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The English Premier League never fails to amaze us and Gameweek seven was no different. The week was filled with drama, with most of the top teams failing to register all three points. Manchester United were held 1-1 away against Everton while Arsenal and Brighton fought it out in a goalless encounter.
The most entertaining clash was between heavyweights Liverpool and Manchester City. Both teams played some quality football and in the end, they were unseparable in the 2-2 draw.
With the top teams losing out on three points, Chelsea emerged victorious against Southampton as they won 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. Their victory saw them rise up in the Premier League table and claim top spot after seven gameweeks. They are at the top of the league table with 16 points followed by Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton.
Tottenham Hotspur gained some momentum with their 2-1 win against Aston Villa after losing their last three Premier League games. They are in 8th spot with 12 points while their arch rivals Arsenal are in 11th spot with 10 points.
While some superstars like Mo Salah and Phil Foden made their mark in Gameweek seven, there are players who performed below their potential. That being said, let us take a look at 5 players who underperformed in the seventh gameweek of the Premier League.
#5 Harry Kane
After a failed transfer to Manchester City in the summer transfer window, Harry Kane looks far from his best. The forward is enduring a sticky spell at the moment and has yet to open his account for the 2021-22 campaign in the Premier League.
Kane was again kept quiet by Aston Villa defenders and despite Tottenham's crucial win, it was a performance far below his standards. Kane being out of form was one of the reasons for Spurs' lackluster display in front of goal despite winning against Aston Villa.
It is his longest goalless streak in the Premier League since the 2015-16 campaign and remains a major concern for Tottenham.
#4 Virgil Van Dijk
While Jurgen Klopp's spirited Liverpool side remain unbeaten in the Premier League, Virgil van Dijk is still far from his very best. Van Dijk was Liverpool's best player when the Reds won the Premier League in 2019-20 after a long wait. Unfortunately, the Dutchman was out due to a long injury in the 2020-21 season, which saw Manchester City reclaim the Premier League title that year.
In Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Manchester City in Gameweek seven, Van Dijk and co. were constantly dominated by their opponents. Van Dijk leads Liverpool's defense but there are still some flaws which were utilized by City forwards.
Since returning from injury, Van Dijk has played in all seven games in the Premier League this season. But it looks like he will take some time to regain his old form.
#3 Michail Antonio
West Ham star Michail Antonio has started the Premier League campaign in explosive form but was unable to help his team secure a point against Brentford. Brentford scored an injury time goal to help seal their win over West Ham in their latest Premier League clash.
Antonio has already racked up six goals and three assists in the 2021-22 league campaign. But the striker was hardly at his best against Brentford with the opponent defenders not providing him with space throughout the 90 minutes. Due to his current form, he is expected to score but the match turned out drastically different for the striker.
West Ham are 9th in the Premier League table with 11 points after their defeat in Gameweek seven.
#2 Edinson Cavani
Manchester United managed a 1-1 draw against a depleted Everton side in the seventh gameweek of the Premier League. Edinson Cavani was given a rare start as Ole Gunner Solskjaer decided to keep Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench for the encounter.
After the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, it's obvious that Edinson Cavani's chances will be limited. But despite getting a start, Cavani failed to impress against Everton. The Uruguayan striker was kept at bay by Rafa Benitez's side with the Everton defense not allowing Cavani to get into shooting positions.
Cavani was tightly marked throughout the game and failed to help his teammates with his towering presence in the box. The veteran striker is not getting any younger but he is expected to find the back of the net more often than not.
#1 Raphael Varane
Raphael Varane's summer transfer from the Spanish capital to Manchester United came with high expectations due to the stature of the player. The Frenchman is yet to hit the ground running and he was unable to help the Red Devils keep a clean sheet against Everton.
Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford with Andros Townsend canceling out Anthony Martial's initial strike. Rafa Benitez's team kept knocking at the Manchester United defense throughout the game, ultimately finding their equalizer.
United's defense still looks disorganized with Varane and the Frenchman was once again troubled against Everton. It goes without saying that Varane's performance was way below his standards. He needs to improve and get used to the pace and power of football in the Premier League.
