Premier League: Worst 11 of the Week
With man of the match awards and the EA SPORTS Index, we know who the best players during Matchday 8 were, but do we know who were the worst?
I'm talking about the players who were anonymous, who showed no determination, who were incompetent, who let down their teammates and whose antics became news.
Here is the Premier League Worst 11 of the week.
Goalkeeper: Mark Schwarzer
1 of 11Performance grade: D
The normally reliable Mark Schwarzer was caught between a rock and a hard place on several occasions as he misread the flight of the ball when coming out to punch.
The Australian looked very shaky.
Defender: Steven Taylor
2 of 11Performance grade: D
Cost his team a win when he gave away a foolish penalty. Steven Taylor didn't look comfortable throughout the game.
Defender: Àngel Rangel
3 of 11Performance grade: D
Àngel Rangel was run ragged by Anthony Pilkington.
By losing the matchup, Rangel effectively lost Swansea the game.
Defender: Garry Monk
4 of 11Performance grade: D
Looked lost in the centre.
Perhaps the early yellow card forced Garry Monk to be more tentative, and as a result, he was weak in both aerial and ground contests.
Defender: Steve Gohouri
5 of 11Performance grade: F
Steve Gohouri was the weak link in Wigan Athletic's defence, as the Ivorian switched on and off.
Remember last season, he was one of the centre-backs responsible in Wigan's 8-0 humiliation to Chelsea. A few weeks ago, it was his red card which ended any chance of beating Tottenham Hotspur.
Midfielder: Stewart Downing
6 of 11Performance grade: D
Another anonymous outing from Stewart Downing.
He really needs to step up his game because on current form, he should be on the bench, not in the starting 11.
What's peculiar about Downing not producing is that José Enrique is playing so well, so you'd think that the Spaniard's form would rub off on Downing—but it hasn't.
Midfielder: Park Ji-Sung
7 of 11Performance grade: D
Park Ji-Sung was in José Enrique's pocket for the majority of the game, and it would have stayed that way if not for Park being hauled off for Wayne Rooney.
Yes, Park did track back, but at the end of the day he is playing on an offensive position and offered no offence.
Seven successful passes in 69 minutes from the South Korean says it all.
Midfielder: Gabriel Obertan
8 of 11Performance grade: D
As Jonás Gutiérrez, Cheick Tioté and Yohan Cabaye asserted themselves on the pitch; Gabriel Obertan was missing in action.
Midfielder: Marouane Fellaini
9 of 11Performance grade: C
For someone of his ability, Marouane Fellaini can certainly do a lot more, but he was a passenger against Chelsea.
Also, his defending for John Terry's goal was woeful. No excuses because the Belgian is 6'4", so why didn't he put in a proper aerial challenge?
Midfielder: Stephen Ireland
10 of 11Performance grade: C
It's so unfortunate that at 25, Stephen Ireland's career is washed up.
He just looks a shade of himself, and has sold himself short as to why he should even get any game time.
I was reading a few comments from Aston Villa fans in reaction to their 4-1 loss to Manchester City. One fan essentially said with Ireland, Aston Villa were basically one man down.
That's much of an influence the Irish midfielder has had.
Forward: Emile Heskey
11 of 11Performance grade: C
Emile Heskey has good football IQ, is a selfless team player and a valuable squad member, but with him in the team, you're guaranteed a poor return rate.
He will not win you games.
