Premier League's top 5 disappointments last season

The public scrutiny, the constant assessment and the harsh criticism that comes along with being a professional footballer is an increasingly significant factor directing career paths. Not only performances on the pitch, but personal lives and conduct with media fashions the temperament of players which in turn affects the course of their careers. Add to that the pressure of values that are assigned to them in high profile, high cash transfers and the result is a player battling a price-tag and living to justify his place at the club. With so much pressure on the player, there are bound to be some breakdowns, some slumps of form and that is the focus of this article that looks at some players who have impressed in recent years but have gone through phases of uncertainty due their form or disturbed personal lives.

Arshavin - Arsenal

Bought as Arsenal’s most expensive player four years ago, Arshavin was a player full of promise and in his peak years. His arrival at Arsenal bucked the trend of Arsene Wenger’s exclusive investment in young inexperienced players. He had a memorable early game against Liverpool in which he scored all four goals to announce his arrival as the key member of that Arsenal squad. His contribution in Russia to Zenit was worthy of the 15 million price tag but the goals dried up for Arshavin after the first campaign. His creative usage of the ball and being at heart of Arsenal’s forward moves was only for a small spell after which he was forced to the sidelines and ultimately loaned back to Zenit. Arsenal have now parted way with him in order to boost their transfer kitty.

Mario Balotelli - Manchester City

The controversial striker who signed for Manchester City from Inter Milan in 2010 for $37.8 million was one of the many big-money players bought by City to boost their Premier League ambitions. It was a fresh chance for ‘Super Mario’ as his relationship with Mourinho at Inter was troubled at best. However, his goal scoring prowess meant that Roberto Mancini, who had worked with him earlier, put him at the head of his team. Balotelli had a stunning beginning to the season with City, including a stellar appearance against Manchester United in which he scored 2 goals and took the team to a memorable 6-1 win. However the season was not free of controversy either as he was charged for violent conduct for stomping on Scott Parker and continued to receive red cards. The season ended with City lifting the Premier League trophy but Balotelli fell out of favour with Roberto Mancini.

Balotelli’s time at City ended with a return to Inter rivals AC Milan where he has had a promising start. Considering the potential Mario had, the controversies beginning from fireworks in his house, throwing a dart at a youth team player and a car crash incident, have had a damaging effect on his time in England to say the least. The league will remember him for his antics rather than his on-field performances.

Fernando Torres – Chelsea

Torres for Liverpool and Torres for Chelsea have been poles apart. That statement defines the disappointment that the Spaniard has been at Stamford Bridge. With Jose Mourinho in charge, his career at Chelsea is likely to come to an expected end. His new destination is unlikely to be somewhere in the Premier League. Given that, it is surprising to look two years back at the Fernando Torres that rattled defences with his pace and accuracy. He formed a formidable partnership with midfield maestro Steven Gerrard, scoring loads of goals as compared to just 15 goals for his 82 league appearances at Chelsea.

Sergio Aguero – Manchester City

Perhaps a rather harsh inclusion in this list but Sergio Aguero’s dream season last year was followed by a lacklustre season in which his scoring rate dipped tremendously and he was unable to contribute in terms of assists. He had the support of the manager and perhaps nobody expected this dip of form. The injury at the head of the season was a disruption but that once accounted for, he was well short of his targets. Aguero was City’s spearhead player who should have ideally put in the 20-25 goals for his team as Robin Van Persie, Luis Suarez did for their teams. It was this failure which had to contribute greatly to City’s failure. He is however not likely to leave City and has enough time on his hands to consolidate on his reputation in the Premier League.

Emmanuel Adebayor – Tottenham

The forward has been on a tour of clubs, moving from Arsenal to Manchester City, then to loan spells at Real Madrid and Tottenham. His performance on loan at Tottenham last year with 17 goals earned him a 5 million move, and it seemed to suggest that he would make a career of reasonable longevity there. He had an eye for goal but all that seemed to disappear this season with 5 goals coming in 24 league matches. Adebayor is likely to be moved out again this season and his tour around the world may continue.

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