The opening weeks of the Premier League season have seen several high-profile players struggling to replicate their impressive form from the previous campaign. As teams gear up for intense competition in the 2025/26 season, five players stand out as they attempt to find their rhythm. Below is an analysis of these players and the factors influencing their performances.
Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa
Aston Villa’s start to the season has been disappointing, currently sitting 13th in the league as we approach the October international break. Goals have been particularly elusive for the team, as they struggled to find the net in their first four matches. Despite securing back-to-back victories recently, the overall performance of key players has not matched last season’s standards.
Ollie Watkins epitomizes this struggle. The striker, who tallied an impressive 56 goals and assists over the previous two seasons, has managed only one goal in his first seven appearances this season. This underperformance has not gone unnoticed; although he has retained his place in the England squad, Watkins must elevate his game to contribute significantly to Villa’s ambitions this year.
Antonee Robinson – Fulham
Last season, Antonee Robinson stood out as a crucial player for Fulham. He finished as the Premier League’s leading defender in assists, with an impressive total of 10, only trailing a handful of attacking players in contributions. However, this season has seen a drastic change in Robinson’s fortunes.
Despite undergoing knee surgery over the summer, Robinson returned to first-team action in August yet has not started a single Premier League match. Across three substitute appearances, he has accumulated only 61 minutes of play. The absence of his creativity and defensive contributions has been a noticeable gap for Fulham, who rely heavily on his ability to support both defense and attack.
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
Mohamed Salah has long been recognized as one of the finest players in the Premier League. Nevertheless, this season has seen him depart from his usual prolific form. While a tally of four goal involvements in seven games would be satisfactory for most players, this figure falls considerably short of Salah’s historically high standards.
During his recent performances, his statistics—such as shots, key passes, dribbles, and fouls won—have dropped significantly. Changes in team personnel may contribute to Salah’s struggles, but concern looms that he might be approaching a decline at the age of 33. His pivotal role in Liverpool’s attacking strategy relies not just on his individual brilliance but also on his synergy with teammates, which currently seems disrupted.
Ibrahima Konate – Liverpool
Joining Salah in this reflective analysis is his teammate Ibrahima Konate. The French defender played a vital role in Liverpool’s title-winning squad last season but has appeared considerably off his game this year. With multiple errors leading to shots already, and criticism regarding his distribution, the towering presence that Konate provided in defense looks somewhat diminished.
Rumors regarding his contract status and potential transfer have added pressure, possibly contributing to his shaky performances. In a league that demands consistency and composure, the visible drop in Konate’s form poses a concern for Liverpool as they strive to maintain their competitive edge.
Chris Wood – Nottingham Forest
Rounding out our list is Chris Wood, who was instrumental in Nottingham Forest’s successful bid for European qualification last season, netting 20 league goals in what was his best Premier League season to date. His campaign started promisingly with a double against Brentford on opening weekend, but the tide has since turned sharply.
Since that inaugural match, Wood has not scored again, registering six consecutive blanks as Forest struggles to secure victories. The emergence of new signing Igor Jesus, who has been making waves in cup competitions, adds to the pressure on Wood to rediscover his goal-scoring touch. His ability to overcome this slump is critical not just for his own career trajectory but for Forest’s aspirations in this season.
Conclusion
As we assess the performances of these five Premier League players during the early part of the 2025/26 season, it’s clear that several factors contribute to their struggles. Whether it be changes in the team dynamic, injury recoveries, or pressures stemming from expectations, these players face significant challenges.
Indeed, form in football is often cyclical, and with the intensity of the Premier League, both teams and individual players must adapt quickly to stay competitive. For fans and analysts alike, the hope remains that these stars can recapture the magic of last season, leading their teams back into contention for exciting performances and accolades. As October progresses, the clock is ticking for these players to turn their fortunes around and deliver the exhilarating football that puts them on the map.
