Premier League Week 1: Standout Stats

The 2013-14 English Premier League is thankfully back in full swing.

With the first weekend of the campaign in the books, there are plenty of statistics to look over. Here are some of the more notable numbers from the first Saturday and Sunday of the 2013-14 EPL.

Manchester United and Robin van Persie Up to Old Tricks

Reigning English Premier League champions Manchester United did not skip a beat in their first match under new manager David Moyes.

The Red Devils dropped four goals in a road match against Swansea City, picking up right where they left off from last season.

After leading the 2012-13 English Premier League in goals scored, the Red Devils scored the most goals in the first weekend of the 2013-14 campaign. The EPL’s top scorer last season, Robin van Persie, earned a brace on the afternoon, reminding world football why he is one of the best strikers on the planet.

He is tied atop the leading scorer’s list in the English Premier League after the first weekend of fixtures.

The Dutchman also uncorked seven total shots, the highest figure on the weekend.

In short—van Persie and Manchester United are rolling once again.

Christian Benteke’s Eventful Afternoon

Aston Villa’s 3-1 road victory against Arsenal was certainly one of the shocks of the opening weekend of the English Premier League.

At the heart of the upset was of the play of Villa striker Christian Benteke.

Benteke lead Aston Villa in a number of statistical categories including goals (two), key passes (three), shots (five, no other player on Villa had more than one shot), shots on target (three), aerial duels won (14, no other player on Villa won more than two aerial duels), and total passes (42).

He also missed a penalty kick and was booked with a yellow card.

Benteke will be a player to keep an eye on in the 2012-13 English Premier League, particularly if Aston Villa can continue to surprise opponents and pick up points.

Chelsea Pepper Hull Goalkeeper

The Blues re-ignited the second Jose Mourinho era in style. 

Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Hull was a forgiving scoreline considering just how many shots the London based outfit fired on the afternoon.

Their 23 shots was the second highest total in the Premier League weekend behind only Liverpool (26).  It was also well beyond their average of 16.5 from last season.

Mourinho will hope for improved accuracy in their next match, though, as only 26 percent of their 23 total shots were on target (six). 

He will likely be pleased with the efficiency of Frank Lampard though.  The legendary Englishmen put four of his total shots on target.  

Data gathered from WhoScored?