The first month of the EPL has had its highs and lows. Teams such as Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City have led the way in terms of results. Surprise results such as Man Utd’s loss to Brighton, Man City’s draw against Wolves and Spurs defeat to Watford have shown that the EPL is as unpredictable as ever.
Many players carried high expectations going into the season and have failed to deliver in the opening games. While the campaign is long and arduous, we would undoubtedly be hoping for better performances from these big names.
Here is our selection of the biggest disappointments of the FPL season so far. Players have the hype that surrounded them before the season and their general performances.
5 Alvaro Morata – Chelsea
After a dazzling start to the season last year, Morata fizzled out as the campaign went on. The goals dried up and the injuries piled on. He ended the season with a somewhat underwhelming return of 11 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League.
This season under new boss Sarri, the striker was being predicted to be pushed on to the standards that he is well capable of. The opening month has, however, been underwhelming again for the Spanish striker. He has so far scored only once in the last 4 games and has been substituted off pretty early at often times.
4 Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – Arsenal
The Gabonese striker would have heaved a sigh of relief after scoring his first goal of the season against Cardiff before heading into the international break. His form in the opening games was wretched, to say the least where he had missed sitters, especially in the game against Chelsea. This after him being one of the most hyped players going into the season.
And for good reason- Aubameyang has been a goal machine for his previous club Dortmund and scored nearly a goal a game when he arrived at Arsenal in January. It was hence, tough seeing the Arsenal striker fluff his lines in important games.
3 Andriy Yarmolenko – West Ham
The Ukrainian winger arrived amidst much excitement at the Hammers among a number of other big-name signings. This along with new Manager Manuel Pellegrini created an environment of optimism around the East London club.
However, after 4 games and 4 losses, West Ham lie at the bottom of the table. Their star winger is yet to start a game or give any attacking return as the club further runs into a tough set of fixtures.
2 Fred – Manchester United
Another United player on the list. Fred can perhaps be excused as he is yet to settle into his new team and adapt to the Premier League. But the Brazillian’s irrelevance in United’s midfield has been a sign of worry for some supporters.
Fred is known as a tenacious midfielder who has a keen eye for a forward pass as well as having the talent to tackle effectively. However, his understanding of the new league was put to the test in the opening games and he could not put in much of an impact for his team.
1 Ryan Sessegnon – Fulham
Fans were certainly hoping a lot more from the young player being touted as the next Gareth Bale or a Marcelo. Sessegnon had an astounding season for Fulham in the championship where he scored 16 goals and provided 8 assists, leading his team into the Premiership.
Still only 18, the youngster came into the EPL with much hype and expectations. Let’s just say, there is still a lot to see from the English defender/winger. He started the first two games, even providing an assist for Mitrovic before being used only as a substitute in the next two. Andre Schurrle seems to be getting preference on the left wing over Sessegnon at the moment.