We pick the most disappointing XI from the Premier League action on New Year’s Day. SEE MORE:
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New Year’s Day was one of the most pulsating days of Premier League action so far this season, with Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton, in particular, earning memorable victories over Chelsea and Arsenal respectively. It wasn’t all good, however – this is our most disappointing XI from the ten fixtures played:
GK) Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal)
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny had a nightmare afternoon on the South Coast as he was at fault for both Southampton goals, rushing needlessly out of his goal for the first and kicking the ball straight to Dusan Tadic for the second. RB) Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
Chelsea right back Branislav Ivanovic has been one of the most impressive performers in the Premier League this season, but he was poor against Tottenham, struggling to offer anything in attack and ripped apart by the impressive Nacer Chadli. CB) Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
Chelsea central defender Gary Cahill had possibly the most calamitous individual display at the weekend as he was given a nightmare by Harry Kane – Cahill conceded a penalty and was very fortunate not to be sent off during the second half. CB) Per Mertesacker (Arsenal)
Arsenal centre back Per Mertesacker has struggled in decent weeks and he was poor again, despite the return of regular partner Laurent Koscielny. His dreadful attempt to get back on the line for Sadio Mane’s goal summed things up. LB) Leighton Baines (Everton)
Everton were very poor as a team as they lost their third successive game, this time at Hull City, but Leighton Baines in particular didn’t live up to the standards expected – he was at fault for Ahmed El Mohamedy’s opening goal.
RM) Kevin Mirallas (Everton)
Equally poor for Everton was winger Kevin Mirallas, who simply couldn’t get involved in the game at the KC Stadium as his side were well beaten by relegation contenders Hull City. CM) Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)
Usually a fixture in the best team of the week, rather than the worst one, Nemanja Matic had his worst game of the season as Chelsea were beaten 5-3 at Tottenham Hotspur – he couldn’t deal with the interchanging touches of Christain Eriksen, Harry Kane and Nacer Chadli. CM) Cheick Tiote (Newcastle United)
Usually one of Newcastle’s most dependable players, Cheick Tiote has been in such poor form lately that it will be a relief when he leaves for the African Nations Cup with the Ivory Coast. Utterly ineffectual against Burnley at St. James’ Park. LM) Lazar Markovic (Liverpool)
Another player who has been unable to live up to the standards set in recent weeks was Liverpool midfielder Lazar Markovic, who couldn’t get anything going as his side drew 2-2 with Leicester City at Anfield – before missing a glorious late chance to win it. SC) Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
Robin van Persie has tended to be very poor this season in games where he has been unable to find the back of the net – and that was the case again at Stoke City as the Dutchman offered very little to his side. SC) Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa)
The 0-0 draw between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace was the worst game of the day, and Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor was perhaps the worst offender – he was dreadful.