Diego Costa bags his fifth goal in as many league outings as Chelsea edge past Arsenal at the Emirates. Alexis Sanchez marks his comeback from injury with a second-half cameo off the Gunners’ bench. Andre Ayew grabs a goal and assist, whilst Gylfi Sigurdsson find the net again as Swansea stun a disappointing Everton at Goodison.
Costa Wins it for Chelsea
Courtesy of Diego Costa’s goal at the 23-minute mark, Chelsea extended their unbeaten run against Arsenal to nine matches while also recording successive away victories for the first time this term. The Spain international has enjoyed a new lease of life since Gus Hiddink took the helm, bagging five goals in as many league starts under the Dutchman’s stewardship. Nonetheless, his propensity for picking up niggling injuries – which was evidenced by his withdrawal in the 68th minute with a knee complaint – diminishes his appeal on the Fantasy market ahead of a favourable quartet of fixtures (wat, MUN, NEW, sou, nor).
Eden Hazard’s Fantasy season went from bad to worse yesterday. Despite the absence of Pedro through illness, the Belgian still only made the bench as Guus Hiddink retained Cesc Fabregas in “the hole” behind Costa, with Oscar handed the left flank berth. Hazard, meanwhile, was reduced to a 11-minute sub appearance and hasn’t produced a goal or assist since Gameweek 8.
By virtue of an assist and three bonus points, Branislav Ivanovic carded his second double-figure haul (12 points) since the departure of Jose Mourinho. The Serbian right-back managed zero attacking returns during the Special One’s reign but has chalked up one goal and three assists across his previous seven outings. Furthermore, he’s profited from three clean sheets in the last five Gameweeks, rendering him the prime route into the Blues’ rearguard before they embark on an agreeable batch of league ties (wat, MUN, NEW, sou, nor).
Sanchez Return Unable to Spark Gunners
The Gunners’ stretched out their winless streak to three matches following defeat at the Emirates. Their quest to dispel a wretched run of form against Chelsea became all that much harder when Per Mertesacker was given his marching orders in the 18th minute for denying Costa a goal scoring opportunity – the German centre-back now sits out Arsenal’s home clash against Burnley in the FA Cup on Saturday. Eliciting curses from his 15% ownership, Oliver Giroud – who was a slight doubt heading into the match due to an ankle complaint – was sacrificed in the wake of Mertesacker’s dismissal.
Although the North Londoners drew back-to-back blanks for the first time in three-and-a-half years, they received a massive boost on the offensive end when Alexis Sanchez was called into action at the 57-minute mark. The Chilean winger failed to produce attacking returns in five straight starts prior to injury but showcased his explosive potential with six goals in three outings earlier in the campaign. With Southampton (home) and Bournemouth (away) next on the agenda, he could prove a potent differential for any early uptakers.
Ayew the Swans’ Hero
Francesco Guidolin kicked off his tenure at Swansea City in fine fashion, commandeering a 2-1 win over Everton. Gylfi Sigurdsson (7.0) opened the scoring from the penalty spot with his third goal in four outings, illustrating his viability in the mid-priced bracket. In spite of the Swans’ promising match-ups over the next three Gameweeks (wba, CRY, SOU), inquisitive managers might be discouraged by the fact that four of the Iceland international’s five goals have arrived through set pieces (three spot-kicks, one free-kick), underlining his limited threat from open play.
Andre Ayew, meanwhile, underlined his own return to form by recording a goal and an assist for the second time in three matches. Now down to a mere 6.7, the Ghanaian wide man’s ownership has plummeted since Gameweek 14 but with Guidolin retaining his services up front once again yesterday, his out of position berth will perhaps persuade more to take a punt . Capping off Swansea’s Fantasy output, Neil Taylor notched his second assist of the season.
Toffees Home Toils Continue
Everton’s struggles in front of their own fans showed no sign if abating as they failed to secure three points for the fifth successive head-to-head at Goodison Park. In addition, the Merseysiders have now gone five fixtures without a win in the league, losing back-to-back matches in the process. Considering that no team has shipped more home goals (22) than the Toffees, we’re still unenthused by their marauding full-backs ahead of Newcastle’s visit next Gameweek.
In a week where Sergio Aguero rewarded his armband backers with a brace, those who captained Romelu Lukaku were left to bemoan their luck as the Belgian frontman came up short, despite ranking joint-top among forwards for attempts (seven) and second for shots inside the box (five). Lukaku hasn’t netted in four starts, yet his 50% ownership will be unwilling to cash in when you consider that the Magpies chart fourth for goals conceded in away matches (23).
By way of an assist for Jack Cork’s own goal, Gareth Barry was the only Everton player to get amongst the Fantasy points. Roberto Martinez elected to rest Phil Jagielka for this match-up, while Muhamed Besic and Kevin Mirallas picked up injuries in the first half. Seamus Coleman marked his return from the treatment room in the 67 minute and went on muster two shots inside the box during his cameo.
