We wondered if West Ham could stop Gareth Bale – with just minutes left on the clock, Tottenham’s mercurial talent provided the emphatic answer. A majestic strike won a frantic London derby at Upton Park, lifting Bale well into the realms of “essential” status in Fantasy terms. Here’s the Stock Check on Monday’s events…
On the Up
Gareth Bale
We’re running short on superlatives. Bale’s performance was again, incredible. Pace, power and menace throughout, capped with a winning goal that was simply sublime. Two goals tonight took him to six in his last four league matches as his form just remains unshakable and unstoppable. Having seen a 0.3 increase prior to this Gameweek, another huge rise in ownership looks inevitable.
Michael Dawson
An eighth successive league start for Dawson surely underlines his importance to the Spurs defence. While Andre Villas-Boas continues to rotate two spots in his back four, Dawson and Kyle Walker look assured of starts and, with a 4.6 price tag, Dawson looks a worthy acquisition. Sadly however, as we featured in this week’s “Frisking”, the schedule is very much against Spurs, in defensive terms at least.
Jussi Jaaskelainen
West Ham’s stopper was unfortunate to be on the losing side having put in an incredible shift between the sticks. With 10 saves to his name, Jaaskelainen was inspired but was finally beaten by Bale’s moment of brilliance.
Guy Demel
Back in the starting lineup, Fantasy managers will be thankful for his return with starters and points at a premium in the Gameweek. Having been replaced on 71 minutes, it’s unclear whether Demel’s selection at right-back was partly to help counter the threat of Bale. With Emmanuel Pogatetz and fit again George McCartney both contenders to return to left-back, Joey O’Brien could shift to the right once again come the Gameweek 28 trip to Stoke.
Going Down
Kevin Nolan
There had been recent signs that Nolan was returning as a force, particularly with Andy Carroll fit and back leading the line. Forced off with an injury on 35 minutes, however, Nolan’s night came to a premature end as his season continues to stutter following an encouraging opening to the campaign.
