David Silva continues to dazzle as the main dangerman for Roberto Mancini’s stylish Man City in a 3-2 win over battling Bolton. A Matt Jarvis inspired Wolves keep up their 100% league record with a comfortable win over Fulham, while Stoke grab a last-gasp equaliser to deny Norwich a dream home start. Here’s the round-up of yesterday’s matches:
Solid Wolves
With Kevin Doyle partnered by Steven Fletcher up top and Roger Johnson marshalling the back-four, Wolves are looking a steelier proposition this season. The strike duo rarely played together last term due to injuries but have already shown that, if they can keep match-fit, will be a handful for any side. Mick McCarthy’s side swept Fulham aside in their opening home fixture of the season and with a wiser, more experienced look to the first XI, look unlikely to suffer a repeat of last season’s battle with relegation. Matt Jarvis was the stand-out player, with a goal and an assist in the 2-0 win. Roger Johnson appeared to grab an assist in the win but with all assists under review this weekend, we’re anticipating this to be addressed.
Jol Has Work to Do
Fulham have been impressive in their Europa League qualifiers so far but yesterday’s loss at Molineux means they’ve taken just one point from two league games and have failed to find the net. Martin Jol made four changes from the side that beat Dnipro in midweek but Fulham looked lethargic in this, their ninth game of the season, and will need to pick themselves up for next week’s trip to Newcastle. Clint Dempsey started up front again, partnering Andy Johnson as Bobby Zamora missed out with an ankle knock.
Bolton Up for the Battle
Owen Coyle’s side may have been beaten in the end but their willingness to scrap every inch of the way was encouraging for the Trotters boss. Ivan Klasnic scored again, Martin Petrov looked the part on the left wing and picked up two assists and with Kevin Davies also netting, Coyle’s side are in fine form going forward right now. The only problem for Bolton is that their fixture list doesn’t get any easier- the City game was the first in a run of matches that will see them face five of last season’s top six between Gameweeks 2-7.
Silva Continues to Shine
Man City have now scored seven goals in their opening two games and despite Sergio Aguero’s brilliant debut last Monday, it’s David Silva who has been the consistent stand-out. The playmaker was immense at the Reebok, passing and probing for openings in a porous Bolton back-four that was lucky to concede just the three goals. Silva has now scored in the opening two games, though there’s no denying his goal was somewhat fortuitous. With Carlos Tevez getting game time at Aguero’s expense and Yaya Toure dropping deeper now that 4-4-2 is a viable formation for Roberto Mancini, Silva looks the most assured Fantasy option of any City player. Mancini left out Gael Clichy, Nigel de Jong and Adam Johnson for this one, with Aleksander Kolarov, James Milner and Sergio Aguero starting.
Tinkerman Lambert
Paul Lambert demonstrated that he will shuffle his pack in attempt to counter the threat of opponents. He made no less than five changes to the Norwich starting XI that earned a draw at Wigan, dropping the likes of Andrew Surman, Russell Martin and Wes Hoolahan to the bench. Steve Morison missed out with a groin injury meaning that Chris Martin came in alongside Grant Holt. Turning his back on the midfield diamond in favour of a traditional 4-4-2 with wingers, Lambert emphasised the need to adapt in his post-match comments . From a Fantasy perspective then, the early signs are that we can take nothing for granted with the Canaries line-up. Ritchie De Laet at the back and Grant Holt in attack would seem the most reliable targets – De Laet was again impressive and his goal will have earned him further attention which is likely to tempt investment.
Potters Spot-Kick Dilemma
Stoke’s persistence eventually paid off against ten man Norwich, with Kenwyne Jones’ late equaliser denying the Canaries all three points. Jonathan Woodgate returned at centre-half after being rested in midweek, though a knee injury to Jermaine Pennant will cause Tony Pulis some concern- the winger was withdrawn just after the half hour mark. Jonathan Walters seemed to have jumped to the head of the queue for spot-kick duties- he stepped up and subsequently missed a penalty with previous first-choice Matt Etherington on the field. It’s perhaps doubtful as to whether Walters takes the next one.
12 years, 10 months ago32 points on my bench and 34 points in my full starting XI... dear oh dear!