The return of the Premier League threw up some rather unexpected results, both the big London clubs failed to win, Manchester United struggled to defeat Spurs and Liverpool needed a late-late winner from Coutinho to get their season rolling. There were some brilliant performances this game week as well, Leicester were fantastic against a hapless Sunderland team. Manchester City were just as good against West Bromwich Albion and West Ham deserve a special mention for beating Arsenal at the Emirates.
We look back at the Premier League games from the first week and judge the five worst performers, some of these choices might be surprising but their performances speak for themselves.
Thibaut Courtois
Courtois started the season with a big question mark about his decision making, there has always been a bit of a doubt regarding the Belgian’s ability to run out and play as a sweeper and he proved that inefficiency once again when he was sent off for fouling Gomis in the penalty area. That was coupled with a rather poor showing with his centre-back pairing, as they couldn’t keep out Andre Ayew’s equaliser as well, Chelsea can consider themselves lucky not to have lost the game.
Petr Cech
When one Chelsea goalkeeper does poorly, can another one be behind? Alright, Cech isn’t a Chelsea goalkeeper anymore and the man who was supposed to turn Arsenal into a Premier League winning team had a horrendous display in the loss against West Ham United. The former Chelsea player was at fault for both the goals which he conceded, not the best start to his career for the Gunners but he does have time to redeem himself.
Kyle Walker
Walker did score the opening goal of the Premier League season but that was no cause for celebration as he did it against his own goalkeeper. The right-back made a few mistakes leading up to the goal, he was actually ahead of the other wing-back when United won the ball on the left side of the pitch, which caused the Tottenham centre-backs to move out of position, leaving Rooney free. Walker then rushed back to tackle Rooney and instead of putting in a hard challenge, he somehow managed to squeeze the ball between goalkeeper and post.
Costel Pantilimon
Another goalkeeper, another poor display, Costel Pantilimon at one time was expected to dethrone Joe Hart for Manchester City, now while playing for Sunderland, he conceded four times against Leicester City. Sunderland were lucky to survive relegation last season and if Pantilimon continues to leak goals in, well him and his defence, then Sunderland could be in for another tough season this time around.
Christian Benteke
The big burly Belgian didn’t really set the world on fire on his debut for Liverpool and he did look a little out of place. The blame though doesn’t fall completely on Benteke, Liverpool did not play to his strengths and he barely threatened the Stoke City goal. Benteke though has to work harder in the attack for Liverpool, this game might have been a let off for the striker but if he continues playing in this manner, he could be another failed signing for Liverpool.