If it wasn’t for the frost in Blackpool, we’d all be sitting down right now to take in the Saturday evening treat that would’ve seen Ian Holloway go head to head with Sir Alex Ferguson. Instead, the Seasiders’ showdown with Man United can be anticipated as our first double gameweek, which allows to Arsenal sit proudly atop the Premier League till next weekend.
Arsene Wenger can give thanks to a fellow-Frenchman this evening, as Samir Nasri -with a quite sensational double enough to see off a resilient Fulham at the Emirates- continues to produce the form of his life for the Gunners. Nasri has scored four goals in his last three games, which takes his league total to eight already, and as a result of being awarded the three Bonus Points today, is the fourth highest-scoring midfielder in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game.
This form has not gone unnoticed, and the 150,00 Fantasy Managers who transferred Nasri in last week will feel their decision was more than vindicated with a performance that has returned 30 points for those who took the decision to hand him the captain’s armband. Such displays have considerably lessened the blow of losing Cesc Fabregas to yet another hamstring problem for Wenger and certainly benefits the Fantasy budget big-time, with Nasri priced at £7.9m compared to Fabregas‘ £11.8m.
Nasri is due a price rise tonight, though, but is still clearly outstanding value for money at present. Even upon the return of Fabregas, there is an argument to suggest he is performing well enough to perhaps even be considered as a better acquisition than Cesc, given his price, points returns and relative fitness.
The Gunners have a tough time over the next few gameweeks which will test their title credentials to the full: (mun, STK, CHE, wig, bir, MCY) but in a season where they can lose at home to Newcastle and West Brom and still hit the top come December, Arsenal are showing the ability to dig in and fight.
Credit must also be given to Jermaine Beckford, whose goal prevented Chelsea returning to first place. Having been slaughtered in some quarters for his woeful finishing against West Brom last week, the ex-Leeds man came up with the late equaliser that sees the champions in third place instead.
