We pick an XI of Premier League stars who let their sides down this weekend.
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Liverpool player ratings against Arsenal
Arsenal player ratings against Liverpool
With nine Premier League fixtures now having had their final whistles blown this weekend, with just Chelsea’s trip to Stoke City on Monday night to go, we’ve picked our worst XI of the final round of games before Christmas:
GK) Brad Jones (Liverpool)
It’s been a pretty good weekend for goalkeepers, with no notable errors having been made, so Jones makes it in for the sheer lack of authority that he has and the jitters he puts through his defence. We never thought we’d say this, but bring back Mignolet.
RB) Calum Chambers (Arsenal)
All of Liverpool’s dangerous attacks in the 2-2 draw at Anfield seemed to come down Arsenal’s right, with Chambers struggling to deal with the link up play of Lazar Markovic and Philippe Coutinho.
CB) Kolo Toure (Liverpool)
The experienced Ivorian looked all over the place during the draw with Arsenal and was fortunate that the Gunners did not take advantage of his indecision more effectively.
CB) Michael Keane (Burnley)
On loan at Burnley from Manchester United, Michael Keane didn’t have the best afternoon as the Clarets lost at Spurs, with Keane looking clumsy and indecisive.
LB) Leighton Baines (Everton)
A more regular feature in the best team of the week, Baines was poor at Southampton as the Saints took advantage of the space his forward runs left and the England international lost his personal battle with Nathaniel Clyne.
RM) Jesus Navas (Manchester City)
His side may have strolled to a 3-0 victory in the end, but it was in spite of rather than thanks to Jesus Navas, whose final ball was dreadful all game.
CM) Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Gerrard has been a liability at times for Liverpool this season and was exposed again as he gave the ball away regularly – including for Olivier Giroud’s goal.
CM) Cheick Tiote (Newcastle United)
Tiote is usually the kind of aggressive, industrious player who is perfect for a North East derby, but the Ivorian was completely ineffective as Adam Johnson stole the points in injury time.
LM) James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion)
The Scottish international is usually dependable for West Brom but he was all over the place at Loftus Road, conceding a needless penalty and looking clumsy in possession throughout.
SC) Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
Van Persie has enjoyed something of a return to form in recent weeks, but he missed United’s best chances to turn a draw at Villa Park into a victory.
SC) Fabio Borini (Liverpool)
Borini was sent on to try and rescue the game for his team but only succeeded in getting a ridiculous red card. Hopeless.