Arsenal summer signings among worst debutants in Premier League
Having already highlighted the debutants with the highest WhoScored ratings from the opening round of Premier League fixtures, it’s time to look at those at the opposite end of the spectrum. While the likes of Jorginho and Naby Keita flourished, other summer signings weren’t so fortunate. Of new signings that got at least 45 minutes of playing time under their belt over the weekend, here are the six lowest WhoScored rated players.
Matteo Guendouzi (Arsenal) – 6.29 rating
Unai Emery was unfortunate that his first game in charge of Arsenal came against champions Manchester City, while his new signings were also taught a harsh reality. 19-year-old Matteo Guendouzi was thrown in at the deep end against Pep Guardiola’s side, and while he never shied away from the action, he did make quite a few mistakes in central midfield. A mistimed challenge on halfway allowed Sergio Aguero through on goal, only for Petr Cech to save the teen’s blushes with an important save.
Sokratis (Arsenal) – 6.25
The second of three Arsenal signings is Sokratis, who struggled to keep up with the pace and energy of City’s vibrant attack. The 30-year-old only made one tackle and was shown a yellow card for a cynical tackle on Sergio Aguero just as the deadly Argentine looked to have danced his way into the Arsenal penalty area. There weren’t too many positives for Emery to take from his display at the Emirates.
Jonny (Wolves) – 6.12
Wolves’ decision to sign Jonny and sell Barry Douglas raised eyebrows over the summer and the former would have hoped to make a better start to life in the Premier League. Douglas was immense for Wolves in the Championship last season, particularly going forward, but Jonny was not able to influence proceedings in the same way against Everton on Saturday. The 24-year-old only managed one shot and failed to complete a single dribble or key pass.
Andre Schurrle (Fulham) – 6.03
Fulham’s ability to prise Andre Schurrle back to west London was a coup but the Cottagers will hope for rapid improvements from the Germany international. Schurrle finished the opening weekend as Fulham’s lowest rated player from the 14 used by manager Slavisa Jokanovic before being hauled off just after the hour mark. The 27-year-old failed to manage a shot or complete a dribble, only carving out one key pass during his underwhelming time on the pitch.
Stephan Lichtsteiner (Arsenal) – 5.88
Brought on midway through the first half to replace Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Stephan Lichtsteiner spent his time on the pitch arguing with Manchester City players and the referee. He was involved in a lengthy altercation with Aymeric Laporte, while also committing two fouls during his 55-minute display. Admittedly deployed on the wrong flank, the experienced right-back failed to complete a tackle or an interception and was even flagged offside twice when given the chance to advance forward.
Ryan Fredericks (West Ham) – 5.50
An opening league match away to Liverpool was always going to be tough for West Ham and their new signings and that is exactly how Sunday’s match panned out, with the Hammers slipping to a 4-0 defeat. Offered little protection by Michail Antonio in front, Ryan Fredericks endured a miserable debut for West Ham up against Sadio Mane, who netted twice. Part of a defence that shipped four goals, Fredericks only managed one tackle and failed to complete a interception on his way to securing the lowest WhoScored rating in the Premier League of all the summer signings to debut for their new clubs.
