Southampton battle for a point at St Mary’s as Theo Walcott endures a frustrating evening on his return to his former stamping ground. Here’s the Stock Check on Saturday’s evening kick-off…
On the Up
Gaston Ramirez
Back in the side having been kept out of the heat of the Britannia battle, the Uruguayan fired home his third goal of the season to give the Saints the advantage. Ramirez has promised much since his arrival, without really catching fire as a Fantasy asset. With Adam Lallana seemingly sidelined for the foreseeable future, however, he looks to be a key figure in Southampton’s battle for survival and my yet draw our interest when fixtures fall kinder for Nigel Adkins’ men.
Jason Puncheon
A prime budget option, Puncheon has disappointed of late having looked to be making a mockery of his price tag. Nonetheless, the assist for tonight’s goal took him to six for the season and with two goals and a record that shows he’s started the last ten league matches, Puncheon is a reliable budget midfielder who offers attacking intent. He could yet show his worth if the Saints can improve their goal output.
The Southampton Defence
Prior to conceding three at Stoke, Nigel Adkins’ side had let in just four goals in six league outings. Tonight, the new resolute defence was again on show as Southampton worked tirelessly to stifle the Arsenal threat. Nathaniel Clyne missed out again with a knee problem but he and Jose Fonte are emerging as decent budget options in the light of the new emphasis on keeping things tight.
Going Down
Theo Walcott
While the Gunners man returned the assist for Do Prado’s own goal, Walcott suffered a miserable night back at his former club. Having seen little joy in the lone striker role, he was shifted to a wide role on the introduction of Oliver Giroud. Walcott cut a forlorn figure at the whistle and this was a far cry from the stunning display that helped see off Newcastle at the weekend.
Santi Cazorla
It’s just one assist in three matches now for the playmaker who has found himself dissolve into the background in Fantasy terms, as Walcott has come to the fore. Owners of Cazorla will surely have one eye on the double fixture in Gameweek 23 and hoping for a revival, while tonight’s showing from Walcott will perhaps do little to prompt the straight swap.
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