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The Premier League is back with a bang. The fan-filled stadiums also added to the thrill and emotion of the return of the English top flight. 34 goals were scored, and not a single game ended in a draw during the opening weekend of the Premier League.
Not every side's Premier League season started as they hoped
The 2021-22 Premier League season promised to be one of the most competitive in recent times. Not every side will be content in the manner the season has kicked-off for them. Some have surprised themselves by getting the win, but others will be extremely disappointed with their performance.
Football is a team sport. Nonetheless, one cannot deny an individual player's contribution on the pitch. It can be positive when a player turns the game on its head with individual brilliance. However, sometimes players just do not carry out the role they are assigned effectively, which harms the side's performance.
Considering this is the first game of the Premier League season, a lot of poor performances can be attributed to lack of match fitness. At times, players just have bad games, which is completely understandable. However, having a strong start to the season is every player's aim. Certain players who were not able to do well during the opening weekend have been ranked on this list:
#5 Ben White (Arsenal)
Ben White signed for Arsenal from Brighton ahead of the start of the season. The 23-year-old centre-back was highly rated owing to his strong performances in the Premier League in 2020-21. He was brought in to replace the outgoing David Luiz.
White's debut in an Arsenal shirt did not go according to plan. Going up against newly-promoted side Brentford, the Gunners were expected to come away with three points. However, the Premier League's new entrants shocked everyone by claiming a convincing 2-0 victory.
While Arsenal's attack was rendered toothless due to the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Lacazette, their defense did not live up to expectations either. White was partnered by Pablo Mari; both were tormented by Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo.
The defender did not attempt a single tackle in the game and was dribbled past twice. He did manage to make two blocks and two interceptions. White is known for his ability to dribble out of the back and ranked in the 92nd percentile among defenders in the top five leagues last season. However, he did not complete a single dribble against Brentford.
Ben White will be looking to improve on his performances as the Premier League season carries on and put his debut behind him.
#4 Emiliano Buendia (Aston Villa)
Emi Buendia has been signed by Aston Villa to replace the outgoing Jack Grealish. The 24-year-old attacker was one of Norwich's creative forces in the Championship in 2020-21 as well as the Premier League in 2019-20. His debut for his new side did not go as per plan either.
Aston Villa were touted to break into the top six of the Premier League in 2021-22. However, things have not gone according to plan for them, losing to newly promoted side Watford. From being 3-0 down, Villa came back fighting but lost 3-2.
Emi Buendia, who was given the famed number 10 kit, started as an attacking midfielder. The Argentine attempted just one shot throughout the game. He also completed just one dribble, while he used to complete 3.87 per 90mins on average for Norwich in the Premier League in 2019-20. None of his passes were shot-assists either.
Buendia's influence was completely negated by Watford's defense, as he did not have a single touch inside the penalty box. He was substituted for Bertrand Traore in the 71st minute by manager Dean Smith. It was a debut to forget for Buendia, who has to improve as the Premier League season carries on if he is to fill Grealish's shoes.
#3 Nathan Ake (Manchester City)
Nathan Ake is not a regular in the Premier League for Manchester City. Ever since signing from Bournemouth last season, his role in the side has not been cemented. However, with John Stones and Aymeric Laporte not entirely match fit, Ake was handed a start against Tottenham in the opening gameweek of the Premier League.
The 26-year-old defender had a tough afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Many fans expected this game to be a straightforward win for Manchester City. However, Steven Berwijn, Lucas Moura and Son Heung-min exploited Manchester City on the counter. Ake in particular was given a torrid time by the pacy Lucas Moura. Tottenham went on to win the game 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Son.
Ake completed just 83 per cent of his passes against Tottenham. For a Pep Guardiola-coached side, this is poor. In comparison, Ake completed 93 per cent of his passes in the Premier League last season.
The centre-back was also dribbled past once, failed to make a single interception and did not win a tackle. The Dutchman was also drawn out of position on many occasions, allowing the Spurs trio space to run in behind.
Ake also conceded the winning penalty in the Community Shield game against Leicester City. He has to improve in order to displace either Laporte or Stones from the starting line-up during the ongoing Premier League season.
#2 Raphinha (Leeds United)
Leeds United were not at their best when they faced Manchester United in the Premier League. In front of a packed-out Old Trafford, Leeds were humbled 5-1 by the hosts. While their defense was not up to the mark, their attack was poor too.
Raphinha joined Leeds from Rennes ahead of the 2020-21 Premier League season. After an exciting debut season where he managed six goals and nine assists, fans had high expectations of the 24-year-old winger this season. However, the first game of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign was one to forget for the Brazilian.
Raphinha is an exciting player, who is known to get fans out of their seats. However, he failed to recreate his magic against Manchester United. The Brazilian attempted just three dribbles and completed one, which is a lot lower than last season where he averaged 4.5 dribbles per 90mins. His total progressive distance per 90mins last season was 118.9, while it was merely 62 against the Red Devils. Raphinha also attempted two shots, none of which were on target.
All in all, it was a poor showing from Leeds United as a whole, along with Raphinha. To improve on Bielsa's debut Premier League season, where they finished ninth, the winger has to be more consistent.
#1 Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)
Riyad Mahrez was one of the most exciting players in the Premier League when he was at Leicester City. Ever since his move to Manchester City, he has evolved into a better all-round winger due to Pep Guardiola's system. However, the Algerian did not kick off the 2021-22 Premier League season on a high note.
Manchester City were the title favorites heading into the new campaign, but were defeated by Tottenham 1-0 in the opening game week. Their attack seemed disjointed, with Mahrez's poor game not helping.
The Algerian seemed low on confidence and was often not involved in possession. He also attempted just one dribble throughout the game. His average for the 2020-21 Premier League season was 3.41 per 90mins.
Mahrez also had just six touches inside the box. His ball control while attempting fancy skills was poor, which often led to him losing possession. The winger also attempted two shots, none of which were on target. His lethal left foot could not break the resilient Tottenham defense and he was eventually subbed off in the 78th minute.
Mahrez will be hoping to improve on his performance if he is to retain his spot in the Manchester City squad for the 2021-22 Premier League season. In a squad where there is an abundance of talent, the 30-year-old winger must ensure he picks up the pace.
