1. Alvaro Morata
After a dazzling start to the season last year, Morata fizzled out as the campaign went on. The goals dried up and the injuries piled on. He ended the season with a somewhat underwhelming return of 11 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League.
This season under new boss Sarri, the striker was being predicted to be pushed on to the standards that he is well capable of. The opening month has, however, been underwhelming again for the Spanish striker. He has so far scored only once in the last 4 games and has been substituted off pretty early at often times.
Chelsea have been good as a team but most of the goals so far most have been scored by the wingers in the side. Oliver Giroud is looking to come up as the main center-forward in the team and might just be successful in doing so if Morata’s current form continues.
2. Eric Bailly – Manchester United
Manchester United problems began early in preseason when they failed to get a reinforcement at center back- something that Jose Mourinho so desperately wanted. The opening weeks of the season have gone by and it is evident why the manager was so desperate.
United conceded 7 goals in the opening three games, a stat that is baffling since Mourinho’s sides are usually so good at the back. Ivorian defender Eric Bailly was largely at fault for a shaky display in defense. While United’s other defenders save for Luke Shaw haven’t been any better, Bailly stands out because of his inherent quality and the usual expectations that surround him at the club. Seeing him struggle at the back was a worrying feature for the club’s fans.
ManUtd did manage their first clean sheet against Burnley, but Bailly only came on as a late substitute. The season is a long one and the manager has to make do with the players he’s got. Bailly for one is an extremely talented player and needs to rediscover his form to help stabilize a fledgling United side.
3. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – Arsenal
The Gabonese striker would have heaved a sigh of relief after scoring his first goal of the season against Cardiff before heading into the international break. His form in the opening games was wretched, to say the least where he had missed sitters, especially in the game against Chelsea. This after him being one of the most hyped players going into the season.
And for good reason- Aubameyang has been a goal machine for his previous club Dortmund and scored nearly a goal a game when he arrived at Arsenal in January. It was hence, tough seeing the Arsenal striker fluff his lines in important games.
Arsenal have gotten back to back wins after a tough start and Aubameyang has finally managed opened his account. Gooners will be hoping that the goals from their striker flow in regularly from this point on in the season.