Are these Manchester United and Tottenham stars the most disappointing performers of this Premier League season?

Add as preferred source on Google

Jamie Vardy

Talking of hangovers, Leicester and Vardy are certainly enduring one. For the team as a whole, the only way was down after pulling off one of the most remarkable sporting achievements of the past 100 years by winning the title. However, it is not unreasonable to suggest we expected better from Vardy. The former Fleetwood striker turned down a move to Arsenal in the summer, and only he could say whether the rumination this caused has affected him. His experience in Euro 2016 with England was one which doubtless drained him of some mental energy.

Vardy has scored only two goals this season, but it is likely that tactical nuances are more relevant than any mental distraction. Firstly, Riyad Mahrez has registered just one assist. There is a chicken and egg question to be asked here; has Mahrez missed out on assists because of Vardy’s poor finishing or has Vardy suffered from a paucity of service? There can be no doubt however, that the pair are not connecting as they did last year. Moreover, the purchase of Islam Slimani has slightly complicated Vardy’s position. He is yet to strike up a partnership with Slimani, with Claudio Ranieri admitting that Leicester’s forward line works best with Shinji Okazaki plus one of them. With sides sitting deep against the defending Champions, sometimes the aerial threat of Slimani is a better option.