Five standout performers of the Premier League season so far

The Premier League season has begun in typically dramatic fashion, with more than 300 goals scored, 16 red cards awarded and five managers sacked already. 

After 11 games, Chelsea sit top of the pile while Norwich City, who recently parted company with Daniel Farke, are propping up the table.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have turned their fortunes around and climbed up to fifth after a disastrous opening month, while rivals Tottenham have gone very much in the opposite direction.

Below, we take a look at five of the standout performers from the opening three months of the Premier League season.

Mohamed Salah – Liverpool

The Egyptian has started this season in characteristically prolific fashion, topping the scoring charts with ten goals already. The former Chelsea man will be on the hunt for a third golden boot award, and is certainly on the right track to do exactly that with a three goal cushion between himself and second-placed Jamie Vardy.

As well as his goals, Salah has also provided seven assists for his teammates, putting him joint top with Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.

Having been one of the league’s standout players in each of the past three seasons, Salah looks set to potentially register his most prolific campaign to date and will undoubtedly be in with a chance of winning the player of the year award.

Salah has been his usual prolific self

Emile Smith-Rowe – Arsenal

After a disastrous opening month of the season during which the Gunners lost to Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City by an aggregate score of 9-0, Mikel Arteta has changed his side’s fortunes and they not sit fifth in the table.

Young midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe has been the catalyst for the club’s recent run of form, with the Englishman scoring four goals and providing two assists in his last six games.

In his last outing, he scored the only goal of the game in a narrow 1-0 victory over Watford at The Emirates.

The youngster was recently called up to the England senior squad for the first time having impressed Gareth Southgate, and he is quickly establishing himself as a fan favourite among the Gunners faithful.

Edouard Mendy – Chelsea 

The Senegal international has been in superb form for the table toppers so far this season, keeping six clean sheets in ten games.

The ‘keeper has conceded just two goals from open play so far, and has the second-highest save percentage of any goalkeeper in the top flight.

Mendy has proven himself as one of the world’s best goalkeepers

Mendy’s most impressive performance so far came against Brentford, when he made a number of superb saves as the Bees pushed for a late equaliser, but were kept at bay by the former Rennes man.

While the Senegalese ‘keeper will undoubtedly be intent on competing for the golden glove award this term, his likely participation in the African Cup of Nations next year could put him at a disadvantage, but his impressive record so far has already stood him in good stead.

Conor Gallagher – Crystal Palace

Arguably the surprise package of the season so far, young midfielder Gallagher has been in sensational form for the Eagles.

The Chelsea loanee’s goal against Wolves last time out took his tallies to four goals and two assists for Patrick Vieira’s side.

Having sat out Palace’s opening fixture against parent club Chelsea, Gallagher has gone from strength to strength at the heart of midfield and put in a man of the match performance in the 2-0 victory over reigning champions Manchester City a fortnight ago, setting up the opener before scoring the second late on to secure the three points.

Gallagher has shone for Palace this season

The 21-year-old has started every single league game since the opening weekend, and looks set to be a crucial part of Vieira’s plans going forward.

Michail Antonio – West Ham United

Hammers striker Antonio has enjoyed a chaotic start to the season, having become the club’s top scorer in Premier League history, as well as being sent off against Southampton in September.

After an explosive August during which he scored four goals and provided three assists in three matches, Antonio’s form has slowed slightly, but the Jamaican is still third in the goalscoring charts and joint-eighth in terms of assists.

Antonio’s goals and assists have been crucial for David Moyes’ side, who climbed up to third in the table with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool on Sunday.

With 27 games still to go, a lot will undoubtedly change between now and May and new names will emerge as standout performers in the coming months.

As we enter the final international break of the year, though, few would wager against the likes of Salah and Mendy being talked about in the same way come the end of the season.