#5 Worst / most ineffective player(s):
(a) Michail Antonio
Match: Watford vs. West Ham United
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The Englishman received the first red card of his professional career against Watford in a feisty encounter at Vicarage Road.
Having gone into the referee’s book earlier for a needlessly silly high tackle, he flicked the ball while lying sprawled on the ground. Referee Craig Pawson had a clear view of the offence and immediately showed the player a second yellow, reducing the Hammers’ strength to 10 men during the vital closing stages.
The West Ham forward came close to scoring three and should have put away at least one from a delicious cross by Aaron Cresswell. The absence of clinical finishing in the final third cost his side two points in which the visitors were clearly the better side but failed to capitalise on their chances.
Antonio’s presence and pace is massive for Slaven Bilic’s men; as they took the fight to Watford in the dying minutes, they could have done with one of their main goal-scorers not to mention a full strength team to defend counterattacks.
(b) Artur Boruc
Match: West Bromwich Albion vs. AFC Bournemouth
West Brom came from a goal behind to snatch victory from an impressive Bournemouth. Eddie Howe’s side would rue the missed chances but most of all, individual errors continue to haunt the Cherries and prove to be their undoing.
On this occasion, it was keeper Artur Boruc whose feeble punch at an incoming cross from a corner fell kindly into the path of Gareth McAuley who made no mistake from two yards.
After taking an early lead through a Josh King penalty, the tie was evenly poised at 1-1, with Bournemouth’s attack managing to trouble the Baggies sufficiently.
But it all came to naught as Boruc gift-wrapped the 3 points and presented them to Tony Pulis’ men.
Honourable mentions: Ashley Barnes (vs. Hull City), Stewart Downing (vs. West Ham), Ryan Shawcross (vs. Tottenham Hotspur), Gini Wjnaldum (vs. Leicester City)
