick to react and challenge for balls troublesome certain situations arose, and judging by his top clocked speed he is quick off the mark when needed.
2nd - Danny Welbeck (Brighton & Hove Albion) - 35.28 km/h
The former Manchester United forward came back to haunt Old Trafford on Sunday as he turned in a dominant display against the Red Devils. He registered an assist for Pascal Gross’ opener and was able to cause numerous problems for United’s fragile backline. He may be 31 years of age, but Welbeck has still got pace in his locker, as the stunned United supporters who had to sit and watch will testify.
1st - Darwin Nunez (Liverpool) - 36.53 km/h
The Uruguayan striker may have started on the bench at Fulham but he made an incredible impact when he came on. He opened his Premier League account within 15 minutes of coming on with a deft backheel finish before setting up Mohamed Salah for the Reds’ second equaliser of the game. Nunez looked quick when getting out the blocks as he chased every ball and it was noticeable that he is extremely quick in the sprint, making it no surprise that he clocked the highest speed of the weekend.
*18+ | BeGambleAware
