by
It is no surprise to see Liverpool and Leeds heavily represented in the Premier League weekend’s worst XI. A few Man Utd players can count themselves lucky to miss out after being bullied for 90 minutes against Newcastle…
As always, the team is picked from match ratings on WhoScored.
GK: Illian Meslier (Leeds) – 5.18
The first of four Leeds players in this team, Meslier conceded four goals at the Emirates as his side were comprehensively beaten by Arsenal after a competitive first half. No goalkeeper had an absolute shocker this weekend, but the French youngster was the worst of the lot, just ahead of Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga.
RB: Luke Ayling (Leeds) – 5.38
That opening 45 minutes in north London were competitive until Ayling decided to kick Gabriel Jesus’ knee in the penalty box while lying on the ground. The Leeds captain conceded a spot-kick, committed two fouls, completed zero crosses and was given the runaround by Gabriel Martinelli for 90 minutes.
CB: Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool) – 5.80
Liverpool were also on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline on Saturday, despite going ahead. Man City battered Jurgen Klopp’s helpless players in one of the Citizens’ most difficult fixtures in the title run-in.
The algorithm usually loves players who win their aerial duels, which Konate did, but this has failed to save his blushes. The fact he didn’t make a single tackle must have been the difference-maker.
CB: Pascal Struijk (Leeds) – 5.96
Poor Leeds. They didn’t even play that bad at Arsenal, they just had a nightmare start to the second half and couldn’t get back into it.
LB: Andy Robertson (Liverpool) – 5.88
Man City’s forwards were at their scintillating best at the Etihad, even without Erling Haaland, and Robertson was one of many Liverpool players who couldn’t cope. I picked the Scottish left-back over Nathan Ake in my combined XI. I might have been wrong…
Robbo was dribbled past twice and misplaced eight passes out of his 25 attempted.
DM: Fabinho (Liverpool) – 5.94
Fabinho has been pretty rotten this season. Not so long ago, he was in the conversation with the Rodri and Casemiro but those conversations are no more.
He was lucky not to be booked after 10 minutes and was taken on three times as Kevin De Bruyne played as if the Brazilian wasn’t on the pitch.
CM: Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea) – 5.94
Wait, there were more than two Premier League matches this weekend? Apparently so.
Chelsea’s 2-0 loss at home to Aston Villa was the final straw for the club’s hierarchy, who relieved Graham Potter of his duties on Sunday evening.
Potter was not helped by the performance of Loftus-Cheek, who failed to make an impact on the game before being substituted in the 56th minute. The England midfielder completed one of his seven crosses, made zero tackles, interceptions, clearances or blocked shots.
READ MORE: Graham Potter sacking cheered by Chelsea fans; the coach should be dispensable
CM: Jack Harrison (Leeds) – 5.84
Back to normality with a Leeds player it is then. Harrison played in a central midfield role for Javi Gracia and was out of his depth. He made 68% of his passes, didn’t complete a dribble or make a tackle and was taken off after 84 minutes.
RW: Mykhaylo Mudryk (Chelsea) – 5.95
If this guy had any confidence right now, Potter might still be in a job. Mudryk missed two big chances, didn’t even attempt a cross and, like Loftus-Cheek, lasted 56 minutes in the fateful Villa loss.
Mudryk’s only goal contribution for the Blues was a lucky assist at Leicester. Arsenal fans must be feeling pretty smug right now, especially after they signed Leandro Trossard for pennies in comparison to the £60m-plus Chelsea paid for the Ukrainian winger.
ST: Theo Walcott (Southampton) – 5.86
Obviously Walcott is in the worst XI of the weekend after Mr. Ford wrote about his new lease of life under Ruben Selles.
The former Arsenal forward was anonymous before being taken off late on. He had one shot and three unsuccessful touches as Southampton lost a crucial match against West Ham.
LW: Marcus Rashford (Man Utd) – 5.72
Rashford had one of his worst games of the season at St James’ Park on Sunday and is somehow the only Man Utd player in this team.
Antony had a better game but was brought off instead of the England forward – who completed neither of his two attempted dribbles and had zero shots as he was kept quiet by Kieran Trippier.
