Following a shaky start for new Manchester City goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo, we take a look at some of the worst debuts to grace English football.
Manchester City’s Fernandinho and Claudio Bravo
The Manchester derby is always one of the most highly anticipated games of the year, and with the growing strength or the Manchester sides, the latest tie was billed as one of the greatest ever. Whilst Manchester City dominated for the majority of the first-half, racing into a two goal lead, it would be debutant, Claudio Bravo, that gifted arch-rivals Manchester United a goal before half-time and a route back into the game.
The spot-light was on Bravo after the high-profile departure of City legend Joe Hart, and the pressure definitely told, making a number of mistakes under the weight of United’s high octane pressing in the second half. Fortunately for Bravo, only one of his mistakes would be punished, and Manchester City managed to hold on to claim all three points.
Manchester City’s Claudio Bravo fumbles the ball before Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores their first goal
Bravo can take some solace in the fact that his debut, whilst unconvincing, was by no means the worst introduction to English football. Here we take a look at some of the worst debuts in the history of English football.
Emmanuel Frimpong (Barnsley vs. Sheffield Wednesday)
Debuts are often a time for excitement, as fans keenly anticipate their new man’s unveiling, and finally get to see what he can do.
But after moving to Barnsley from Arsenal in 2014, Frimpong had evidently never heard that first impressions count, announcing on his Twitter that his move to the “unfashionable club” would affect his performance with the opposite sex.
If this wasn’t enough, Frimpong, who had been sent-off on his Arsenal debut, would last only 31 minutes, picking up a booking for persistent fouling on the 24th minute, he would be given his marching orders for yet another foul only seven minutes later.
Frimpong would be released only four months later as Barnsley were relegated.
Doncaster Rovers’ Jordan Bowery in action against Barnsley’s Emmanuel Frimpong
Ali Dia (Southampton vs. Leeds United)
Yes it’s that man again, Ali Dia lived every pub footballer’s dream as he convinced then Southampton manager Graeme Souness that he was the decorated cousin of World Player of the Year, George Weah.
After just a couple of minutes, it was evident that Dia’s claims had been fraudulent, with Southampton legend, Matthew Le Tissier, describing Dia as “Bambi on ice.” After being subbed on in the 20th minute, Dia would only last 32 minutes, being substituted again after half-time.
Dia was released just two weeks later.
Jason Crowe (Arsenal vs. Birmingham City)
The League cup has been a terrific stomping ground for Arsenal debutants in the past, but, unfortunately for Jason Crowe, his introduction to English football would be one of the worst ever.
Crowe, who had waited patiently in the wings as veteran Lee Dixon continued to command a starting berth, was finally given his chance in the League cup against Birmingham City. Perhaps with a little too much adrenaline pumping through his veins, Crowe was sent off after just 33 seconds, fouling Martin O’Connor, and earning himself the record for the quickest debutant sending off in English football history.
Jason Crowe would never turn out for Arsenal again.
Jason Crowe – Picture Supplied by Action Images
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