'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Barclays Premier League never ceases to amaze us and the new season has been no different. Just two weeks into the 2015/16 season and we have already witnessed some sensational results and spectacular goals.Defending champions Chelsea have had a tough start to the season garnering just one point from their first two matches. The sacking of Eva Carneiro and the crushing defeat to title rivals Manchester City have dominated headlines and Jose Mourinho will hope the Blues can find their feet quickly if they are to retain the title. Manchester City, on the other hand, have made a flying start to the campaign winning both their games, amassing six goals and two clean sheets in the process.Manchester United and Liverpool have not been at their sharpest, but both clubs have also made a perfect start to this season. Elsewhere, Arsenal were also back to winning ways after their opening day blip, coming from behind to emerge victorious at Selhurst Park last weekend.The likes of David Silva, Vincent Kompany, Bafetimbi Gomis, Matteo Darmian have made impressive starts to the new season. But, there are some prominent names who have still not come to the party and their respective teams would desperately need them to fire. So, let us have a look at some key players who are crucial to their club’s success but have not been able to get off their heels yet this season.
#1 John Terry- Chelsea
It was just three months back that John Terry lifted his fourth Premier League crown with Chelsea. Little did he know that just two games into the new season, questions about his future at the club would start coming to the fray.
The former English international was substituted at half-time last weekend after an average performance against Manchester City. This was, incidentally, the first time the Chelsea skipper had been substituted under Jose Mourinho, after playing as many as 176 games under the Portuguese manager. Chelsea's continuing interest in John Stones further adds fuel to the ongoing debate about Terry’s future.
Although Mourinho specified exactly why he took off Terry last weekend, it would be fascinating to see how the maverick manager goes about handling his captain this term.
#2 Branislav Ivanovic- Chelsea
The big Serb played a vital part for Chelsea last season at the back as well as going forward. However, come the new season, the 31-year old has been struggling for form both ways. It was a day to forget for Ivanovic on the opening weekend as he battled unsuccessfully to keep up with Swansea winger Jefferson Montero.
The right-back was even more dismal against Manchester City last weekend being responsible for the second and third goals. Vincent Kompany easily shrugged off the muscular defender to head in the vital second goal, while the Serbian's half-hearted clearance rebounded to fall nicely for Fernandinho, who netted the third.
With new boy Baba Rahman set to make his first Chelsea appearance, Cezar Azpilicueta looks likely to replace Ivanovic at right-back this weekend.
#3 Wayne Rooney- Manchester United
The Manchester United skipper was the top scorer for the Red Devils last season, even though he was occasionally made to play in the midfield. But Rooney, who is now back in his favorite position, looks far from finding the back of the net, failing to yet to record a shot on target.
After the departures Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao, Rooney is the lone senior striker in the team and Louis van Gaal will surely expect more from his main man. Scoring just twice, Manchester United have looked fragile in the opening couple of games and Rooney has to majorly share the brunt for the lack of goals.
With just two weeks remaining before the transfer window closes, it remains to be seen if van Gaal is forced to go into the market for another striker owing to Rooney’s indifferent form.
#4 Petr Cech- Arsenal
Petr Cech came to Arsenal following a successful tenure on the other side of London and the fans were optimistic that he would be the man who would solve the Gunners' goalkeeping woes. The Community Shield victory against his former club Chelsea added to the optimism.
But, two games into his Premier League career with Arsenal, Cech has looked a shadow of his past self. The 33-year old seemed extremely vulnerable during the opening day defeat to West Ham, being responsible for both goals. Though Arsenal managed to come out victorious against Crystal Palace, the Czech international was unable to keep a clean sheet for the second time running.
As the trip to Liverpool beckons, Arsene Wenger will hope his ace keeper would find some much-needed confidence in front of goal.
#5 Eden Hazard- Chelsea
Chelsea's horrendous start to the season has forced another Blues’ name into this unpopular list. Expectations were riding high on Eden Hazard after a remarkable season last year en route winning the PFA Player Of The Year award.
Still early days into the new season, but the Belgian has struggled to live up to his potential this term. The attacking midfielder has hardly been involved in the game, creating just four chances in the opening two matches while registering just two shots on goal.
His partnership with Diego Costa was lethal last season in bringing the title back to London and Chelsea will hope that the 24-year old gets quickly back to his proficient best if they are to turn around their abysmal run of form this campaign.
