A couple of spot-kicks from Robin Van Persie helps Arsenal overcome a stubborn Aston Villa. Darren Bent continues his recent good form with another goal at the Emirates, James McClean impresses for Sunderland again, and Fraizer Campbell grabs a goal on his first-team return:
Fraizer Campbell
The former Man United man made an instant impact on his return to first-team action yesterday. Campbell had been sidelined with cruciate ligament damage since August 2010 but found the net within a quarter of an hour of his second-half sub appearance to draw Sunderland level with Middlesboro. With Nicklas Bendtner sidelined with facial injuries, Martin O’Neill had started Connor Wickham alongside Stephane Sessegnon but, after failing to make an impact, Wickham made way for Campbell at the break. O’Neill will no doubt continue to ease the latter back into action, given his length of absence; a sub appearance against Norwich on Wednesday looks more likely than a start.
James McClean
The winger continued his recent run of form with a strong display against Middlesboro. With a goal, assist and eight bonus points in his four starts under O’Neill, McClean is growing in Fantasy ownership by the day; over 9,000 managers have transferred him in this week. Priced at 4.5, he looks more nailed-on as the weeks go by and yesterday saw him offer further example of his ability, as a laid on a superb assist for Campbell’s goal to ensure the visitors were denied victory.
Wes Brown
The centre-half had only just returned to the first-team last week after a groin injury but lasted only an hour at the Stadium of Light. Though Brown landed awkwardly on his shoulder after a challenge, reports indicate he has injured his knee, with The Guardian suggesting suspected ligament damage. If Brown is sidelined for any length of time, the Fantasy prospects of Michael Turner could take a turn for the good. With Titus Bramble also absent due to an Achilles problem, 4.2 Turner looks set to partner John O’Shea in the heart of the back-four. Elsewhere on the injury front yesterday, Lee Cattermole missed out due to a hamstring problem. Craig Gardner was drafted in, sitting alongside David Vaughan in central midfield, with Kieran Richardson fielded at left-back.
Robin Van Persie
The Gunners captain fired his team into the Fifth Round with a brace from the penalty spot as Arsenal completed a memorable second half comeback. Two down at the break, the home side turned the deficit around in a seven-minute period early in the second half, and will arrive at Bolton in buoyant mood on Wednesday after a Van Persie inspired victory. Post-match, Villa boss Alex McLeish called on the FA to investigate the Dutchman, after a stray elbow from Van Persie seems to catch Carlos Cuellar in the face.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
The youngster started out wide again for Arsenal, deputising in Gervinho’s absence at the African Cup of Nations. Although he didn’t play a part in any of the Gunners’ goals, Oxlade-Chamberlain impressed and was only removed in the eighty-ninth minute for Thierry Henry, as the latter returned from a calf problem. The former Southampton man looks a good bet to continue in the first XI on Wednesday, with Henry likely to be eased further into action at the Reebok.
Bacary Sagna
Similar to Henry, the right-back also made a brief sub appearance, coming on for Theo Walcott as the final whistle approached. Sagna’s return will be a significant boost to Arsene Wenger; he’s been unavailable since breaking an ankle at Spurs back in gameweek 7, more or less a four-month absence, with the likes of Johan Djourou and Francis Coquelin struggling to step up in his absence. Mikel Arteta also climbed off the subs bench to complete his own recovery; the Spaniard had missed his side’s last two league games with a calf problem but came on midway through the second half, as Arsenal’s injury worries start to lessen.
Darren Bent
The Villa forward has been attracting some steady Fantasy interest of late after netting in three of his last four league games. Bent continued his goalscoring form, firing Villa’s second just before the break, as the visitors shocked the Emirates. Although Arsenal ultimately prevailed, Bent’s confidence will be high and with Robbie Keane’s good form continuing – the Irishman provided an assist for the opener- Villa look good for goals ahead of the home clash with QPR on Wednesday.
