Romelu Lukaku bags a brace and assist as Everton come from behind to clinch victory at the Hawthorns. Saido Berahino and Craig Dawson both find the net for West Brom, whilst James Morrison continues to impress in the budget midfield bracket.
Lukaku Sparks Toffees Fightback
Everton staged a stunning comeback at The Hawthorns, recovering from a two-goal deficit to emerge as 3-2 victors over West Bromwich Albion. Romelu Lukaku was the visitors’ hero on the night, scoring twice and setting up Arouna Kone for the equaliser. The Belgian frontman ended a four-match run of blanks to take his tally to four goals and two assists for the season, having notched a double against Southampton in Gameweek 2. Priced at 8.2, Lukaku – who sits just one point off the top of the forward standings thanks to his 16-point haul – suffers from an unforgiving run of fixtures (LIV, MUN, ars) over the next three which may deter investors.
Kone only entered the fray as a second-half substitute, with Gerard Deulofeu preferred at the right-wing berth. In his first start of the season, the former Barcelona recruit claimed a pair of assists, while only three midfielders chalked up more key passes (four) this Gameweek. As ever, the risk of rotation on the Toffees’ flanks limits the appeal of their attacking contingent beyond Lukaku and Ross Barkley, though at 6.2, Deulofeu would force his way onto many a radar if he can retain a role in Roberto Martinez’ first XI.
Everton are unbeaten across their quartet of road ties, having posted clean sheets in their previous three away clashes. Upcoming trips to Arsenal and West Ham put that record under threat, though. Nonetheless, Manchester City are the only team to best Roberto Martinez’s troops this campaign, which bodes well for their Fantasy prospects from Gameweek 11 (SUN, whu, AVL, bou, CRY, nor, LEI, new, STO).
Berahino in the Goals Again
Saido Berahino netted his second strike in as many starts as the Baggies relinquished a two-goal advantage. The 6.2-priced forward serves as an intriguing differential for those Fantasy managers who are scouring the market for a Callum Wilson replacement, with the West Midlanders enjoying an excellent run of fixtures (cry, SUN, nor, LEI) over the next month.
Craig Dawson’s 2% ownership were delighted to witness their man head home his first goal of the campaign from a corner. The Rochdale-born defender has been a mainstay in West Brom’s rearguard this season, rendering him the safest route into a defence that’s kept more clean sheets (14) than any Premier League side this calendar year. There are concerns at the back for Tony Pulis, considering that Jonas Olsson – the stand-in for Gareth McAuley (calf injury) – lasted just 28 minutes after sustaining a groin problem. McAuley’s absence was clearly a big loss for the Baggies, given they had chalked up four shut-outs in the previous five.
Chris Brunt and James Morrison earned assists for their efforts, with the latter boosting his output (two goals and assists) beyond last season’s haul (two goals and one assist). Only eight midfielders have amassed more shots on target than Morrison (seven), while his 11 key passes are not to be sniffed at. Furthermore, Wes Hoolahan (36) is the only counterpart around his price point (4.9) to tally more points (30) through the first seven Gameweeks, underlining his potential as a budget fifth midfielder.
