Alexis Sanchez grabs two goals and an assist as Arsenal stroll past Stoke at the Emirates. Laurent Koscielny also finds the net as the Gunners earn a first clean sheet in seven. Dusan Tadic climbs off the bench to fire the winner as Southampton earn a tenth shut-out of the season and Man United meekly surrender their ten-match unbeaten run.
Sanchez Inspires Gunners to Victory
The summer signing from Barcelona soared to the summit of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) standings with another stunning display as Arsenal swept aside Stoke at the Emirates. With two goals and an assist in the 3-0 stroll, Sanchez played a part in all three of his side’s goals to serve a reminder of his importance to the Gunners, at a time when the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud are all arriving on our radars ahead of a very kind upcoming schedule. Once next week’s trip to the Etihad is out of the way, Arsene Wenger’s side have seven excellent fixtures in the following eight (AVL, LEI, cpl, EVE, qpr, WHM, new), which are bound to play a significant part in how our winter Wildcards are restructured. Despite Giroud’s return forcing him onto the flank, Sanchez’ sublime form suggests more of the same looks likely as he shows little sign of slowing down in his first season in the top flight.
Defensive Concerns for Wenger
A first clean sheet in seven attempts may well bring the Gunners defence into contention ahead of those aforementioned fixtures. Laurent Koscielny’s early opener – his second league goal in 11 league appearances – served notice of his threat in the opposition area, though elsewhere at the back, the north London club were without Kieran Gibbs and Calum Chambers due to an ankle problem and illness respectively. With Mathieu Debuchy now set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a dislocated shoulder, Chambers could be set for a first-team reprieve at right-back, and at 5.0, would certainly be the cheapest of Wenger’s regulars if Debuchy is out for a lengthy period, though Hector Bellerin (4.4) could also come into contention. David Ospina was handed his first league start between the sticks against the Potters, though, and at a cost of 4.8, is certainly one to consider if he can stay ahead of Wojciech Szczesny in the keeper pecking order.
Tadic Stuns United
With Sadio Mane injured, the Serbian was a surprise substitute as Ronald Koeman opted for James Ward-Prowse and new loan signing Eljero Elia on either side of Graziano Pelle. Replacing Elia just after the hour mark, Tadic needed just six minutes to grab the winner and has now scored in back-to-back league outings to take his tally to three for the season. Whilst yesterday’s strike bodes well for his chances of returning to the first XI, the jury remains out on Tadic – bearing in mind he had chalked up two assists in his previous nine, few will be tempted just yet.
Another Clean Sheet for the Saints
A 1-0 win at Old Trafford afforded the St Mary’s side their tenth shut-out of the campaign yesterday. Over the course of the last five, Koeman’s men have kept out Everton, Arsenal and United and conceded just once to Chelsea to force a way back into our winter Wildcard plans. Given that Graziano Pelle has scored just twice since Gameweek 8, it’s likely that the main focal point will be firmly on defence, and with showdowns against only two of the top six in the next 12 Gameweeks, renewed interest in the likes of Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand looks imminent. Toby Alderweireld’s withdrawal due to a thigh injury is worth monitoring, though – if the Belgian is sidelined for any length of time, Florin Gardos, at 4.8, looks set to benefit whilst Maya Yoshida is off on international duties with Japan in the Asia Cup.
Sluggish United Fail to Impress
Louis van Gaal’s side welcomed Southampton to Old Trafford on the back of a ten-match unbeaten run – the last time they had tasted defeat was in early November away to Man City. With the treatment room emptying, the United manager almost had too many options at his disposal and dropped Radamel Falcao from the squad altogether as Angel Di Maria partnered Robin van Persie up front. Wayne Rooney started in central midfield again but was moved up front after the Dutchman was forced off with an ankle problem but the hosts failed to register a single shot on target all match. With promoted trio QPR, Leicester and Burnley in the next four, the fixtures smile kindly on the Red Devils but yesterday’s showing did little to convince they can deliver.
