Romelu Lukaku limps off at Goodison as Ross Barkley nets twice in a 3-0 win over Newcastle. Steven McClaren, meanwhile, has numerous concerns in defence ahead of a weekend clash with West Brom. Elsewhere, Chelsea chalk up a fourth successive away clean sheet under Guus Hiddink as Odion Ighalo is kept quiet in a goalless draw at Vicarage Road.
Barkley at the double
Everton cruised to a 3-0 victory over Newcastle United at Goodison Park, chalking up the second-most shots on target (seven) of any team this Gameweek. Following Romelu Lukaku’s withdrawal at the break by virtue of a back complaint, Ross Barkley stepped up to convert two penalties in the final seven minutes of the encounter, marking the first time he’s scored in the league since Gameweek 14. The midfielder also scored in Everton’s pair of cup matches against Man City and Carlisle over the last week, highlighting his improving eye for goal.
On the topic of Lukaku’s knock, Roberto Martinez revealed in his post-match presser that the Belgian frontman is a doubt for their trip to Stoke after receiving a kick in the back:
“Rom couldn’t really walk – he got a knee in the back and found it painful. He tried to run it off at the end of the first half but couldn’t. We’re playing on Saturday and it’s difficult to tell if he will make it, but it’s not a major problem apart from the impact and the neurological reaction down into his legsâ€.
Regardless of whether he’s passed fit for the Britannia Stadium showdown, the Belgian’s 46% ownership will likely be scouring the market for replacements – he’s now failed to score in six of his last seven appearances and is without a fixture in Gameweek 27.
Elsewhere on the injury front, John Stones was sidelined with a minor hamstring niggle and is likely to be out of action for between seven and 10 days.
Having bagged a goal and assist against Carlisle in the FA Cup, Aaron Lennon repeated the feat against Steve McClaren’s troops. The former Tottenham Hotspur recruit now boasts two goals and one assist in three starts, strengthening his case for more regular minutes. Meanwhile, Tom Cleverley served up his second assist of the campaign.
Everton recorded their second clean sheet in four outings, but we’re still unconvinced by a rearguard that ranks top for goals conceded at home (22). Stoke and West Bromwich Albion notched just three goals between them over the last three Gameweeks, though, which bodes well for the Merseysiders’ short-term shut-out prospects.
Defensive concerns for Magpies
Newcastle’s fifth defeat in seven matches was compounded by fresh injuries to Chancel Mbemba and Paul Dummett, and a red card for Jamaal Lascelles – who now sits out their home tie against West Brom on Saturday. Mbemba and Dummett are now doubts for the Baggies clash, which could force Steve McClaren to field a makeshift defence that includes the likes of Steven Taylor at centre-back and Jack Colback (if he’s fit) at left-back.
To facilitate Andros Townsend’s maiden start for the Tynesiders, Aleksandar Mitrovic dropped to the bench and Ayoze Perez was tasked with leading the line. Ultimately, Newcastle carded their fourth blank in seven matches, increasing the likelihood that Seydou Doumbia – who remained rooted to the bench against Everton – will soon be drafted into the starting line-up.
Ighalo blanks again
Odion Ighalo owners will also be considering their options after the Watford striker failed to net in last night’s goalless draw with Chelsea. Still sitting in over 37% of FPL managers, the Nigerian has now drawn blanks in four of the last five Gameweeks ahead of a trip to Spurs, though the following two fixtures – against Palace and Bournemouth – will persuade many to hold, particularly as the Cherries clash is in Gameweek 27.
Another clean sheet for Chelsea
Chelsea stretched out their unbeaten streak to seven matches and registered their fourth shut-out in six outings last night. All four of those clean sheets have arrived on the road – indeed, the Blues have yet to concede in an away league match since Guus Hiddink took the helm. Cesar Azpilicueta (5.7) has now averaged 7.8 points over those four fixtures and offers a viable alternative to Branislav Ivanovic (6.5), who has now averaged 6.6 points per appearance with the Dutchman in charge.
In attack, Eden Hazard was once again utilised as a late second-half sub and, despite returning to full fitness in recent weeks, is struggling to reclaim a starting berth. Hiddink once again kept faith in Oscar on the left, with Cesc Fabregas tucked in behind Diego Costa. The latter failed to get amongst the points last night but with three goals and two assists in five, his owners will be happy to hold ahead of back-to-back home encounters with United and Newcastle.
