An impressive first-half display was enough to see Liverpool beat Chelsea in their own backyard for a second successive season.
Phillipe Coutinho played his part, eased into the Liverpool starting XI courtesy of Roberto Firmino’s untimely groin tweak; he was back amongst the points. As was Diego Costa, who maintained his relentless early season form without seeing yellow. Here’s the Stock Check following Friday’s action…
On the Rise
Diego Costa
Another goal and no booking, this version of Costa undoubtedly requires serious consideration.
Many recruited the Chelsea man as an understudy for Sergio Aguero until Gameweek 6; he has passed that audition.
Some will surely be pondering their options before clicking the eject button to welcome back the City man. Having returned in each of his five Gameweeks, with five goals so far, they will be considering a downgrade in midfield to retain Costa’s services.
However, the Spaniard will need to demonstrate fixture proof qualities to maintain such form: Arsenal, Leicester City and Manchester United arrive in the next four Gameweeks.
Philippe Coutinho
Having blanked in three Gameweeks since his big haul at Arsenal, the Brazilian returned to the Liverpool line-up and provided a delicious assist for their opener. That was enough to seal him two bonus points.
On a night when Roberto Firmino missed out with a minor injury, Coutinho took his opportunity to strengthen the hold on his 28% Fantasy Premier League ownership.
In Decline
Eden Hazard
Okay, it’s too early to panic but, given the competition for spots and funds in our squads, Hazard can’t afford to embark on a run of blanks.
Three points from his last two rings alarm bells, as does the dip in his vital statistics – Hazard has mustered two goals attempts over these two blanks, compared to 14 from the opening three Gameweeks.
The Chelsea Defence
Liverpool have had a tough opening with four away trips in the first five. However, Antonio Conte’s outfit don’t have that excuse.
The Blues have enjoyed three home matches but have just the shut-out against Burnley to show for it.
With a combined ownership of 39%, Chelsea’s back five are expensive investments and, with the aforementioned tough fixtures to come, future returns appear limited.
