Continuing the Gameweek 26 Scout Notes is a look at notable Fantasy Premier League (FPL) events from the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, where goals from Malick Thiaw (£5.0m) and Jacob Ramsey (£5.3m) led to Thomas Frank being sacked this morning.
- READ MORE: FPL notes – Another Palmer pen, Cucurella injury + why Calvert-Lewin missed out
- READ MORE: Tuesday’s goals, assists, bonus + DefCon points
A few talking points emerged for FPL managers, including a possible injury to Bruno Guimaraes (£7.0m).
FRANK SACKED
Sure enough, this defeat was deemed one too far, and Wednesday morning brought the official announcement that Frank has been dismissed as Spurs’ head coach.
Winless in eight league games, they’re now nervously looking over their shoulder in 16th place. Had West Ham United held on to beat Manchester United, there’d have now only been three points separating Spurs from the relegation zone.
As a result, very few of their players have FPL appeal. Just Micky van de Ven (£4.5m) exceeds 10% overall ownership, a popularity unseen amongst still-active managers. The Dutchman was able to secure defensive contribution (DefCon) points on this occasion.
But whoever succeeds Frank in the dugout will immediately face Arsenal (h), Fulham (a), Crystal Palace (h) and Liverpool (a). There’s a very nice fixture swing in Gameweek 31, so Fantasy managers can afford to watch and wait until March and see if there’s an improvement in performance under the new boss.
INJURY FOR BRUNO G?
Meanwhile, opposing boss Eddie Howe has also been under recent pressure, and showed some fist-pumping emotion at full-time, as Newcastle United managed to eventually hold onto a lead.
Since November, there’d been nine Premier League and Champions League matches where the Magpies went ahead but either drew (three) or lost (six).
This much-deserved 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur is their third away win of the season.
But, as always, the good moment was tainted by some potentially bad news. Leader Bruno Guimaraes, who Newcastle can’t seem to win without, has recently been out with an ankle problem. On Tuesday, he picked up both DefCon and a possible hamstring injury.
“I’m not sure. He’s a little bit worried. He said he’s not sure he’s never had a problem with his hamstrings before, so is it cramp? Was it a muscle problem? It probably feels more of an injury to me but let’s wait and see. We’ll try and stay positive at this moment.” – Eddie Howe
It could be seen as positive that the Brazilian came back onto the pitch at full-time to celebrate with supporters. But his Instagram post hints that at being injured. Whether it’s simply missing an FA Cup clash or something bigger, we’ll have to wait and see.
“Very happy with the win! This looks much more like what we’re capable of doing. Great character from the team. Once again, I hope it’s nothing too serious and that I can be back soon.” – Bruno Guimaraes on Instagram
He’d be joining Tino Livramento (£4.9m), Lewis Miley (£4.5m) and Joelinton (£5.9m) on the sidelines.
GORDON OUT OF POSITION
Howe’s lineup didn’t reflect well on big-money signings Yoane Wissa (£7.3m) and Nick Woltemade (£6.9m). Like the trip to Liverpool in Gameweek 24, midfielder Anthony Gordon (£7.2m) was preferred in the centre-forward role.
The England international scored at Anfield – his first open-play goal in over a year – and had a big chance here.
Gordon then set up Ramsey to make it 2-1, in a slick move worthy of a Michelin star. It certainly had Spurs fans saying The F Word.
In fact, Ramsey was overall impressive again, accumulating five penalty area shots, and fellow summer arrival Anthony Elanga (£6.5m) looked decent.
ANOTHER THIAW GOAL
Newcastle’s initial lead came from centre-back Thiaw, soon after a Joe Willock (£5.0m) strike that was stunningly disallowed.
Even the animated VAR image’s circles made it unclear exactly what was offside. Was it his haircut? An unkempt eyebrow?
Anyway, 11-point Thiaw dropped in price overnight, hours after reaching the DefCon threshold and bagging his fourth league goal of the season.
He’s alongside van de Ven and Cristian Romero (£5.0m) as the joint-top scorers in defence, and those who are currently using Triple Captain on Gabriel Magalhaes (£7.1m) are hoping he’ll imminently join them.
Finally, FPL owners of Lewis Hall (£5.3m) were teased by Howe. Given a much-needed rest, the 21-year-old came on right at the very end, blocking any autosubs from stepping in.
