It was a night that saw the heavy-hitters deliver, as Sergio Aguero, Alexis Sanchez and Eden Hazard produced the goals and points to steer their teams to victories and put smiles on the faces of their Fantasy owners. Here’s the notes from Wednesday’s action…
BLUES BREEZE PAST SPURS
Chelsea overcame the absence of Diego Costa to storm past Tottenham in a performance that saw a number of their assets highlight their growing appeal. Didier Drogba was called up to replace the Spaniard up top and vindicated Jose Mourinho’s faith with a goal and an assist on his way to a double figure haul. It’s worth noting that Costa has failed to surpass the 10-point mark since Gameweek 4, and with Loic Remy also scoring from the bench yesterday, Mourinho was served a reminder that he can win matches without Costa if injuries and suspensions, or even fatigue, play their part.
Meanwhile, Eden Hazard got his name on the scoresheet once again: he has now found the back of the net in four consecutive home matches, a tally that has moved the Belgian level with Cesc Fabregas in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) midfield rankings. Hazard’s last ten goals have all come in home matches. With Oscar also notching an assist, owners of Cesc Fabregas may now be edging towards a possible switch to one of his midfield teammates. The Spaniard has returned in five of his last eight league starts but is struggling to keep pace with Hazard’s goal power.
The Blues’ defence also earned points once again: they’ve now recorded clean sheets in four consecutive games in all competitions; Cesar Azpilicueta grabbed an assist and maximum bonus points, and, at 6.1, the left back looks the standout option in their rearguard right now as Branislav Ivanovic’s attacking returns continue to stall. Gary Cahill could be a doubt for the visit to Newcastle at the weekend having been forced off following a clash of heads. Indeed, with Nemanja Matic suspended for the weekend after earning his fifth booking last night, Chelsea’s defensive resolve may well be tested by Alan Pardew’s men.
POCHETTINO KEEPS FAITH IN KANE
Despite a miserable result for Spurs, Harry Kane’s owners will have been encouraged by the forward’s continued run of starts, and almost saw the youngster almost deliver returns once again only for his first half header rattled the crossbar. The 4.9 valued striker now has an excellent schedule ahead (CPL, swa, BUR, lei), and with Nacer Chadli benched again last night, the England Under-21 star, along with midfield schemer Christian Eriksen, remain the key targets on offer. It remains to be seen if Chadli can earn a recall for the visit of Palace, with Aaron Lennon again earning a start on the flank and Roberto Soldado likely to return to the Spurs teamsheet.
AGUERO THE ARMBAND HERO AGAIN
Sergio Aguero maintained his rampaging form with two goals and an assist as Man City triumphed where Chelsea failed, sweeping aside Sunderland with relative ease. The Argentine was at his clinical best, beating erstwhile teammate Costel Pantilimon with both of his attempts on target, whilst also setting up strike partner Stefan Jovetic. Augero earned 32 points for those who chose to hand him the Gameweek armband. The Argentine has now returned in seven of his last nine league starts, scoring 11 goals in the process, whilst collecting 14 bonus points. It’s hard to deny that he’s anything other than “essential” at this point in time. City’s schedule over the Christmas period is so favourable, it looks almost unthinkable to progress without Aguero – (EVE lei CPL wba BUR SUN). He’s currently owned by 35% of Fantasy Premier League managers – and rising.
As for Jovetic, last night was his third successive start, with the Montenegrin producing two goals and assist over that time, though his potential continues to be dented by Manuel Pellegrini’s insistence on subbing him off early – the 7.8 valued striker is yet to complete 90 minutes in the league this season.
SANCHEZ SINKS SAINTS LATE ON
Alexis Sanchez struck at the death to earn Arsenal a precious 1-0 win over Southampton, much to the relief of those who put faith in the Chilean with the Gameweek captaincy. Sanchez has now scored seven league goals in his last seven league starts, cementing his status as the “essential” component of our midfields. Quite simply, Arsenal’s alternative attacking targets are struggling to get close to offer suitable cover, with Danny Welbeck blanking once again before finding himself edging out to the left-flank with the introduction of Olivier Giroud from the bench. It’s one goal in six league outings for Welbkeck, while Aaron Ramsey’s output continues to disappoint – he has not found the net in the league since Gamweek 2.
At the back, the Gunners have now tallied three consecutive clean sheets in all competitions. Per Mertesaker, Calum Chambers and Laurent Koscielny all earned bonus points in last night’s win and we could now see a wave of investment in the trio ahead of Saturday’s trip to Stoke. Chambers’ budget-friendly 5.0 price tag is sure to tempt many, though Mathieu Debuchy’s scheduled return from injury next week dents the teenager’s appeal: stumping up the extra cash for centre-back duo Mertesaker and Koscielny looks the most sensible long-term option.
KOEMAN’S CASUALTIES MOUNTING UP
Southampton’s recent downturn in fortunes endured last night, with injuries to Dusan Tadic and Toby Alderweireld compounding their luckless to defeat. The Saints have now failed to find the net in their last two and have failed to collect a clean sheet since Gameweek 11, as their tough schedule continues to diminish hopes of maintaining their table topping challenge. With new injuries, plus doubts over midfield stalwart Morgan Schneirderlin’s fitness, Ronald Koeman’s resources look stretched ahead of the St Mary’s meeting with Man United. The recent struggle and Fantasy exodus looks destined to continue, then, with Graziano Pelle’s ownership unlikely to remain above the 25% by the time this weekend’s deadline arrives.
BELGIANS BLINKING BRIGHTLY ON THE RADAR
Romelu Lukaku took his total to four goals in his last seven outings with the Toffees’ single strike in their 1-1 stalemate with Hull. Meanwhile, Kevin Mirallas’ assist for his compatriot’s effort took him to two goals and two assists in his last three in all competitions; he was, however, subbed off early again as Roberto Martinez continues to ease him back into action. Meanwhile, it’s not so rosy at the back for the Toffees: the 23% owned Leighton Baines blanked for the third time in four appearances and with a trip to City up next, the FPL’s premium left-back is testing his owners’ patience. To compound matters, Everton have four of the next six on the road.
