Our final glance at Gameweek 4 pays tribute to the latest Welshman to take north London by storm. Finds us examining just why Arsenal’s flourishing form and upcoming schedule is proving hard to ignore, while attempting to explain why Fantasy managers continue to be frustrated by a lack of attacking returns as defences remain on top.
The Player
What’s left to be said on Aaron Ramsey? In the space of four Gamweeks he’s gone from a mild-mannered mid-price filler, to a roaring Fantasy bandwagon that’s demanded our attention and immediate investment.
His returns from Saturday’s Sunderland victory have forced the hand of many, with 235,000 drafting in the Welshman as additional coverage of Arsenal’s attacking potential (more on that below). When you examine the evidence, it’s hard to deny the allure.
If you’re a member, I’d strongly advise glancing at the KPI Attacking tables for midfielders and examining the Arsenal midfield. Ramsey’s progress shown in that table, in terms of goal attempts and shots on target, is marked. Use the comparison tool to assess Ramsey’s average values this season compared to last and again, there’s clear indication that this is a player in the ascendency – we’re not just talking about a sudden upturn in Fantasy returns – Ramsey’s influence in attacking areas in terms of involvement and effectiveness looks to be on the rise.
While the indicators look positive, then, we’re only talking about a small data sample. Plus, with just four Gameweeks down, the Ramsey bandwagon has all the ingredients of early season promise that could evaporate by the time the busy Winter schedule kicks in, along with teamsheet rotation.
Even so, at just 5.8 and rising in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and with Arsenal’s fixtures providing further incentive for investment, there’s little doubt that Ramsey looks a desirable option. When a mid-price asset in a title-challenging side shows goalscoring form, you have to take notice.
The Team
We can’t look beyond Arsenal. Ramsey’s rapid ascent is just one component of the new attacking impetus on show in Arsene Wenger’s side. Olivier Giroud’s progress has also been remarkable – four goals in as many games has suddenly seen the Frenchman’s ownership soar and with an assured supply of opportunities provided by Mesut Ozil, there can be few doubts that Giroud will have every chance to continue his current spree. Confidence, supply and the fixtures are all in his favour – like Ramsey, it’s difficult to deny the credibility of this bandwagon.
Ozil continues to attract investment himself, although there is a strong argument to support the case for keeping faith with Theo Walcott. A hat-trick of opportunities came his way at the Stadium of Light and, having established himself an efficient midfield goalscorer last season, we’ve every reason to expect Walcott to ignite very soon.
With so many riches on offer and the momemtum with Arsenal, Fantasy managers have to consider just how far they go with coverage of Wenger’s attackers. With Giroud and Ramsey so convincing and Walcott a formerly trusted source of points, seemingly on the verge of returns, there are difficult decisions to be made.
One thing is certain, regardless of schedule and any improvement in Arsenal’s defensive resolve, it seems unlikely that any Fantasy manager will be turning to their back four, given how precious the option of three Arsenal attacking players looks at this moment in time.
The Talking Point
The season continues to be an extraordinary one, perhaps for all the wrong reasons. Before Monday night’s four-goal blitz in Wales, this campaign was the lowest Premier League season for goals, averaging just 1.9 per match. Last season we saw 2.8 goals per game.
It’s a bizarre trend, with little explanation offered up. There’s a feeling that teams are already fearing defeat from the off – a symptom we’ve often seen evident amongst the newly promoted each season, but now perhaps on show from those destined for mid-table or fearful of a tough nine months that may have them dally around the drop-zone.
The title contenders have also stalled. Arsenal aside, there’s little doubt that United, City and particularly Chelsea are currently stuck in second gear when it comes to attacking fluidity. Given that all three are in transition with new managers at the helm, perhaps we should have anticipated such an adjustment time. Again, are these teams looking to avoid defeat at all costs rather than opting to go for the throat with their team selection and tactics?
Tottenham and Everton – teams outside of the top four last season but associated with the potential for goals and Fantasy returns – are themselves going through change. Spurs are coming to terms with life without Gareth Bale, while Everton learning to prioritise a passing game over the blood and thunder of their previous attacking approach under David Moyes.
Maybe that’s all the explanation we need. Maybe it’s clear that it will take time for all these teams to adjust, for their heavy hitting players to emerge as a true force.
In the meantime, Fantasy managers appear well advised to look at established acts – Arsenal and Liverpool – two teams that have, in the main, been settled over the summer and who have already shown the benefit in attacking terms.
