Aaron Ramsey crashes Mesut Ozil’s big reveal, while Olivier Giroud’s new scoring habit ensures that the Fantasy funds continue to flow the way of the Emirates. Elsewhere amongst the lessons learned, we reflect on Manuel Pellegrini’s penchant for rotation and David Moyes’ decision to withdraw a hungry Robin from the Palace duck shoot.
Never mind Ozil, Ramsey is a class act…
We were all looking forward to an exhibition from Ozil but, while he oozed class and silky touches, he had to be content with taking a backseat to the performance of Aaron Ramsey. While Ozil’s arrival at the Emirates prompted huge interest from Fantasy managers across the games, Ramsey’s brace at the Stadium of Light has swiftly re-directed the investment traffic his way. We’ve seen two price Fantasy Premier League (FPL) rises in the Gameweek already, with over 100,000 transfers in at the time of writing. Having questioned Ramsey’s security of start on Ozil’s arrival and Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla’s return to fitness, there’s now talk that the Welshman has elevated himself to the very top of Arsene Wenger’s midfield pecking order. If Ramsey is now a regular starter as a box-to-box midfielder, priced at under 6.0 and in a side producing goalscoring opportunities aplenty, this is surely one bandwagon with legs.
Feed Giroud and he will surely keep scoring…
Similarly, it seems we can hardly afford to ignore the value being offered by Olivier Giroud. Regardless of his start to the season that has seen four goals in consecutive league outings, the fact that he’s unchallenged for the striker’s role in a side being orchestrated so effectively by Ozil, Cazorla and Ramsey, suggests we have to assess him carefully. There are claims that he’s currently over-performing, converting his goal attempts at an unrealistic rate, but, equally, there can be little argument that the chances will keep on coming his way. Even with a drop in conversion, Giroud will surely be treated to first class service, provided every opportunity to make a claim for the Golden Boot – indeed, only yesterday morning the Frenchman laid claim to Robin van Persie’s crown. While Fantasy managers are keenly waiting on a late fitness test on the knee injury sustained in the North East, at the same time, his non-owners will surely be considering a “route to recruit”.
Pellegrini is not afraid to roll the dice…
Having failed to make an impression in their first few forays into the Champions League, it seems that Manuel Pellegrini is prepared to risk league points to ensure that he makes progress this season. The teamsheet at the Britannia last weekend took all of us by surprise – while the Chilean undoubtedly has options in his squad, few were expecting to see the likes of Fernandinho, Jesus Navas and Sergio Aguero on the timber. With David Silva’s injury already disrupting matters in attacking areas, giving Alvaro Negredo a full debut alongside Stevan Jovetic was also a gamble. The draw with Stoke looks to be points lost – although maybe it will reveal itself as a point gained if Mark Hughes’ revolution in the Potteries continues at pace. Regardless, it’s clear that Fantasy managers can expect further disruption of the City teamsheet around Champions League fixtures – at least while Pellegrini feels he can afford to risk losing ground.
Ben Arfa is off the leash…
Described as unplayable by Alan Pardew, Hatem Ben Arfa’s showing at Villa against suggested that there is a new confidence surrounding the Frenchman. Where his individual brilliance has perhaps been curtailed and contained by tactics, Pardew looks to have removed the shackles and given Ben Arfa license to roam from the flank to earn a more influential role in a 4-3-3. His goal at Villa was significant in that it came from inside the box. Ben Arfa was on hand to finish off Loic Remy’s smart work and, while he also pinged in his customary collection of long-range efforts, it seems Ben Arfa is free to get into areas that are more likely to hurt opponents. Now the top scoring midfielder on show in the FPL, the potential at just 7.2 looks huge, particularly at a time when so many of the heavy-hitters are struggling for a foothold.
Moyes will protect Van Persie when he can…
With 10-man Palace there for the taking and United still only 1-0 up, it was telling that David Moyes looked to preserve Robin van Persie for their midweek Champions League tie. The Dutchman’s owners had to be content with the first half spot-kick and, significantly, watched on while Wayne Rooney converted a superb free-kick just minutes after his withdrawal. With Moyes confirming he intends to keep Rooney at the sharp end, no doubt sharing the goals with the Dutchman whilst impacting on his returns, Van Persie’s owners will be thinking over their options. If protecting Van Persie is on the agenda it has to be another factor to consider in the ongoing debate surrounding his long-term appeal.
Jose is still struggling to find the formula…
Having attracted big investment for the Gameweek 1 double, Chelsea, like Man City, are currently a source of Fantasy frustration. A cast of heavy-hitting assets appear to stalling badly as Jose Mourinho attempts to shuffle his pack, particularly in midfield, in order to unlock goalscoring potential. While Juan Mata’s influence has been limited by opportunity, Eden Hazard’s displays have been a source of much frustration. Although he’s shown intent, so far the Belgian has returned just a single assist, with Frank Lampard and Oscar ranked above him in the scoring stakes. With that pair rested to the bench in Champions League week, Fantasy managers seem forced to run the gauntlet of rotation or choose to keep the faith with Hazard in hope that he can click in Chelsea’s new midfield configuration. With little or no joy available to us up front, the Blues currently appear to be bereft of viable in-form options, bar a punt on the goal threat from the back presented by Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz.
Liverpool need Agger and Coutinho…
Brendan Rodgers’ defence had not conceded prior to the trip to the Liberty and yet, with Dan Agger missing from the back four, they looked far from comfortable when presented with Swansea’s slick passing style and threat from Michu and Wilfred Bony. While Rodgers is quick to point out that he has options at the back in Agger’s absence, he surely would have noted that new signing Mamadou Sakho looked far from comfortable on debut, while Andre Wisdom also appear to struggle at right-back. With Glen Johnson absent and Agger still not certain for a return against the Saints on Saturday, it will be interesting to see how Rodgers shuffles his pack. He can perhaps take comfort from the fact that Mauricio Pochettino’s side have just two goals to their name thus far – neither from open play. However, he’ll be keen to get Agger back installed in his back four – if last night’s evidence is anything to go by, he is clearly the key figure.
Similarly, Liverpool’s creativity dried up when a bruised Coutinho was forced off on Monday night. Rodgers has acknowledged Coutinho’s role as the link between midfield and attack and, for all the Fantasy frustration surrounding the Brazilian, he looks set to remain vital component. Whether he can keep pace with Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez to justify the Fantasy outlay is another matter. Right now, Coutinho’s stock is plummeting after four blanks and with a doubt over his fitness for Saturday. He looks destined to fade from a leading midfield prospect to a potential differential should his search for goals and assists continue.
