We look at Premier League players who were expected to thrive but have failed to perform according to expectations.

Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)        

The Englishman arrived with plenty of expectation following an incredible spell at Borussia Dortmund that saw him rack up goals and assists for fun, but it hasn’t worked out so far at Old Trafford.

The huge transfer fee of £72m was seen as excessive by some, but a bargain by others who had seen his talent in Germany. However, around 9 months in, and it’s been underwhelming so far.

He could come good, and by all accounts he will improve, but to have just 3 goals and 2 assists in 28 League and Europe appearances, isn’t good enough.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)

Now released to Barcelona, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has made this list due to sub par performances where he scored four goals in over 1,000 league minutes for the Gunners, and was also stripped of his captaincy due to indiscipline

Since being handed a bumper new contract, the Gabonese failed to replicate his exploits in front of goal and failed to lead by example leading to his exit from the Gunners. However, the forward, if motivated, can be a smart signing for Barcelona and he has made a promising start for Blaugrana.

Joe Willock (Newcastle United)

Joe Willock netted eight goals in 8 matches last season on loan from Arsenal creating a record and playing a huge role in helping Newcastle avoid the drop.

Newcastle saw enough to pay Arsenal £25m for his services. Since making the move permanent in the summer, Willock has struggled failing to score or assist for 16 matches.

Willock has scored in his last 2 Premier League Matches and has looked better under Howe than under Bruce. However, for the Magpies for the move to work the former Arsenal midfielder needs to contribute more in Newcastle’s run in.

Harry Maguire (Manchester United)

After a brilliant Euro 2020, where Harry Maguire was one of the best defenders in the competition as England finished second, he was supposed to carry the form for the Red Devils.

However, the 28-year-old has endured a disastrous season so far being guilty of a number of individual errors which have cost Man Utd.

Indeed, at the beginning of November, it was reported that he was directly responsible for NINE goals that Man Utd had conceded in 2021-22, highlighting his dismal form.

The former Leicester defender has struggled with his positioning and decision making and Man Utd fans will hope for an improved performance as the race for top 4 hots up.

Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)

Romelu Lukaku was supposed to be the final piece of the jigsaw for Tuchel’s Blues in their pursuit of the Premier League title, especially after Lukaku’s brilliant performances in Italy where he led Inter to the Scudetto. However, the 28-year-old has struggled for form on his return to Chelsea managing just 7 goals in 21 appearances in League and Europe. The Belgian also had a well-publicized fall-out with Tuchel and his performances reached a nadir recently against Crystal Palace managing just 7 touches in the match.

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