The Digest – Gameweek 7

We take our final look back at Gameweek 7, recognising the hap-hazard achievements of Arsenal’s goalscoring defender, acknowledging the tempting resilience of the Spurs backline while pondering if it’s time to re-align our squad spending.

The Player

Some would say that Laurent Koscielny was fortunate to have been credited with Arsenal’s winner on Sunday.

A clumsy cack-handed finish saw the Frenchman bundle Theo Walcott’s flick into the Burnley net, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain appearing to wade in by kicking Koscielny’s calf.
A farcical but vital goal.

Arsenal claimed the points with Koscielny awarded the maximum Fantasy Premier League bonus points. It was enough to ensure that the Gunners’ man is the first defender to figure as a Gameweek leading scorer with 15-points.

As a result, he’s also one of the first defenders to sustain a transfer bandwagon of any real significance.

Ranking sixth in the “transfers in” column heading into Gameweek 8, Koscielny has risen to 6.2 in value as FPL managers begin to switch their sights to consider big-ticket defenders.

Arsene Wenger’s rearguard has demonstrated extra steel, with the introduction of Shkodran Mustafi cited as a key factor.

While the German has gained plaudits, it’s Koscielny that’s attracting the FPL attention courtesy of his two goals – already putting him halfway to his best Premier League goalscoring tally achieved last season.

The top scoring FPL defender, Koscielny’s 11% ownership is closing the gap on team-mate Hector Bellerin – the Spaniard still retained by 25.6% of FPL managers.

The fixture list suggests there is more to come from both.

With Swansea City, Middlesbrough and Sunderland looming, Koscielny and the Arsenal defence will be expected to boast further returns before bracing for stiffening fixtures with Manchester United and Spurs.

The Team

Across North London, Spurs have made a statement.

Their victory over a previously perfect Manchester City has suddenly thrown things open. It’s paved the way for Mauricio Pochettino’s men to promote their title challenging credentials while leaving the door ajar for Arsenal and Liverpool to close the gap.

Spurs proved City’s vulnerabilities – exposing their questionable defending and the fact that Kevin De Bruyne is an almost irreparable component of their midfield.

But this is not about City – Spurs clearly have plenty to offer us.

Heung-min Son’s form has already been highlighted on these pages – his newfound spark has attracted thousands of new investors, hungry to pounce on the latest mid-price talent.

We’ve also acknowledged the performances of Dele Alli – seemingly re-energised by Son’s recent displays. He’ll continue to play second fiddle to the South Korean for now, but could be a factor on Harry Kane’s return, with Pochettino perhaps shuffling his attacking setup.

But it’s the Spurs defence providing the new temptation.

Just as Koscielny’s haul ensured his popped his head above the parapet, the Spurs defence clocked up his fourth clean sheet in seven on Sunday to earn further investment.

Kyle Walker continues to be the headline act. Now found in 35% of FPL squads, his price rise and ownership is beginning to bring new options into the equation.

Danny Rose tops the Spurs ranks with 6.5 points per game following Sunday’s assist and yet has been claimed by just 5.3% of FPL managers.

Jan Vertonghen is earning attention by virtue of his 5.6 price tag, with the 6.5 Toby Alderweireld gradually shedding owners, presumably to Walker amongst others, in every Gameweek thus far.

But the Belgian is arguably the class act on show – he has an eye for goal that can justify his price tag and should he drop to 6.4, he could yet provide good value.

However, with four away trips in the next six, this is arguably not the time to seize on the potential offered by Pochettino’s rearguard.

Like Arsenal’s defence, the most opportune window may arrive at Christmas, when, despite the busy schedule, both north London clubs are treated to softening fixtures.

The Talking Point

So will December offer the perfect window to re-align our squad spending, or should we take the lead offered by Koscienly and the Spurs defence now?

Certainly, the Frenchman’s 15-point tally reminded us of the value that can be gleaned from big-hitting defenders. If you can absorb some frustrating two-point returns, the big scores can follow and, in the mid-term, justify the spend.

While midfielders arguably remain the main target for our funds, Koscielny now averages 7.0 points per appearance – only Sergio Aguero amongst the forwards can better that.

Crucially, the Arsenal man has offered 6.9 points per million; his nearest rival within the ranks of forwards – Jermain Defoe (5.3) – would not even place in the top ten defenders for value.

Aguero as a consistent captaincy option perhaps remains a mainstay. Alongside him, the form of Romelu Lukaku and Diego Costa is difficult to ignore.

But the third striker spot is under pressure. The option of deploying 3-5-2 or even 4-4-2 and investing that extra million in defence looks all the more compelling after the events of Gameweek 7.