The Gameweek is brought to a close by one of the most memorable Fantasy hauls of this or any season, as Santi Cazorla orchestrates a mauling of Reading in front of their own fans. Here’s the Stock Check on Monday’s events at the Madjeski…
On the Up
Santi Cazorla
An incredible display by the Spaniard who, perhaps for one night only, turned his superb performance statistics into staggering returns. Our members will know all too well just how impressive Cazorla has been in terms of numbers and tonight he delivered on that promise with a midfield hat-trick haul that has surely cemented his place amongst the true heavy-hitters. Reading were woeful but Carzola punished them without mercy.
Theo Walcott
The night could have belonged to winger turned striker but, in the end, Walcott played second fiddle to the sparkling Santi. Regardless, Walcott’s move to the central striker role gave Arsenal menace up front and Theo came out with a goal to his name and facing the prospect of leading the line at Wigan at the weekend. There’s no way Cazorla owners will be making the switch just now but could their be a case for finding room for both of Wenger’s midfield assets in the short-term? We need to see this new look Arsenal against opposition less obliging than Brian McDermott’s side.
Kieran Gibbs
Arsenal conceded again but, with superior possession in matches, will inevitably keep clean sheets over the second half the season and Gibbs, as demonstrated tonight, can supplement this potential with attacking returns. More expensive that Bacary Sagna on the right, but perhaps more secure given that Thomas Vermaelen would seem set to remain at centre-back, Gibbs will earn new suitors off the back of tonight’s returns.
Lukas Podolksi
Quietly and efficiently, the German has shifted onto five goals and five assists for the season after tonight’s showing. Whilst the attention and investment will go the way of Arsenal’s midfield talent, Podolski deserves some praise for having seemingly adapted well to the Premier League stage and a role primarily out on the Gunners flank.
Going Down
Olivier Giroud
Relegated to the bench tonight, it seems unlikely that he’ll earn an immediate recall at Wigan and could now spend some time as a spectator whilst Arsenal drag themselves back into form and top four contention. Giroud has stalled again as a Premier League prospect and Fantasy asset in a less than convincing opening to his career in England.
The Reading Defence
It’s hard to sum up just how porous the Royals’ back four appeared at times. They have now conceded 13 goals in the last four league outings and it’s almost as easy as backing their opponents for three or four strikes every week. Reading go to City at the weekend, with Fantasy managers now desperately attempting to crowbar a secure City asset into their squad; easier said than done.
