After four straight defeats on the road, Arsene Wenger rolls back his coaching menu by twenty years and opts for a back three. It does the trick, earning the victory at Middlesbrough, as Alexis Sanchez breaks out of his run of blanks to deliver. Here’s the Stock Check on Monday’s final Gameweek 33 encounter.
On the Rise
Alexis Sanchez
Without a goal or an assist for three Gameweeks, the Chilean was yet to go four Premier League matches without finding the net. His sublime first-half free-kick at the Riverside Stadium ensured that run continued.
Deployed in support of Olivier Giroud in what appeared to be a 3-4-1-2 in the first-half, Sanchez shifted to play a more disciplined left-flank role in the second period. His average position over the match therefore again showed him to be stationed far deeper than when given free reign as the central striker.
In all honesty, along with Arsenal as a whole, Sanchez still struggled to make a big impression – he had two efforts on goal all match – but his moment of brilliance did at least offer a reminder of his qualities and provided a belated return.
Sold by more than 91,000 ahead of Gameweek 33, Sanchez’s ownership sits at a modest 24.8%. That will surely rise ahead of a Gameweek 36 double but, until then, further returns from Sanchez – against Leicester City (home) and Spurs (away) – could have a major bearing on mini-leagues and the Fantasy Premier League top ranks.
Mesut Ozil
For those unable or unwilling to revisit Sanchez’s hefty price tag, Ozil could well be a consideration for Gameweeks 36 and 37.
The German’s well-taken half-volley took him to two goals and two assists from his last four Gameweeks – his most consistent run of the season so far.
Owned by just 5.9%, he would represent a worthy differential for those inclined to take risks over the final furlongs.
Gabriel
Part of Arsenal’s back three on Teesside, he would surely be in line to retain a starting role should Arsene Wenger maintain the formation.
While Laurent Koscielny made his return from injury, birthday boy Shkodran Mustafi missed out with his own thigh problem, paving the way for Rob Holding to earn a rare opportunity.
The 4.0 option may be of interest, but will surely make way for Mustafi’s return.
However, Gabriel offers the ability to switch to a back-four by slotting in a right-back without the need for a substitution. That versatility could keep him a starting berth.
Alvaro Negredo
A second goal in three Gameweeks perhaps offered a glimpse of the potential that the Spaniard could offer over Gameweek 34.
Priced at just 6.2 and up against the Bournemouth and Sunderland defences, Negredo should really offer value. Middlesbrough must be driven to win those matches and Negredo has scored or assisted 57% of their goals when on the pitch this season.
Nonetheless, with Christian Benteke in form as the third striker option and our heavy-hitter slots booked out, Negredo certainly represents a gamble.
In Decline
Victor Valdes
Second only to Manchester United’s David de Gea for transfers in among goalkeepers ahead of Gameweek 34, Boro’s Spanish stopper was a surprise omission from the teamsheet.
It was revealed that Valdes missed out due to a rib injury sustained in training on Sunday and following a knock picked up in the 0-0 draw with Burnley in Gameweek 32.
Steve Agnew confirmed post-match that the keeper was to be assessed, with no real prognosis offered. That immediately puts his double Gameweek credentials in question, promoting Boro’s back four options – and Ben Gibson in particular.
Fabio
Returning to the starting line-up following a two-match absence, the Brazilian’s night was derailed early on when he departed on 16 minutes with what was confirmed post-match as a knee problem.
His withdrawal opened the way for George Friend to make a first appearance since Gameweek 27. Priced at 4.2 and with some attacking promise, Friend would be a Gameweek 34 consideration should Fabio face a spell on the sidelines.
Agnew offered little on the injury other than he believed it was a new problem and confirmed that the full-back was being assessed by the doctors.
Hector Bellerin, Theo Walcott
Perhaps the two major victims of Wenger’s formation swap, both were benched at the Riverside with Bellerin’s involvement limited to a cameo from the bench.
Walcott, who had started the last four outings and six of the last seven, played no part and, on the face of it, will surely struggle to find a role in the XI should Wenger entertain the idea of retaining a three-man defence.
Meanwhile, Bellerin would seem perfectly suited to the right wing-back role but was ousted in favour of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Englishman was, arguably, Arsenal’s best player on the night.
However, we expect Arsenal to revert to a back four against Manchester City in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final, with perhaps both Bellerin and Walcott restored.
