Monitor – Santi Cazorla

On an almost-weekly basis, Santi Cazorla records stand-out Opta statistics without producing Fantasy returns. The Spaniard’s role in “the hole” for Arsenal affords him plenty time to wreak havoc in the final third but with a single goal in his last four Gameweeks and without an assist in his last six, many Fantasy managers are starting to jump ship.

There is no doubt Cazorla is a wonderful talent but when mid-price alternatives such as Marouane Fellaini and Kevin Nolan have bettered his Fantasy Premier League (FPL) score from similar roles for Everton and West Ham respectively, and James Morrison is just a single point behind the former Malaga man, Cazorla’s price tag weighs heavy on our budgets. In this latest article for Members, we compare his performances over the past four Gameweeks to his opening seven appearances, while also taking a look at Cazorla’s home and way displays over the course of the season so far.

Since returning from international duty in Gameweek 8, there’s been a definite drop in Cazorla’s statistics. Earlier this month, Arsene Wenger admitted fatigue has played a part in the playmaker’s performances – bearing in mind Spain face a long-haul flight home from Panama after this evening’s late kick-off, the Gunners boss has a potential headache prior to Saturday lunchtime’s north London derby:

“Cazorla played 17 games since the start of the season and 17 games of complete intensity and therefore of course he’s a little bit less fresh at the moment.”