Outside90’s Benn Mackie casts an eye over the five worst individual performances coming from the English Premier League last weekend.
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United vs Newcastle)
For someone with the pedigree of Wayne Rooney, you would not expect the striker to not have scored in over eight matches. Rooney did manage to put the ball in the back of the net from his first shot on target this season against the Geordies, only to be ruled offside. It has not been for lack of trying, but the Premier League veteran just has not looked up to the task of leading the Manchester United attack, stumbling to a goaless draw at Old Trafford.
The pressure is mounting on Rooney, who is in serious danger of losing a starting XI position as Louis van Gaal’s frustrations grow.
Key Stats
0 Goals
2 Shots on Target
2 Chances Created
Erik Lamela (Tottenham vs Leicester City)
What happened to the classy right-winger from Roma? A few seasons ago Erik Lamela was touted as the next big thing to come out of Argentina as he terrorised defences in the Italian Serie A. But at the weekend his display failed to capture any imagination and his creativity was lacking any substance. Tottenham were missing Christian Eriksen, giving Lamela the chance to impress Mauricio Pochettino, yet sadly he failed to contribute anything positive for a side low on confidence and was subbed in the 65th minute.
There are transfer rumours surrounding Lamela’s future in London’s North. If true, the Spurs will likely be looking to make the first deal possible.
Key Stats
0 Goals
1 Shot Off Target
9% Duels Won
Tim Howard (Everton vs Manchester City)
Everton battled against a ferocious Manchester City side who are still unbeaten this campaign. The Toffees showed industry and heart, but that counted for little as Tim Howard’s poor positioning allowed City to come away with the spoils. The American was beaten at his near post and let Aleksandar Kolarov open the scoring, before Samir Nasri sealed the win with a fine chip that left the Toffee’s goalkeeper clutching at thin air. Howard was shaky throughout the match, and was lucky his face blocked a shot by Jesus Navas which he had no idea about.
The Everton veteran will be hoping to gain form quickly with fixtures against Spurs and Chelsea just weeks away.
Key Stats
2 Goals Conceded
7 Saves
74% Distribution Success
John Terry (Chelsea vs West Bromwich Albion)
John Terry proved yet again that his old legs are starting to give way, nearly costing Chelsea three points by getting himself sent-off. The captain looked shaky as West Brom focused their attack down Chelsea’s right-side, unsettling the usually dependable partnership of himself and Branislav Ivanovic. The Chelsea skipper headed for the showers just after half-time when he brought down Salomon Rondon from behind. Jose Mourinho was livid on the touch line as he again blamed the officiating. Terry’s bad form and lack of communication is hurting Chelsea and the defence looks devoid of leadership at the moment.
Key Stats
1 Red Card
1 Tackle
4 Clearances
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Calum Chambers (Arsenal vs Liverpool)
Calum Chambers had a nightmare as Arsenal were very lucky to enter the half-time break of their match with Liverpool without conceding a goal. The young English defender was all over the place as the Reds’ forwards ran him ragged. Too many times Chambers gave away possession in dangerous areas, only to be saved by man of the match Petr Cech. Liverpool forward Christian Benteke was able to out-muscle Chambers for most of the match Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger will be hoping for swift returns for Per Mertesacker and Koscielny as the stand-in quickly proved he is not up to par.
Key Stats
9 Misplaced Passes
12 Clearances
53% Duels Won
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