A fine Norwich performance has Arsenal slip to defeat at Carrow Road to deliver a hugely frustrating end to Saturday’s Gameweek 8 action. Here’s part two of today’s Stock Check…
On the Up
The Norwich Defence
Budget back fours continue to attract interest as expensive options fail to produce shut-outs and are forced to fall back on attacking returns. Chris Hughton’s side had showed promise following their opening day drubbing and demonstrated this again tonight with a gritty display. Their fixtures could be worse and the likes of John Ruddy may now earn some attention.
Grant Holt
A third consecutive goal for last season’s leading scorer at Carrow Road. Holt, at last, looks to have cemented his start in Hughton’s lineup and could yet offer some value as a budget striker option this term.
Going Down
The Arsenal Defence
Having started the season so strongly, with three consecutive clean sheets, the Gunners’ backline has failed to keep a shut-out since Gameweek 3. Over 50% of the Fantasy Premier League player base owns an Arsenal defender, with Carl Jenkinson the most popular option, but confidence in Wenger’s rearguard is diminishing by the week.
Vito Mannone
Any claims that Mannone had to the Arsenal number one jersey surely suffered irreparable damage this evening with a shaky performance and the error for the Norwich goal. Wojciech Szczesny may well be several weeks from fitness but he will surely be restored to the lineup once fit.
Santi Cazorla
The Spaniard failed to spark the Gunners this time, falling victim to bitterly disappointing performance from Wenger’s side which showed little in terms of goal threat. The recent clamour for Cazorla will see plenty frustrated this evening but the Gunners do at least have three home games in four to come in which the playmaker will be backed for profit.
Gervinho
Deployed on the flank once again, Gervinho epitomised Arsenal’s showing with ineffective display. His owners will now hope for a shift back to a central attacking role for Arsenal’s forthcoming fixtures but at least the injury suffered to Alex Oxlade Chamberlain could strengthen the Ivorian’s chances of retaining his starting role.
