The Premier League landscape is starting to take shape as we’re slowly separating the contenders from the pretenders. Right now, Liverpool, winners of the 2019-20 season, are back on top of the pile, while Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Manchester City make up the rest of the top four.
Here at SBOTOP, we previously listed some of the under-the-radar players who caught our eye this season. But this time around, we’re going to cover the players who have disappointed so far.
And since these players play a key role for their respective teams, the hope is that they’ll regain their bearings sooner rather than later.
Marcus Rashford, Manchester United
Marcus Rashford was once the player Manchester United couldn’t do without because he managed to record a career-best 30 goals last term in all competitions, so the Red Devils management gave him a fat new contract that made him the highest earner in the team currently at £325,000 a week.
However, fast forward to today, and Erik ten Hag has run out of reasons to not drop Marcus Rashford in his starting XI because his form has massively dipped this year, with only two goals and three assists under his belt.
But more than his pedestrian numbers, it’s his diminishing work rate that irks Manchester United’s supporters. His anonymous performance against Newcastle United was probably the last straw, as he hasn’t started a match since then.
With Rashford out, ten Hag has deployed Alejandro Garnacho and Antony in the wings, while Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial have taken turns in the No. 9 role, which hasn’t done much to improve the team’s Premier League 2023 odds.
Aaron Ramsdale, Arsenal
Aaron Ramsdale’s immediate future with Arsenal is now in doubt after being essentially displaced by David Raya in the starting goalkeeper role, for reasons only Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff know.
He played in all 38 Premier League matches last season. But this year, he has only played five out of 16 league games, with his last start being a 1-0 result against Brentford last month.
With Euro 2024 on the horizon, Ramsdale will be keen to impress Gareth Southgate and co. for a spot in the English national team, and the only way for him to earn his roster spot is if he’ll have regular game time.
Ramsdale might get his wish granted as soon as the winter transfer window opens, as per the Premier League 2023 news, with Chelsea reportedly interested in acquiring him in January after Robert Sanchez is said to miss a couple of weeks after he suffered a knee injury against Everton last time out.
If the 25-year-old ever moves to Stamford Bridge, Ramsdale will become only the third player to transfer directly from Arsenal to Chelsea after Ashley Cole and Olivier Giroud.
Moises Caicedo, Chelsea
It’s safe to say that Chelsea have yet to see their return on investment in Moises Caicedo, their high-profile signing last summer. Chelsea paid a ton to acquire Caicedo from Brighton, and they signed the Ecuadorian immediately to an eight-year deal.
Caicedo’s Chelsea debut against West Ham United was described as a nightmare. He came on as a substitute, and in the 37 minutes he played, he recorded eight losses of possession, two fouls, one shot off target, one error leading to a shot, and one penalty conceded during the 3-1 defeat in the London Stadium.
And given his hefty price tag of £115 million, it’s baffling that he has yet to record a single goal or assist for the Blues in his 14 league appearances thus far.
Supporters over at Stamford Bridge will have to exercise patience with Caicedo, but he should only get better from here on out since he’s only 22 years old.
Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United
In contrast to Caicedo, Sandro Tonali was off to a dream start when he recorded the fastest goal by an Italian on his Premier League debut against Aston Villa.
Other than his goal in the 6th minute, the former AC Milan man had 66 touches with a passing accuracy of 89-per cent, delivered three crosses, won three duels, and recorded one tackle and one interception.
However, three months later, Tonali is out of the Magpies’ lineup indefinitely since he was slapped with a 10-month ban from football for breaking betting rules.
With Tonali unavailable, Eddie Howe has regularly played a midfield trio of Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton, while Lewis Miley has started a couple of games since Longstaff was injured.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
