Alan Shearer snubs Chelsea stars in opening Premier League team of the week

Alan Shearer has omitted any Chelsea players from his first team of the week for the new Premier League season.

Frank Lampard’s side beat Brighton 3-1 on Monday, with goals from Jorginho, Kurt Zouma, and a Reece James rocket earning them all three points.

Timo Werner also impressed on debut, but there is no room for any Blues players, with Arsenal, Everton and Newcastle United dominating the XI.

The Premier League’s record goalscorer named Crystal Palace keeper Vicente Guaita in goal after he helped Roy Hodgson’s men to an opening day clean sheet and win vs Southampton.

Leicester defender Timothy Castagne, Arsenal debutant Gabriel Magalhaes, Wolves defender Romain Saiss and Lucas Digne from Everton make up the back four.

In midfield, Shearer opted for Magpies new-boy Jeff Hendrick, alongside Digne’s teammate Allan, who shone in the win over Tottenham. Willian finishes off the midfield trio after his star turn in Arsenal’s win at Fulham.

Mohamed Salah’s hat-trick, Jamie Vardy’s brace and Callum Wilson’s debut goal saw those three lead the line. While Mikel Arteta was given manager of the week for his side’s 3-0 win at Craven Cottage.

And it was Chelsea fans on social media who felt particularly aggrieved that none of their squad, particularly James, had made the cut.

“Reece James doesn’t play football then?” One disgruntled fan said in reply.

A second posted: “The man legit hates Chelsea,” while another tweeted: “I swear Shearer hates Chelsea. Does James plays rugby?”

“Pundits and Referees always treat Chelsea in this way. We should not be surprised. Imagine Castagne over Reece after Monday’s display,” a fourth said.

While a fifth claimed: “James scored a thunderbolt and had an assist too he’s not here, if it was Arnold, Shearer will pick him.”