Want to be the pub/terrace know-all this weekend? Want to know who has committed the most fouls? Or who has covered the most ground? Which player has provied the most crosses and who last week put in a true captain’s performance? Then read on and let the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index arm you with enough stats to impress everyone but girly girls.

Javi Garcia may be struggling to adapt to the English game but he’s certainly putting in the graft.

Saturday 6th October

Man City v Sunderland 12:45

Man City were forced to win ugly against Fulham last weekend as they travelled back north with all three points after a 1-2 win. Goals for Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko secured the victory for Robert Mancini’s men, who would have been incensed had a controversial penalty decision for Fulham in the first half cost his side the match.

Javi Garcia may appear to have been slightly struggling to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, but it certainly is not through a lack of effort. He covered more ground than any of his teammates against Fulham, clocking up 5.58 miles.

– Whilst Man City have been lacking some of the effortlessness in front of goal that helped win them they league last year, its certainly not for a want of trying on Carlos Tevez’s part. He sits third in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for shots on target with 15.

– Midfield maestro David Silva was Man City’s quickest player against the Cottagers, the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index having recorded him at 19.89mph.

Yaya Toure still sits atop the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for successful passes in the opponent’s half with a massive 288 completed.

Sunderland achieved their first win of the season at home to Wigan last weekend, as they ran out 1-0 winners thanks to yet another Steven Fletcher goal.

– Hard working defender Jack Colback will have again impressed Martin O’Neill with his determination against Wigan. He racked up 6.33 miles according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

– Sunderland fans may dread to think where they would be sitting had Steven Fletcher not arrived at the Stadium of Light. His remarkable strike rate now stands at 5 goals from all 5 of his attempts on target this season.

– Defender Titus Bramble showed he still has lots to offer Sunderland at the weekend as the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index recorded his as their fastest player against Wigan at 22.07mph.

– The 62.6 miles covered by Sunderland against Wigan is their second highest team total of the season, just behind their 63.09 mile performance against Swansea.

West Brom v QPR 15:00

West Brom were denied all three points thanks to a late Aston Villa equalise, as they battled to a 1-1 draw at Villa Park. Romelu Lukaku again looked to be a threat in front of goal for the Baggies, in a match where Steve Clarke will be disappointed not to have come away with the win given the level of dominance his side enjoyed.

Jonas Olsson has shown himself to be more than able to get himself in the right position to defend his goal this season. He’s racked up 19 clearances this season, placing him first on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Zoltan Gera worked hardest for the Baggies’ cause last time out. Racking up 5.47 miles on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

– Over the course of the season, Youssuf Mulumbu has been West Brom’s hardest working player, covering 33.79 miles so far

– Although he didn’t manage to get himself on the score sheet, Shane Long was certainly making every effort to do so. He was the quickest player on the field against Aston Villa, being snapped running at 21.81mph.

Olsson and fellow West Brom defender Gareth McCauley also both continue to impress in their reading of the game this season. They’ve racked up an impressive 87 interceptions between them.

QPRs poor start to the season continued as they were beaten 1-2 at home by West Ham on Monday evening. Despite substitute Adel Taarabt’s wonder strike, Mark Hughes’ side again failed to take anything away from yet another league fixture.

Alejandro Faurlin will have impressed Mar Hughes in defeat against West Ham. No Rs player ran harder than he did, having clocked up 6.06 miles.

– Last season Faurlin was one of QPR’s hardest working players, and since returning to the first team he has covered more ground than any of his teammates in the last three games.

– Overall, however, it is former United midfielder Ji Sung Park who has covered the most ground for QPR, notching up 33.83 miles so far this season.

Ryan Nelsen was not only QPRs quickest player against the Hammers, but the quickest from either squad. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index recorded him at 22.21mph.

Wigan’s dribbly Arouna Kone.

Wigan v Everton 15:00

– 10-man Wigan fell to a 1-0 defeat away to Sunderland last weekend. The visitors enjoyed a strong opening spell at the Stadium of Light, with Arouna Kone and James McCarthy both going close, but struggled somewhat in the second half following Jordi Gomez’s dismissal.

James McCarthy ran further than any other player on the pitch against Sunderland, racking up 6.6 miles. That’s also a season high for any Wigan player so far.

– Striker Arouna Kone has shown plenty of confidence in taking the game to the opposition this season. His 9 dribbles have ranked him fifth on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Jean Beausejour was the fastest player on the day from either side last time out against Sunderland, with the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index recording him at 23.25mph.

Beausejour’s record for deliveries will also be pleasing Roberto Martinez. The Chilean is ranked fourth on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for crosses with 22.

Jordi Gomez will be disappointed with his dismissal last weekend, particularly given his disciplinary record has been solid this season. He’s yet to receive a yellow card and has conceded only 2 fouls.

Everton continued their spectacular start to the season as they dismantled Southampton 3-1 at Goodison Park. Two goals from the prolific Nikica Jelavic and one from Leon Osman secured victory for David Moye’s team against the Premier League newcomers, with Kevin Mirallas providing assists for two of his side’s goals.

Phil Neville turned in a captain’s performance last weekend against Southampton as he ran for a team-leading 5.56 miles.

– Midfielder Marouane Fellaini continues to hold the unwelcome distinction of having committed more fouls than any other Premier League player this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He will be hoping his 17 indiscretions aren’t added to this weekend.

– However, the Belgian can likely have no complaints if his foul total continues to rise given the inconsistency of his tackling. He ranks first of any Premier League player for tackles lost, have lost out on 77% of his 30 tackles this season.

– The continually impressive Kevin Mirallas was the fastest player on the park against Southampton. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index clocked him at 23.15mph. That was the third fastest time registered in the Premier League all season, and makes Mirallas the only player to enter the top ten speeds from last weekend’s games.

– No Premier League player has provided more crosses than Leighton Baines this season. The Toffee’s fullback has been in excellent form down the flank, providing 33 deliveries according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Chelsea v Norwich 15:00

Chelsea further cemented their position atop the Premier League following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a resurgent Arsenal. Fernando Torres smartly wrapped his foot around Juan Mata’s delivery to get Chelsea off the mark, before Mata added Chelsea’s second following Arsenal’s equaliser. The win will only have added confidence to a side that is still continuing to have a major overhaul of its attacking philosophy under Roberto Di Matteo.

– Young tyro Eden Hazard proved that he has more to offer Chelsea than just technical wizardy. He worked harder than any of his teammates as he ran for 6.3 miles against Arsenal.

Hazard is still doing what he does best though, that being terrorising defences with his pace and skill. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index he’s ranked sixth in the league for dribbles with 8.

– Another new signing Oscar showed he also has plenty of pace to go along with his guile and technique. He was the fastest player on the pitch against Arsenal according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, which recorded him running at 21.59mph.

Juan Mata continues to be the focal point of his side’s play this season. The Spaniard has completed more successful passes in the opponent’s half than any other Chelsea player with 182.

– While Fernando Torres may be regaining some his form in front of goal, his work without the ball could use some polish. His 11 fouls is the highest in the Chelsea squad so far this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Norwich came up against a Liverpool side that had travelled to Carrow Road intent on proving their doubters wrong, as they fell to a 2-5 defeat to the Reds. A second half effort from Glen Morrison and a late consolation from Grant Holt were nowhere near enough to prevent the Canaries being outclassed by a focused Liverpool side.

Jonathan Howson’s work ethic whilst his team struggled against Liverpool will have been a pleasing sight for Chris Hughton. He ran harder than any of his teammates, clocking up 6.23 miles.

– Midfielder Bradley Johnson will be hoping to escape the attention of the officials against Chelsea this weekend. He ranks joint second on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for fouls with 16.

Steve Morrison was the Canaries fastest player against Liverpool, being recorded at 20.57mph.

Robert Snodgrass is clearly the man Norwich players are looking to give them a spark going forward. Not only does he rank third on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for crosses with 24, he’s also completed more passes in the opponent’s half than any other Norwich player with 105.

– While Grant Holt’s chances in front of goal have been limited this season, he will likely be disappointed in his defensive work so far this season. He’s committed 11 fouls and lost out on 92% of his 12 tackles.

Ashley Williams prepares to throw himself into action.

Swansea v Reading 15:00

Swansea’s disappointing run of form continued as they lost 2-0 to Stoke. This was the Swans’ third defeat in a row, a disappointing statistic for Michael Laudrup’s side considering their fine form in the initial forays of the season. Michu had the best chance for the visitors on the day but failed to show any of the potent finishing he displayed in Swansea’s opening fixtures.

– While he was gaining headlines at the start of the season for his goal scoring prowess, Michu may be concerned about his defensive record so far. He’s joint second on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for fouls committed with 16.

– Defender Angel Rangel was Swansea’s hardest worker against Stoke, as he ran for 6.39 miles, more than any other player on the pitch. That was the fourth time Rangel has topped his team’s distance charts in six games so far this season, and takes his total distance covered to 37.89 miles, the third highest in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Rangel also received the distinction of being the fastest player on the pitch against the Potters, with the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index recording him at 22.44mph.

Nathan Dyer could use some support from his strikers in the coming weeks in terms of efforts on goal. His 7 attempts on target mark the highest total in the Swansea squad.

Ashley Williams has been literally throwing himself into his defensive duties this season. His 11 blocks is the highest of any player on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

– Michael Laudrup will likely be pleased with Jonathan de Guzman’s contribution to Swansea’s campaign so far this season. He has made 146 successful passes in the opponent’s half this season, the highest in the Swansea squad.

Reading were prevented from claiming their first Premier League win of the season last time out as Newcastle rescued a point. Brian McDermott will likely view this in hindsight as an opportunity lost, with Reading displaying far more verve and energy than the counterparts for large parts of the match. Jordi McAnuff in particular will have given Royals’ fans plenty of hope for the rest of the season, with their captain providing the assists for both of their sides goals.

Jem Karacan turned in an excellent shift last weekend against Newcastle. He ran 6.05 miles, the highest of any player on the night.

– Although Mikele Leigertwood has made more successful tackles than any other Reading player this season with 13, he’s also lost out on 11 occasions as well. He will be striving for greater consistency this week.

Kaspars Gorkss on the other hand has been the model of defensive solidity at the back for Reading. He’s won 92% of his 12 challenges this season.

Jobi McAnuff was the Royals’ fastest player against Newcastle, with the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index recording him at 19.92mph.

West Ham v Arsenal 17:30

– A flying start from Matt Jarvis helped propel West Ham towards an eventual 2-1 victory last time out against QPR.  A further goal from Ricardo Vaz Te helped the Hammers to their first away win of the season, a win defined by their impressive work rate and movement.

Carlton Cole has been throwing himself into his defensive work with some energy this season, yet unfortunately it has been a little misdirected. Not only has he lost out in 94% of his 16 challenges this season, he’s also conceded 15 fouls along the way.

James Collins has been putting his body on the line for the West Ham cause so far this season. He amassed 9 blocks so far, placing him second on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

– Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin didn’t play in their last game, which means Mark Noble has now taken top spot for most distance covered this season. Noble has covered 39.88 miles in six games, and has covered more ground than any other West Ham player in all six matches. No other player has top his team’s distance charts for every game so far this season.

Mark Noble is joined in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index top ten for distance covered by captain Kevin Nolan, who is in 7th having covered 36.44 miles. That makes West Ham one of only three teams to have two players featured, alongside Arsenal and Liverpool.

Arsenal were beaten 1-2 at the Emirate by Chelsea last weekend, despite yet another encouraging performance from the Gunners. The continually improving Gervinho fired in just before the break, but some slightly awkward defending again cost Arsenal on a day when they probably should have come away with more.

– New arrival Santi Cazorla has been getting himself into some fantastic positions in front of goal for Arsenal this season, yet could do with improving his accuracy in trying to find the net. He’s been off target with 50% of his 22 attempts on goal this season.

– The Spaniard’s continual impact on Arsenal’s fluidity can’t be faulted though. He’s racked up 277 so far this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Gervinho’s accuracy has definitely been key to his finding the net for Arsenal in recent weeks. Whilst he’s missed the target on more than a few occasions, when he does get it right he almost always works the keeper. He’s scored 3 times from 4 on target attempts.

– Midfielder Mikel Arteta’s passing has been crucial to the smooth functioning of the Arsenal midfield so far this campaign, yet his defence has been slightly less solid. He’s conceded 13 fouls and has only a 46% tackle success rate.

Kieran Gibbs continues to be in rare form for Arsenal at left-back. He is second on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for successful tackles with 21, giving him an overall 84% success rate.

A hit and miss season so far for the Saints’ Rickie Lambert.

Sunday 7th October

Southampton v Fulham 13:30

Southampton were given yet another lesson in top flight football by high-flying Everton as they lost 3-1 at Goodison Park last weekend. New signing Gaston Ramirez got the Saints off to an excellent start barely a few minutes after the whistle, but from then on his side struggled to contain a rampant Everton side.

– Despite their string of poor results, Southampton are continuing to work hard on their return to the Premier League. After six rounds of matches they remain top of the chart for overall distance covered, and are yet to be over taken all season having posted 371.55 miles, 8 miles ahead of second placed West Ham.

– However, the results may be taking their toll as the 54.29 miles posted against Everton is their lowest total so far this season.

Rickie Lambert will likely be looking to improve the consistency of his shooting this weekend against Everton. He has been off target with 45% of his 11 shots on goal this season.

– Youngster James Ward-Prowse was again Southampton’s hardest working player last weekend and is clearly keen to show Nigel Adkins he deserves his starting spot. He ran for 5.94 miles against Everton.

– Defender Nathaniel Clyne continues to adapt well to life at the back in the Premier League. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index puts him fourth for successful tackles made, having accumulated a total of 19 so far this season.

Adam Lallana continues to impress for Southampton as the season progresses, providing plenty of opportunities for his front men to find the net. He sits fourth on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for assists with 3, having also supplied 12 crosses.

– Striker Jay Rodriguez was Southampton’s fastest player against the Toffees, the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index spotting him travelling at 21.55mph.

Fulham lost 1-2 at home to Man City last weekend, despite a penalty from Mladen Petric and a string of superb stops from Mark Schwarzer. While Man City’s dominance of possession will mean this was probably a fair ending, Martin Jol will have been pleased with the threat his developing side posed to the defending champions.

Bryan Ruiz was grafted more than any other player against Man City, racking up a match-leading 6.05 miles on his afternoon’s work.

Hugo Rodallega is clearly keen to justify Martin Jol’s faith in him following his arrival for Wigan. He’s been peppering opposition goals this season, and has been on target with 81% of his 16 attempts on goal.

– Even at 33, Damien Duff still has the ability to strike fear into opposition defences. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index ranks him joint second for dribbles this season with 9.

– Fullback John Arne Riise showed plenty of verve down the flank for Fulham last weekend. He was their quickest player, recording an impressive 20.62mph.

Liverpool v Stoke 15:00

 – A rampant Liverpool ran riot last weekend with a 2-5 demolition of Norwich at Carrow Road. Star striker Luis Suarez was the key man as he bagged an impressive hat trick, whilst new boy Nuri Sahin and captain Steven Gerrard also got themselves on the score sheet. This may well be seen as a landmark victory in Brendan Rogers’ tenure at the club, as his side finally started to showcase some of what they’re evidently capable of.

Joe Allen was yet again Liverpool’s hardest working player against Norwich, as he ran further than any other player on the day with 6.32 miles. That takes his total for the season to 38.22 miles so far, the second highest total in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

– Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard continues to produce the kind of quality delivery Reds fans have come to expect from him over the years. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index ranks him second for crosses delivered with 27.

Andre Wisdom proved there’s more than one fleet-footed youngster in the Liverpool squad these days. He was the fastest player on the park against Norwich, the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index having clocked him at 21.63 mph.

Luis Suarez’s hat trick last weekend has been some time coming given his willingness to have a go in front of goal. He is joint first of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for shots on target with 17.

– However, the Uruguayan has also had his fair share of wide attempts this season and so could do with looking to improve his overall accuracy. He’s been off target with 16 attempts, again placing him top of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

– Two goals from Peter Crouch took Stoke to a dominant 2-0 victory last time out against Swansea. Tony Pulis’ side were being questioned over their style of play going into the game against the more expressive Swan’s, but answered their critics in the most decisive way possible.

Jonathan Walters again embodied the work rate Tony Pulis demands of his players as he ran further than any of his team mates in their shut out of Swansea. He covered 6.12 miles of ground against the Swans.

– Despite his two goal haul at the weekend, Peter Crouch is again near the summit of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for tackles lost committed. He’s come off second best in 96% of his 23 challenges so far this season.

Crouch’s attacking form has evidently been more than solid though. He’s been on target with 71% of his 14 attempts on goal.

– With Robert Huth’s 32 interceptions, his reading of the game has been excellent this season. However, his tackling could certainly use some improvement as he’s only won 50% of his 20 tackles.

Geoff Cameron proved to be the quickest player on the day for Stoke against Swansea. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index recorded the American at an impressive 21.51mph.

Defoe. Deadly for club and country so far.

Tottenham v Aston Villa 15:00

Tottenham recorded an historic 2-3 win away to Man Utd last weekend following a fine all-round performance. An early opener from Jan Vertonghen, as well as a great finish from Gareth Bale and another from Clint Dempsey secured the points for Andre Villas-Boas side.

Jermaine Defoe continues to demonstrate a renewed confidence in front of goal. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index ranks him joint first for shots on target this season with 17.

– Domineering midfielder Sandro has serious pace to go along with his imposing physical presence in the Tottenham midfield. He clocked in at a match-leading 20.28mph against Man Utd.

– He also complemented his all-round game with a healthy dose of stamina against Utd, covering more ground than any other Tottenham player at 6.12 miles according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

– Teammate Gareth Bale also looks to be coming back to his best as he is not far behind Defoe for accurate shots on goal, having racked up 13 this season.

Aston Villa managed to come away from their match with Birmingham rivals West Brom with a point, thank to Darren Bent’s second half equaliser. Paul Lambert will have been pleased to see his side willing to express themselves in the first half, yet his will be seeking to rectify their seeming lack of composure in front of goal this weekend.

Karim El Ahmadi really needs to sharpen up his defensive play for the rest of the season if he is not to cost Aston Villa in the long run. He ranks third on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for tackles lost with 21, having also given away 14 fouls.

– He can’t be faulted for his willingness to work hard for his team though. No player ran further than his 5.55 miles against West Brom according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

El Ahmadi has also covered the most ground so far this season for Villa overall, notching up 35.9 miles

– Goals will definitely be on the way for Brett Holman if he continues to showcase the same pace as he did last weekend. He was Aston Villa’s quickest player at 20.05mph.

Newcastle v Man Utd 16:00

Newcastle fans were spared defeat as their talismanic frontman Demba Ba scored twice in the second half to ensure a point returned north with the Magpies. It continued Newcastle’s fluctuating start to the season as they again turned to their prolific striker to rescue them on a day when they seemed to be unable to create many clear chances.

Jonas Gutierrez turned in a typically hard-running performance against Reading as he ran for 5.37 miles, the most of any Newcastle player.

– French midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa continues to torment defences this season. He’s made 9 dribbles this season, making him joint second on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Papiss Cisse showed some of the reason why he’s able to split defences so often as he showcased his speed against Reading. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index recorded him at 20.26mph, the quickest of any player on the park.

– His countryman and fellow striker Demba Ba has also shown what he can do to almost any defence as he is now the highest scoring player in the league with 6 goals.

– Defender Mike Williamson has gone quietly about some solid defensive work so far this season. He’s made 31 interceptions and 5 blocks.

– A frustrated Man Utd were beaten 2-3 at home by an impressive Tottenham last weekend. Nani and Shinji Kagawa both struck for the hosts as they tried to reel in their London rivals but despite their relentless pressure towards the end of the match, with Michael Carrick hitting the woodwork, they were unable to find an equaliser.

– It’s unsurprising that Michael Carrick managed to work himself into so many good positions against Tottenham, given that he was the hardest working player on the pitch after running for 6.67 miles.

– That 6.67 miles was the most distance that a United player has covered all season, and the team total of 64.46 miles was also a season high, as United tried to grind a result out against Spurs.

Carrick has also received the ball more than any other Man Utd player, having been passed to 420 times by his teammates according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

– Even at 37, Paul Scholes can’t help but have a huge influence on Man Utd’s play. No other player in their squad has completed more passes in the opponent’s half than him, having racked up a total of 189.

Jonny Evans was evidently alert to the Tottenham threat on goal as he was Man Utd’s quickest player on the day, with the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index recording him at 19.96mph.

– Whilst he was bought primarily for his passing and vision moving forward, Shinji Kagawa has evidently also been alive to the defensive rigours of the Premier League since his transfer from Borussia Dortmund. He’s been successful with 86% of his 7 tackles so far this season.