Yesterday’s two games featured four teams yet to record a single victory between them in the three August Gameweeks. By the end of the day, West Brom were the only ones to break their duck, with returning talisman Peter Odemwingie making the difference at Norwich. Fulham were held to a draw by Blackburn, as under-fire boss Steve Kean finally picked up a point in the 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage. Here’s some notes on yesterday’s games:
Odemwingie Returns
Peter Odemwingie wasted no time in serving Fantasy managers a reminder of his potential yesterday afternoon. The Nigerian, making his first start of the season due to an ankle injury, scored the only goal of the game at Carrow Road yesterday, slotting home after a defensive mix-up involving Ritchie Da Laet and stand-in keeper Declan Rudd. Odemwingie may have missed a penalty but he was a threat throughout and has walked away with all 3 Bonus Points this morning. With (swa, FUL, sun, WOL) in his next four, Odemwingie looks set to carry on from his brilliant form of last season as the Baggies finally begin to flourish.
Canaries Crumble
Norwich were the masters of their own downfall at Carrow Road. A mix-up between Ritchie De Laet and stand-in keeper Declan Rudd provided West Brom with the chance to clinch the match and means Norwich have yet to chalk up a clean sheet this season. At the other end of the pitch, Paul Lambert will be more than unhappy his side were unable to find the net- the Baggies had picked up two clean sheets last term and had conceded in every game so far in this season- to draw a blank at home is a worrying sign.
Zamora Overshadows Ruiz
Martin Jol paired his big-money buy Bryan Ruiz with Bobby Zamora for the home clash with Blackburn, as the latter returned from injury. The move saw Clint Dempsey shifted into left midfield and end his stint as an attacker but while Zamora grabbed Fulham’s goals in the 1-1 draw, Ruiz seemed overwhelmed by the game’s frantic nature and was withdrawn at half-time as a result. The introduction of Moussa Dembele gave the Cottagers a more solid look and they were more than a little unlucky not to bag three points against a poor Blackburn side.
Dann Adds Solidity
Scott Dann made his debut for Blackburn at Craven Cottage, partnering Chris Samba at the heart of the back-four. Samba’s half-time withdrawal due to a back problem saw Gael Givet slot in alongside Dann at centre half and the new boy was impressive in both halves, helping Rovers address a poor away record that had seen them average two goals against per away game last term. Having already conceded three in their one away match this season, Dann’s presence helped steady the ship and restrict Fulham to just one goal, as Steve Kean’s side picked up their first point of the season.
