The Flops of the English Premier League Season So Far

More than half the season has gone, but it seems to have flown by.

As usual, Tottenham have flopped, Newcastle are in turmoil, United are on top, Arsenal are too inconsistent, and Chelsea's boss is under pressure. There have been shock and surprises, great moments and horrendous mistakes, heroes and villains.

Here, we take a look at the villains. Some have been injured, some unlucky, and some just plain awful.

Goalkeeper—Heurelho Gomes, Tottenham Hotspurs

There was only ever going to be one player occupying this position.

The undisputed King of Gaffes this season is Tottenham's 8 million pound goalkeeper, Heurelho Gomes. His greatest mistake came against Fulham, when he virtually threw the ball into his own net.

Whilst the Brazilian is capable of pulling off spectacular saves, he has made far too many errors, and Spurs must be wishing they had never let Paul Robinson go.

Right Back—Philip Degen, Liverpool

Degen and fellow list mate Andrea Dossena arrived in the summer, supposedly to solve Liverpool's full back problems. However Degen has spent so much time on the treatment table, some Red's fans are starting to wonder whether he actually exists.

Centre Back—Micah Richards, Manchester City

The City centre back received rave reviews last season, and seemed to have established himself as England's first-choice right back.

However, he has been a shadow of that player this season, as City's defence has been ripped apart time and time again. Now, manager Fabio Capello has overlooked him for his England team.

Centre Back—William Gallas, Arsenal

There is no doubting Gallas' talent, but it is his mouth which seems to get him into trouble more often than not.

He criticized his teammates publicly earlier in the season, and as a result was stripped of the captain’s armband by Arsene Wenger.

However, Arsenal's lack of options in defence means Wenger has had no choice but to restore his countryman to the team.

Left Back—Andrea Dossena, Liverpool

Whilst Rafa Benitez's rant at Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill of Manchester United has made all the headlines, the Spaniard's declaration that Dossena was "the best Italian left back in Italy" last season seems to have caused more shock amongst the Reds fans.

He has recently lost his place to youngster Emmanuel Insua, and the Kop are hardly going to be clamouring for a recall for Dossena.

Right Midfield—David Bentley, Tottenham Hotspurs

In the summer a number of clubs, including Liverpool, were clamouring for the signature of the "New Beckham."

Tottenham eventually stumped £15 million for his services, but he has done little to repay that fee.

A dipping volley against North London rivals Arsenal has been his biggest contribution.

Centre Midfield—Deco, Chelsea

The Portugese playmaker sparkled in the opening weeks of the season as Chelsea stormed to the top of the table.

But as Chelsea lost form, so did Deco, and the ex-Barcelona man now finds himself battling Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and John Obi Mikel for a place in Chelsea's midfield, with Michael Essien also set to return from injury soon.

Centre Midfield—Owen Hargreaves, Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson spent a year persuing the energetic midfielder, but Hargreaves has barely played this season due to a patellar tendonitis problem, which will keep him out for the rest of 2008-09.

Whilst it is far too early to classify a player of Hargreaves class as a failure at United, he has not started his career well, and when he returns, he will have to fight his way past Carrick, Anderson, Scholes, and Fletcher to get back into the starting line up.

Left Midfield—Giovani Dos Santos, Tottenham Hotspurs

Dos Santos arrived from Barcelona with a big reputation, and Spurs thought they had snagged a bargain.

But the Mexican does not seem built for the rough-and-tumble style of the Premier League, with Harry Redknapp seeming to prefer Dos Santos' fellow youngsters Aaron Lennon and Jamie O'Hara.

Striker—Didier Drogba, Chelsea

The Ivorian is indisputably one of the finest strikers in the world, and his powerful style of play has been crucial to Chelsea ever since his arrival in 2004.

However, he has missed most of this season through injury, and, after returning to the Chelsea team, he caused controversy by throwing a coin into the crowd against Burnley.

After a performance against United when Drogba seemed as though he simply didn't care anymore, it seems he may finally leave the club.

Striker—Robbie Keane, Liverpool

Liverpool paid £20 million for the Tottenham vice-captain, but he has netted just five times in the league.

He has, however, missed some absolute sitters, with the worst coming against Preston, when he really should have had three or four goals, and against Bolton, when he failed to touch the ball into an open goal.

The Best (or worst) of The Rest

Of course, these are not the only flops in the Premier League this season.

Honourable mentions must go to Boro's strike pairing of Alfonso Alves and Mido, Aston Villa's left back Nicky Shorey, Newcastle's invisible striker Xisco, Everton's Louis Saha, and Man City's Elano.