The Worst Individual Performance in Premier League History?

There's been some poor Premier League performances through the years. Arguably too many to count. But there are a few distinct shit shows that really stick out:

Steven Gerrard vs Manchester United in 2015.

Wout Faes vs Liverpool in 2022.

Djibril Cisse vs West Ham in 2008.

But above all else, there is a performance that I think was so dire that it deserves its own category: Jonathan Walters vs Chelsea in 2013. 

European Champions Chelsea travelled to play a Stoke side that were on a 17-game unbeaten run at home. 

The task would be no easy feat even for a team of Chelsea's quality, with Stoke at the time being known for their rigid defence and set-piece prowess. 

These claims were backed up for the majority of the first half as Chelsea really struggled to break down the stubborn Stoke defence. Stoke themselves had some great chances, namely Steven N'Zonzi's headed effort via a corner in the 17th minute. 

But as the referee's watch struck the thirty-minute mark, Chelsea started to find their groove. Efforts from Ramires, Hazard and Demba Ba made it look like it was only a matter of time before one of the Blues' starlets broke the deadlock.

But it wasn't one of Chelsea's attackers to get the opening goal. In fact, it wasn't a Chelsea player at all. 

It was Jonathan Walters. On his 100th Stoke appearance, no less. 

With two minutes of added time played in the first half, a cross from Azpilicueta floated into the Stoke box, seemingly aimed at Juan Mata. Walters knew he had to get something on it, but got far too much on it, slotting a Van Persie-esque header past an off-balance Asmir Begovic. 

Speaking to Steve Sidwell and Tubes for the 'Lifting The Lid' show, Walters called the goal an "Unbelievable diving header" whilst laughing before quickly suffixing the fact that it was "for Chelsea though". 

It wasn't a great moment for the Irish international, but there was still plenty of life left in the game, plenty of time to right some wrongs. 

Unfortunately, however, Walter's second-half showing managed to further wrong the wrongs. As in the 62nd minute, he headed the ball into his own net again, this time from a Juan Mata corner. 

At this point, you might be thinking that manager Tony Pulis would've put Walters out of his misery and taken him off. But no, the forward persisted, and following two further goals from Frank Lampard and Eden Hazard, won a penalty in the 90th minute from a botched John Terry challenge.  

Walters had the chance to regain some form of pride. A consolation overall, yes, but a goal that would've meant a lot preceding the previous 90 minutes. 

But it was a chance he did not take. As his effort clipped the top of the bar, sending the ball flying into the stands. 

There are bad days at the office and then there is that. Poor bloke.