After a summer of minimal sporting action (ahem) the return of the Premier League this weekend was a welcome one and it didn't disappoint.

There were 26 goals scored across nine matches, all served up with usual dollop of eye-rubbing shock, awe and amazement.

So, join Sports Mole as we pick out the 11 players that made their mark.

Michel Vorm - Swansea
The Belgian howed that last season wasn't a fluke with some important saves at Queens Park Rangers.

Ryan Bertrand - Chelsea
The youngster's assured performance at Wigan showed that he is likely to feature heavily in the Blues' plans this season.
John O'Shea - Sunderland
Was part of a back four that withstood a bombardment against Arsenal but stood firm to earn an impressive clean sheet and point.
Jonas Olsson - West Brom
Despite the one-sided scoreline versus Liverpool at the Hawthorns, Olsson and company needed to be at their best to keep the Reds out.
Steven Taylor - Newcastle
The defender looked every bit as solid as he did before his serious Achilles injury last season.

Gervinho - Arsenal
Worked as hard as anyone in both halves of the pitch at the Emirates as the Gunners drew a blank against Sunderland.
Youssouf Mulumbu - West Brom
The tireless Congolese earned a number of plaudits for his dominant performance in the centre of the park versus Liverpool.
Santi Cazorla - Arsenal
Looked every bit the Arsenal player with a skillful display on his Gunners debut.
Eden Hazard - Chelsea
The £32m Belgian was at the centre of both goals as Chelsea saw off Wigan at the DW Stadium.

Mladen Petric - Fulham
The Croatian was sharp on his Cottagers debut as two goals helped his side dismantle Norwich.
Rickie Lambert - Southampton
He may have only been on the pitch for 35 minutes but the frontman scored an excellent goal and looked a constant threat against Manchester City.