Sunday's Premier League man of the match rundown as Liverpool and City shine

With the opening round of Premier League fixtures coming to a close, we take a closer look at the star men from Sunday’s trio of matches, with pre-season favourites Manchester City and Liverpool off the mark. 

Southampton 0-0 Burnley: Alex McCarthy - 8.50

Justified his selection over new signing Angus Gunn - much like Wayne Hennessey for Palace yesterday - with six saves in a goalless draw with Burnley. An entertaining stalemate, both keepers were called upon to keep a clean sheet, with the home stopper more so than opposite number Joe Hart.

Liverpool 4-0 West Ham: Sadio Mane - 9.06

Off the mark for the campaign in Liverpool’s opening game for the third season running, Mane is often the least heralded of Liverpool’s superb front three but stole the show at Anfield. Turned home Liverpool’s second of the game at a crucial time to ease any nerves and finished expertly for his second, albeit from an offside position.

Arsenal 0-2 Manchester City: Raheem Sterling - 7.78

England international Sterling clearly felt he had a point to prove after a goalless summer at the World Cup and was off the mark inside 15 minutes at the Emirates. The winger made a superb start to the match in the capital and while he did fade, along with the whole team as far as the visitors were concerned, no player had more shots (three), more attempts on target (two) or completed more dribbles (3).