Picking the Premier League team of the weekend

GK: Julio Cesar - The 33-year-old Brazilian became available on a free transfer from Internazionale after losing his first team berth to Samir Handanovic; but Inter’s loss appears to be QPR’s gain. Replacing the shaky Robert Green he showed the shot-stopping ability that saw him dubbed the best keeper in the world in 2009 during this goalless draw with European Champions Chelsea.

Unlucky to miss out: Asmir Begovic

DR: Matthew Lowton - Kept the in-form Wayne Routledge quiet as Aston Villa picked up their first 3 points of the season against Swansea at Villa Park. Showed maturity beyond his age with an assured defensive performance but also proved an attacking threat, when the ambidextrous summer recruit fired in a deceptive left foot volley to give Villa the lead.

Unlucky to miss out: Sascha Riether

DL: Alexander Buttner - A tough call considering Kieran Gibbs brilliant display at The Emirates but Buttner capped off what was an incredible debut with a mazy solo run and finish during Manchester United’s comfortable 4-0 win over Wigan. Making your club debut, at Old Trafford, can only be a daunting and nerve-racking task but he replaced Patrice Evra with aplomb and looks an astute signing from Sir Alex.

Unlucky to miss out: Kieran Gibbs

DC: Ryan Shawcross - A thoroughly under-rated player and his performance against the Champions proved just that. The former Manchester United player’s goal-line clearance was credence enough to his inclusion, scampering back to clear Dzeko’s delicate chip with the last kick of the game.

Unlucky to miss out: Thomas Vermaelen

DC: Leon Barnett - Seemed destined for the exit door at Norwich this summer but has been reintroduced after the disastrous performance by Turner and Bennet at Craven Cottage on the opening day. Put in a brilliant performance, keeping Carlton Cole chasing shadows for the entire game at Carrow Road. A faultless display.

Unlucky to miss out: Ron Vlaar

MF: Javi Garcia - A great debut from the Spaniard showing an almost immediate understanding of what was needed from him in the Manchester City line-up. He also demonstrated his aerial goal threat by grabbing one and only being denied a brace by the sprawling excellence of Begovic in the Stoke goal. Demonstrating an aerial threat against Stoke is worthy of distinction in itself.

Unlucky to miss out: Craig Gardner

MF: Paul Scholes -Another master-class from the veteran midfielder capping his 700^th appearance with a wonderfully timed run and finish to break the deadlock at Old Trafford. Another demo of how to pass and control a game whilst expending almost zero energy. Peerless.

Unlucky to miss out: Sandro

MF: Santi Cazorla - Continuing his excellent start to life in the Premier League; the catalyst behind much of what went right at The Emirates during their 6-1 drubbing of a poor Southampton side. His movement is often bamboozling and he linked up exquisitely with Podolski and Gibbs in an extremely potent attacking threat down the left hand side.

Unlucky to miss out: Alexander Kacaniklic

FW: Lukas Podolski - Starting to prove any doubters wrong with this tireless goalscoring performance. A good free kick was helped by Kelvin Davis’s lacklustre leap but he pickpocketed Morgan Schiederlin on numerous occasions during an exciting performance from the German international.

Unlucky to miss out: Steven Fletcher

FW: Dimitar Berbatov - A showcase of technical brilliance and nonchalance from the mercurial Bulgarian. Will surely become a fan favourite at Fulham with his touch, poise and general arrogance alluring even to the neutral as he dominated West Brom with a typically effervescent striker performance capped with a brace.

Unlucky to miss out: Danny Welbeck

FW: Jermain Defoe -Reading FC just got a lesson in Premiership forward play from the in-form England international. His brace was one thing but the touch that had Gorkks and Pearce scrambling before missing on the outside of his right foot was like watching Andy Cole in his glory days, exceptional.

Unlucky to miss out: Cristian Benteke

Anybody you think should be here that has not been included? Make your views heard in the comments board.

images: © p_a_h, © Magnus D