The Digest – Gameweek 7

Alexis Sanchez explodes into form with a hat-trick against Leicester. Tottenham’s momentum is building after sweeping aside City, whilst the big hitters are finally starting to deliver. Here’s our thoughts on Gameweek 7 in this week’s Digest…

The Player

A stunning hat-trick in Arsenal’s 5-2 thrashing of Leicester finally announced Alexis Sanchez’ return to Fantasy form this season.

After a sluggish start, mainly brought about by his exertions for Chile in this summer’s Copa America, the Gunners’ wide man eventually translated his superb underlying statistics into Fantasy returns to reward those who patiently stood by his abilities as a heavy-hitter.

One look at last season’s returns highlights Sanchez’ explosive, yet erratic, showings. Somewhat surprisingly, the former Barcelona man produced returns in just 15 of his 35 league outings, blanking on 20 occasions, yet still racked up 16 goals, eight assists and 207 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points in his debut year at the Emirates.

Clearly, then, Sanchez will frustrate us and has the potential to embark on barren runs but has such a strong upside that, as Saturday’s 20-point haul demonstrated, going without him can be a dangerous tactic.

With Arsene Wenger now believing that his star player is finally back to his best, it’s little wonder that Sanchez is the second most transferred-in player since the weekend, as Fantasy managers belatedly scramble for a piece of the action.

The Team

An outstanding comeback win over City on Saturday stretched Tottenham’s unbeaten run to six matches as Mauricio Pochettino’s men moved into sixth spot after seven Gameweeks.

Encouragingly for Spurs and Fantasy managers alike, the club’s form at both ends of the pitch bodes well for future returns. Kevin de Bruyne’s early strike at the Lane is the only goal Pochettino’s side have conceded in the last four, with clean sheets accrued against Everton, Sunderland and Palace over that period. The summer addition of Toby Alderweireld at centre-half, allied with the decision to move Eric Dier into the double-pivot has paid off handsomely in terms of improving resilience, and the duo’s potential at both ends of the pitch was highlighted after they both bagged a goal in the 4-1 thrashing of Manuel Pellegrini’s men.

Crucially for Pochettino, his attack finally seems to have found their form. Spurs went into the weekend having scored just five goals in the first six fixtures but ran riot against City. Harry Kane finally opened his account for the campaign, whilst fit-again Christian Eriksen – who was afforded his first start since Gameweek 2 – has now earned an assist in each of his last three outings. With Erik Lamela chipping in with a goal and assist, and Heung-Min Son’s energy boosting their pressing game in the final third, the north London outfit are starting to click.

The upcoming schedule – which sees that face Swansea, Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham and Chelsea in the next seven – is by no means easy but, as evidenced on Saturday, Spurs look to have the form and momentum to prevail.

Talking Point

Sanchez and Kane’s return to form was mirrored by Daniel Sturridge as the Liverpool striker netted twice in a 3-2 win over Aston Villa.

Finally back in first-team contention in the previous Gameweek, Sturridge thrived alongside the dynamic Danny Ings as Brendan Rodgers kept faith in his 3-4-1-2 formation. Tellingly, Sturridge played from start to finish against Tim Sherwood’s side, suggesting he’s fast approaching full match sharpness after months on the sidelines.

After a number of weeks where the big hitters have failed to justify their hefty price tags, is the tide starting to turn? So far, the Fantasy games have been dominated by Leicester pair Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy whilst Dimitri Payet has wasted no time in bringing his Marseille form to the Premier League.

Last weekend served a timely reminder, though, that top class talents will prevail and keeping faith in the premium picks can pay off. As Sergio Aguero (NEW, BOU, NOR) and Eden Hazard (SOU, AVL, LIV) both prepare for three home matches in the next four, their loyal owners will be hoping that the duo take their cue from last week’s events and start to justify their premium price tags.