Arsenal slump to a home defeat as Kenny Dalglish unshackles Luis Suarez to kill-off the ten man Gunners. Chelsea earn a hard-fought first win to come from behind against the Baggies, while Alex McLeish banishes the naysayers with a 3-1 win over Blackburn to top the table for 24-hours. Here’s the breakdown of Saturday’s action with a Fantasy Football twist…
Bosingwa Sparkles at Right-Back
Yesterday’s game at Stamford Bridge saw Jose Bosingwa, once again, selected ahead of Branislav Ivanovic at right-back for Chelsea. The Portuguese player offered greater attacking potential than Ashley Cole on the left and was rewarded with an assist for his endeavours down the flank. Even when Ivanovic came on as a second half sub, it was Alex who made way at centre-half. The signs are encouraging, then, and Bosingwa is looking good value for money already.
Villas-Boas Still Searching for Attacking Answers
The Chelsea line-up showed there’s less certainty when it comes to attacking options, however. Florent Malouda was dropped for Nicolas Anelka yesterday but an ineffectual performance from Salomon Kalou saw the Ivorian hauled off for the Frenchman on the half-hour mark. Like Jose Mourinho before him, then, the new Blues boss has shown he’s not afraid to alter personnel early on when matches aren’t panning out as he intended. New signings before the end of August will hopefully provide some answers to his thinking.
Long Finds the Net Again
It’s two goals in two games now for West Brom new boy Shane Long. There’s no denying both his strikes have been down to defensive blunders- with Alex culpable for yesterday’s goal- but it’s a promising start to the season for the Baggies record signing, with consecutive goals against last season’s top two.
Vorm In Form
Swansea’s new keeper Michael Vorm caught the eye again yesterday. Twelve saves in the 4-0 defeat at Man City highlighted the Dutchman’s ability and a crucial penalty save against Wigan prevented the Swans from defeat against Wigan. Despite dominating the match Brendan Rodgers’ side failed to find the net yet again, but their number one continues to suggest he’s got the potential to rack up the Fantasy points.
Martinez Keeps Faith with Di Santo
A fatigued Hugo Rodallega once again had to make do with a place on the Wigan bench for the trip to Swansea. Franco Di Santo led the line for the Latics but failed to have a single effort before making way for the Columbian and may drop out for the home match with QPR next week. Despite hitting the post, the bar and missing a penalty, Wigan had to settle for a no-score stalemate, with Victor Moses’ three shots the main goal threat. He however, picked up a knock and is an early doubt for the QPR game next weekend while Antolin Alcaraz, recalled for this one, is a major doubt according to Martinez.
Toon Tight at the Back
A 1-0 win in the Tyne-Wear derby makes in two clean sheets from two for Newcastle. Alan Pardew’s 4-2-3-1 at Sunderland produced a hard-earned three points and his side are making a strong case for cut-price Fantasy defensive investment. Steven Taylor and Danny Simpson are looking particularly good value and, while Ryan Taylor grabbed the winner yesterday, Newcastle will likely sign a left-back replacement before the August deadline is through. That won’t stop short-term investment in Taylor with Pardew suggesting that he will struggle to drop the former Wigan man right now.
Sessegnon Impresses
The Benin international was a threat throughout for Sunderland in yesterday’s defeat. Playing just behind Asamoah Gyan, his trickery on the ball and eye for goal caused Newcastle plenty problems, with only two players managing more shots at goal yesterday’s for the Black Cats out-of-position midfielder. Fantasy investors should see rewards soon based on performances so far.
Wenger’s Squad Crumbles Around Him
Arsene Wenger woes mount as he sat forlornly and watched his side suffer defeat to visiting Liverpool. While the opening goal was fortuitous, Arsenal’s injury-ravaged squad is evidently stretched to breaking point. Emmanuel Frimpong’s dismissal has him join Alex Song on the ban list while Laurent Koscielny suffered a back problem in the first-half and is a new injury concern. Around all this Samir Nasri was the one bright spark but his future at the Emirates remains in the balance. Robin Van Persie had another unproductive day and has yet to get near last season’s form that made him so prolific in Fantasy terms. A trip to Old Trafford in Gameweek 3 hardly helps the Gunners’ revival.
Suarez Turns The Tide
Kenny Dalglish made a surprising decision to rest Luis Suarez to the bench, recalling Dirk Kuyt to tuck in alongside Andy Carroll from the right of midfield. The Liverpool boss explained his decision in his post-match comments, clearly with some concerns over Suarez’ fitness following his impressive Copa America campaign. He needn’t had worried, as the introduction of Suarez with 19 minutes left swung the game and his movement and trickery helped expose Arsenal’s 10-men. Two-goals in two games confirms the Uruguayan as a Fantasy force and leaves Carroll somewhat overshadowed – he lumbered against Thomas Vermaelen for much of yesterday’s encounter. Elsewhere both Martin Kelly and Jose Enrique were outstanding – both look to offer value, particularly the Spaniard.
McLeish Reaps Rewards From Rejuvenated Strikers
Alex McLeish kept his faith in the lineup that earned a draw at Fulham and was rewarded with a fine 3-1 win over a beleaguered Blackburn. Gabby Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey look somewhat reborn under the stewardship of the Scot and both got on the scoresheet with Agbonlahor also earning an assist. Darren Bent remains the key Fantasy target however – he is off the mark for the season and also contributed the assist for Agbonlahor’s opener. Injuries to Luke Young, Heskey and Agbonlahor took the shine off somewhat but McLeish remains optimistic that all three will be available for the derby clash with Wolves up next.
Rovers Begin To Slide
Steve Kean already has major problems with cracks apparent in his squad and back-to-back defeats to contemplate. The Rovers boss made changes to the visit to Villa with Ryan Nelsen fit to return at the back, while surprisingly David Goodwillie came in up front with Mauro Formica dropping to the bench despite scoring on the opening day. Junior Hoilett and Morten Gamst Pedersen combined for a decent Rovers goal and that pairing remain the most likely in a squad that currently appears bereft of consistent Fantasy talent. Kean needs Chris Samba fit and to remain at the club if he is to build some foundations from the back.
Toffees Stall Out of The Blocks
Everton’s start to the season saw them suffer a damaging home defeat to newly promoted QPR – a result that offered little cheer on a difficult week for the club. While Leighton Baines provided glimpses of potential with a curling first-half free-kick that hit the bar, the lack of a cutting edge is a concern for both Everton and Baines’ Fantasy investment. Moyes surprisingly started Jermaine Beckford ahead of Louis Saha in this one, opting for Tim Cahill as support from midfield. It was 17 year-old Ross Barkley who provided the biggest threat for the Toffee’s however and he could well retain a starting role for the trip to Blackburn next, despite fierce competition for places in midfield. Mikel Arteta was only fit enough for the bench – he’ll be expected to start at Ewood.
Rangers Beat Virus To Get Off The Mark
Neil Warnock’s men battled for the three points despite losing key men to a virus that swept through the squad. DJ Campbell, Jay Bothroyd were ruled out while Adel Taarabt and Matt Connolly both started and managed to put in a shift. Patrick Agyemang and Akos Buzsaky came into the side while Connolly started for the suspended Clint Hill. Warnock revealed after the game that he would be without Kieron Dyer for another couple of weeks but, with the club takeover now complete, he is likely to get resources to boost his squad and Fantasy Managers will likely need to revist Rangers’ prospects in weeks to come. With Wigan, Newcastle and Wolves up next – they could yet establish a decent start without new recruits.
