Sergio Aguero returns to the scoresheet and the Fantasy Football radar, prompting many to hit the transfer trail as City’s early season form continued in style with a 3-0 win over champions Chelsea. Meanwhile, in the Arsenal camp, Alexis Sanchez compounded the need for squad surgery with a performance at Selhurst Park that reminded us of his own Fantasy appeal. Here’s the notes from Sunday’s encounters…
Aguero Paves The Way For City Victory
Sergio Aguero announced his return to the starting lineup with a goal as Manuel Pellegrini’s side recorded a convincing 3-0 victory over Chelsea.
Last season’s Golden Boot winner carved out a wealth of shooting opportunities at the Etihad, with no striker mustering more attempts (seven) than Aguero this Gameweek. Non-owners will doubtless now be clamouring to recruit the 13.0-priced marksman ahead of City’s excellent run of fixtures (eve, WAT, cry, WHU, tot, NEW, BOU) – particularly when the league’s other top-end forwards (Wayne Rooney and Diego Costa) have yet to find their groove.
Indeed, Aguero’s performance provided the catalyst for a frenzy of transfer activity which has seen him claim over 100,000 new owners in the Gameweek to this point. This is likely to lead to the Argentine’s first rise in price in the next 24-hours.
David Silva carded a brace of assists to compliment his assist against West Bromwich Albion – earning two bonus points in the process – while Yaya Toure combined well with Aguero to set him up for City’s opener. Both players currently sit around the 10% ownership mark, with Raheem Sterling (19% ownership) still the more favoured route into City’s attack. Sterling’s ownership is, however, in decline having sustained almost 50,000 sales in the Gameweek so far as a result of Silva and Toure’s recent returns.
Having failed to register a single goal last term, Vincent Kompany powered home his second header in as many outings, boosting his points tally to 25 for the season. In light of Chelsea’s faltering rearguard and the absence of Leighton Baines, the talismanic captain is emerging as a prime pick among the premium defenders. Kompany has claimed almost 80,000 new owners as price teeters on the brink of another FPL price rise to 6.2.
On that note, Aleksandar Kolarov (5.5) is becoming more difficult to ignore as an alternative. The Serbian’s rampaging runs look certain to harvest attacking returns given his propensity to join the attack and his service from a dead-ball. Gael Clichy’s return to the bench might deter potential investors due to the threat of rotation, with Pellegrini’s teamsheet at Everton of keen interest.
Blues Exposed As Hazard Falters
Eden Hazard blanked for the second Gameweek running as the Blues’ defence was picked apart by Manuel Pellegrini’s troops. Only Sunderland (26) have conceded more shots inside the box than Chelsea over the opening two Gameweeks, prompting Branislav Ivanovic’s 30.4% ownership to weigh up their options.
Hazard missed a golden opportunity to equalise with what was only his second attempt at goal across the opening two fixtures. In the wake of Alexis Sanchez’ starring display against Crystal Palace, some Hazard owners might be contemplating a straight swap for the explosive winger. The fact that Chelsea face off against West Brom and Palace in the next two Gameweeks bolsters the appeal of holding tight. However, Hazard has already been sold more than any other midfielder in the Gameweek to this point and is second only to Wayne Rooney in overall sales.
John Terry – who played every single minute of the previous campaign – was replaced by Kurt Zouma at half time, having struggled to contend with the pace and movement of City’s elusive forward line. Although that tactical decision is unlikely to portend a severe reduction in playing time, this new threat of rotation is certainly worth factoring in.
Sanchez Return Inspires Gunners Win
Olivier Giroud bounced back from a listless performance in Arsenal’s season-opener to open his account with a sublime first-time finish as Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners at Selhurst Park.
The France international was again favoured over Theo Walcott in the lone striker role, much to the dismay of the latter’s 6.8% ownership – who will now certainly be engineering exit plans – over 50,000 have sold Walcott on in the Gameweek with his price already dropping to 8.9.
Alexis Sanchez marked his first start of the campaign with an assist, after his header was diverted into the Eagles’ net by Damien Delaney. The Chilean livewire was a constant menace to the home defeat and, based on his display, is surely likely to cement “untouchable” status on the Arsenal teamsheet. Sanchez is still owned by under 10% of FPL managers to this point, despite heavy investment overnight.
Mesut Ozil edged ahead of Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla in the contest between Arsenal’s 8.5-priced midfielders, chalking up an assist and two bonus points for a seven-point haul. The German playmaker is arguably the least prone to rotation among the trio but has registered the fewest attempts at goal (three) in these early stages.
Hector Bellerin reclaimed a starting berth on his return from the treatment room. With match-ups against Newcastle United and Stoke City in the next three Gameweeks (LIV, new, STO), the Gunners should stand a decent chance of securing their first clean sheet of the season.
