Ranking the quality of the six first ever Premier League goals scored by players in gameweek 2 | OneFootball

Premier League sides went goal-crazy this weekend with a staggering 44 scored across the latest round of fixtures, the most ever recorded in a single matchweek in the history of the division.

Clean sheets were at a premium as Everton, Leeds and Tottenham all emerged victorious from seven-goal encounters, whilst Leicester edged Burnley in a six-goal thriller at the King Power Stadium.

Amongst the frenzy of attacking play saw six players also enjoy memorable moments with their first goals in England’s top tier, and whether their efforts were simple tap-ins or blockbuster screamers they will prove difficult to forget for those involved.

Following a collection of maiden goals we’ve decided to rank the quality of those efforts, here are our rankings of the six first ever Premier League goals scored in gameweek 2:

6. Jimmy Dunne – Burnley

Jimmy Dunne has waited some time to make his first appearance for Burnley, but was handed an opportunity in the absence James Tarkowski at the heart of Sean Dyche’s defence alongside fellow Irishman Kevin Long.

Dunne has enjoyed loan spells at the likes of Barrow, Accrington Stanley, Hearts, Sunderland and Fleetwood before finally making his Premier League bow at 22-years-old, heading home a consolation goal as the Clarets were beaten 4-2 at Leicester.

The defender got his head to Dwight McNeil’s lofted free-kick to give Burnley a glimmer of hope and whilst an unforgettable moment for the Dundalk-native, it was hardly a picture-book effort.

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5. James Justin – Leicester

James Justin also scored his maiden Premier League goal during that aforementioned clash between Leicester and Burnley at the King Power Stadium, ghosting into the penalty area from his left-back position to calmly finish and give the Foxes a two-goal advantage.

The 22-year-old has been utilised in an unfamiliar position on the left flank following the departure of Ben Chilwell to Chelsea and despite defensive difficulties has thrived going forward, his performances capped with a first Premier League goal this weekend.

Ayoze Perez’s cut-back found the unmarked full-back inside the Burnley box and he kept his cool to roll the ball into the side-netting, a simple finish but one executed perfectly.

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4. Donny van de Beek – Manchester United

Donny van de Beek will have been hoping for much more from his Manchester United debut following the club’s disappointing defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, though the summer signing at least made his mark after coming off the substitutes’ bench

The marquee arrival from Ajax provided a moment of quality to give the Red Devils hope of a comeback, reacting first to a loose ball inside the penalty area to score his first goal in the club’s colours.

It was a composed and instinctive finish from a player who has made scoring goals from midfield a trademark during his career in the Eredivisie, Van de Beek a player who looks set to increase the goal threat in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

If only they could sort out those defensive issues…

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3. James Rodriguez – Everton

There’s a feel-good factor surrounding Everton at present with the Merseyside club having began the new season with back-to-back victories, their star manager in Carlo Ancelotti having now added a sprinkling of magic to his side with the capture of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid.

The signing of the Colombia international was viewed as a significant coup for the Toffees and the early signs are hugely positive for Everton, Rodriguez having seemingly settled quickly into his new surroundings with a pair of impressive displays.

The 29-year-old scored his first Premier League goal during the club’s 5-2 win over West Bromwich Albion this weekend, a sweetly struck effort after finding himself in space on the edge of the penalty area.

It was a moment of real quality from a player set to play a huge role in Everton’s hopes of progress this season, Rodriguez reminding the football public of his talents after two seasons of frustration.

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2. Grady Diangana – West Bromwich Albion

West Ham fans have had a fair bit to be outraged by in recent times, but the outcry surrounding the sale of Grady Diangana may just be that bit louder following the youngster’s stunning first Premier League goal for West Brom at Everton.

Hammers supporters and players were left angered by the sale of the academy graduate earlier this summer, with Diangana providing a demonstration of his talents with a sensational solo effort at Goodison Park.

The winger picked the ball up inside his own half before charging into opposition territory, the Everton defence continuing to back off as Diagnana approached the edge of the penalty area before rifling a left-footed effort past Jordan Pickford.

Pickford could perhaps have done better but it was a fine strike and a brilliant way to open his account, even if it wasn’t quite enough to secure West Brom their first point of the Premier League season.

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1. Matheus Pereira – West Bromwich Albion

Another West Brom wonder strike briefly offered the newly-promoted side hope at Everton last weekend, Mattheus Pereira levelling the scores at Goodison Park with a pinpoint free-kick into the top corner.

The Brazilian was amongst the stars of the Championship season and much of West Brom’s hopes of survival will be pinned on his shoulders, though the 24-year-old showed he has the ability to influence Premier League contests with this moment of magic.

Pereira’s set-piece stunner was – in our humble opinion – the best maiden Premier League goal of the weekend, an effort of perfect technique to restore parity for the Baggies on Merseyside.

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