Jermain Defoe grabs a late winner for Sunderland at Selhurst Park. Black Cats duo Billy Jones and Costel Pantilimon produce their second double-figure hauls in four appearances as Palace fail to score for the third time in the previous four Gameweeks.
Defoe Wins it for Black Cats
Jermain Defoe’s 80th minute strike granted Sunderland their first road win of the campaign. The 5.2-priced frontman – who was stationed alongside Steven Fletcher in a 3-5-2 set-up – capitalised on some risible defending from Crystal Palace centre-back Scott Dann to record his second goal in as many starts. The Black Cats’ tough schedule (STO, ars, WAT, che, mci, LIV) and his rotation risk ensure that Defoe remains a peripheral concern on the Fantasy scene, whilst his withdrawal due to an ankle problem is also a real concern for Sam Allardyce.
The Wearsiders’ triumph at Selhurst Park also produced their second clean sheet in four outings. Having assisted Defoe for the winner, Billy Jones scooped all three bonus points to bring home an 11-point return – the full-back has racked up 29 points in five appearances under Big Sam but is now set for a one-match ban after earning his fifth caution of the season.
Costel Pantilimon (4.8) tallied 10 points by virtue of two save and bonus points but is unlikely to attract investment when the likes of Boaz Myhill (4.8) and Jack Butland (4.7) are more enticing options in his price bracket. That being said, home ties against Stoke City and Watford in the next three Gameweeks are conducive to shut-outs.
Palace Home Toils Continue
Last night’s late defeat means that Alan Pardew’s side have now lost seven of their previous 11 meetings at Selhurst Park. Moreover, they rank third for shots inside the box conceded in home fixtures (62) and have managed just six goals themselves, illustrating their struggles at both ends of the pitch. As such, those Fantasy managers in possession of Newcastle United assets might be tempted to hold fire on any sales – despite their one goal in four matches – ahead of the Magpies’ trip to south London next Gameweek.
The Eagles will feel aggrieved not to have earned a result against Sunderland, given that they amassed the third most attempts (19) of any team in the Gameweek. Connor Wickham’s return to the starting line-up harvested three shots but zero on target, exposing his inevitable rustiness.
Yohan Cabaye fired off more than double the attempts (five) of any other Palace midfielder but ultimately carded his fourth blank in succession. Considering that the Frenchman has bagged just one goal and assist from open play this term (complementing his three penalties), his 15% ownership may be considering their options once the weekend home encounter with Newcastle has passed.
