Marcus Rashford scores twice as United beat Arsenal at Old Trafford. Mesut Ozil grabs a goal and assist for the beaten Gunners, Nacer Chadli and Danny Rose fire Spurs to victory at home to Swansea, whilst City defeat Liverpool on penalties to clinch the Capital One Cup.
Rashford at the double
Marcus Rashford capped off a stunning week by bagging his second brace in as many starts and providing an assist as Manchester United recorded a 3-2 win over Arsenal. Although the 4.5-priced forward now represents an exciting differential ahead of a home clash against Watford, Anthony Martial’s potential return from a hamstring complaint casts doubt on the youngster’s long-term minutes. Moreover, Man United’s blank in Gameweek 30 and tricky run thereafter (mci, EVE, tot) tempers our enthusiasm.
Elsewhere in the Red Devils camp, Ander Herrera netted his third goal of the campaign, while Jesse Lingard scooped an assist. That latter has produced attacking returns (two goals, one assist) in three of his previous four league starts, rendering him a prime pick-up in the budget bracket and a possible facilitator in future double Gameweeks.
Despite missing Chris Smalling because of a shoulder injury, Man United’s patchwork defence – that included Michael Carrick and Daley Blind as a centre-back partnership – did enough to keep Arsenal at bay. Marcos Rojo’s return to league action was short lived, though, as he was substituted at the 55-minute mark with an ankle problem. Nonetheless, Louis van Gaal is confident that the Argentine defender didn’t sustain a serious injury.
Ozil in the points again
Arsenal’s quest to claim the Premier League crown suffered a setback, but Mesut Ozil’s 50% ownership were left delighted with his goal and assist. Since carding four consecutive blanks from Gameweek 20, the Germany international has notched two goals, a pair assists and seven bonus points in three outings, reaffirming his status as the premier route into the Gunners’ attack.
Conversely, Alexis Sanchez tested the patience of his 13% ownership with a tenth successive blank. The Chile international amassed nearly triple the amount of shots inside the box (14) than any other member of Arsenal’s midfield contingent across the past four Gameweeks, but a woeful 19% shot accuracy is holding him back. If he fails to deliver at home to Swansea next Gameweek, the prospect of a trip to Spurs and potential blank in Gameweek 30 (if they beat Hull in the FA Cup) could trigger an exodus.
Having come up short in his previous five league outings, Olivier Giroud was dropped for the Old Trafford showdown, with Theo Walcott claiming the lone-striker berth. Danny Welbeck was also drafted in for his first start of the term and went on to grab a goal and assist, adding to his late winner against Leicester last time out. Having started on the right at Old Trafford, Welbeck has staked a major claim to lead the line at home to Swansea next time out.
Tottenham keep on track
Tottenham Hotspur displayed great resilience to recover from a goal down and secure a 2-1 win over Swansea City. Unperturbed by the visitors’ early strike, the Lilywhites turned out a dominant attacking performance, chalking up a staggering 34 attempts and 14 shots on target.
Harry Kane – who was passed fit after missing Spurs’ last fixture with a broken nose – failed to find the back of the net, despite mustering more attempts (seven), shots inside the box (six) and shots on target (three) than any forward this Gameweek.
In midfield, Christian Eriksen dropped back to the double pivot to compensate for the absence of Mousa Dembele, allowing Dele Alli to retain his advanced role. Meanwhile, Nacer Chadli emerged from the bench and notched his second goal in five starts, strengthening his case for a starting slot in Tottenham’s attacking quartet.
Much to the frustration of Toby Alderweireld’s 43% ownership, the North Londoners’ defence conceded a solitary goal for the seventh time in nine Gameweeks. Danny Rose’s goal and Kyle Walker’s assist underlined the attacking potential of their full-backs, yet Mauricio Pochettino’s propensity for rotation negates their Fantasy appeal.
Paloschi strike not enough for Swans
Alberto Paloschi registered his maiden Premier League goal (Jack Cork assist) as the Swans’ winless streak extended to four matches. The 5.8-priced Italian – who produced three shots inside the box at White Hart Lane – harbours minimal attraction before a trip to Arsenal. However, Swansea’s schedule beyond that match-up (NOR, bou, AVL, sto) catches the eye, with their home ties against Norwich and Aston Villa looking ripe for offensive returns.
City earn the silverware
Manchester City triumphed 3-1 over Liverpool in a penalty shootout to secure the League Cup. The head-to-head ended 1-1 after regulation time and extra time, with Fernandinho netting for the Sky Blues in the 49th minute.
Sergio Aguero turned provider for the Brazilian, adding an assist to the goal he scored against Dynamo Kiev in midweek. Considering that Man City entertain Aston Villa in Gameweek 29 and enjoy a trip to Norwich in a truncated Gameweek 30 that’s scattered with blanks, the stage is set for Aguero to deliver explosive returns next month.
Coutinho nets for defeated Reds
Philippe Coutinho struck in the 83rd minute to send the Wembley encounter into extra time. Allied with his trio of assists in a 6-0 drubbing of Villa, the twinkle-toed Brazilian is putting together a cogent case for investment. For now, the Reds’ upcoming home clash against Man City and Gameweek 30 blank act as deterrents, but Coutinho’s certainly on our radar for their forthcoming double Gameweeks.
Following a clash of heads with Emre Can, Mamadou Sakho was replaced at the 25-minute mark at Wembley, making him a doubt for the Sky Blues’ visit on Wednesday.
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