Another strong Villa display. Another Christian Benteke goal. This time, however, Paul Lambert’s blossoming side fall short as Branislav Ivanovic is allowed to stay on the pitch to nod home Chelsea’s winner.
The Game Changer
Arguably, referee Kevin Friend was the most influential individual on show. There’s also a strong case for Christian Benteke who struck his third goal of the season and has now scored nine league goals in his last 10 outings. Branislav Ivanovic’s goal proved the difference, however, and rewarded those who invested their double Gameweek funds whilst underlining the goal threat previously on show in Saturday’s win over Hull.
Friend’s decision to brandish a yellow for Ivanovic’s lashing out on Benteke was undoubtedly the turning point. It allowed the Serbian to demonstrate his ability at set-plays as, just minutes later, he headed home Frank Lampard’s dead ball delivery.
Ivanovic was the only Chelsea defender denied Fantasy Premier League (FPL) bonus points from the Hull victory. Despite escaping a red card and being left for dead by Gabby Agbonlahor for Villa’s goal, Ivanovic looks set to earn bonus to make him Chelsea’s top scoring double Gameweek asset.
The Underused
While Benteke will earn huge investment following another goal and effective display, those who are struggling to stretch their funds to the Belgian will be eyeing the impact of Gabby Agbonlahor. So impressive during Villa’s run at the end of last season, he has started the new campaign in stunning form and yet claims less than 2% FPL ownership.
Instrumental in the victory at the Emirates, it was his turn of pace and delivery that set up Benteke for his equaliser. Agbonlahor has scored five goals and earned four assists in his last ten league outings.
The Selection Poser
It’s hardly a poser. Jose Mourinho’s decision to start with Demba Ba and leave Romelu Lukaku shackled on the bench disappointed Fantasy managers and Chelsea fans alike. His introduction for the ineffective Ba on 65 minutes provided little consolation. Lukaku played fewer minutes than any other Chelsea striker in the double Gameweek, having looked primed to start the campaign following a convincing pre-season.
Mourinho’s reluctance to hand Lukaku a central role on the Premier League stage is a puzzle. Perhaps he will start at Old Trafford on Monday and face a defence which he terrified on the final day of last season at the Hawthorns. It’s unlikely to make a difference – Lukaku’s ownership and price look set to slide.
