Scout Notes

Salah punishes doubters as Liverpool concede for third successive match

Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal

Goals: Joel Matip (£5.4m), Mohamed Salah x2 (£12.5m) | Lucas Torreira (£4.9m)

Assists: Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.0m), Fabinho (£5.5m) | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m)

Bonus Points: Salah x3, Fabinho x2, Matip x1

The familiar story of Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) punishing his doubters came to pass once again as Liverpool beat Arsenal 3-1 on Saturday.

The Egyptian was the most-sold asset ahead of Gameweek 3, losing 398,638 owners in the process, but emerged with a 15-point haul.

Meanwhile, Sadio Mané (£11.5m) who was turned to as a replacement for many who Wildcarded, looked lively against Arsenal but blanked for a three-point score.

Liverpool dominated most of the fixture, registering a total of 25 shots against the Gunners, who have historically struggled to defend well at Anfield.

Salah was at the heart of that, and looked every bit the goal threat at home as he did last season, proving that the blank at Southampton was probably a blip caused by a Super Cup hangover. His remaining 39% ownership had to wait for the fruits of his efforts, both goals coming in the second half, but they were certainly deserved.

His first goal was further evidence of an advantage he has over all other Liverpool attacking assets this season.

Mohamed Salah got the better of David Luiz for both of his goals against Arsenal

Salah was fouled in the box by David Luiz (£6.0m), who pulled his shirt, and won his side the penalty. The Egyptian then stood up to take it, firing a fantastic effort high into the top corner. As had been referenced over the summer, reduced game-time for James Milner (£5.5m) this season, should mean more of these spot-kicks for Salah in 2019/20.

Salah’s second goal came from his brilliance as he skilfully turned past Luiz on the right flank and bore down on goal, placing his effort into the far corner.

The Egyptian now has six goals in five matches against Arsenal, more than against any other Premier League side.

With those Gameweek 2 doubts now allayed once again, Salah’s prospects look good in the coming Gameweeks with Burnley (away), Newcastle (home), Chelsea (away) and Sheffield United (away) his next four opponents.

Sadio Mané was replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 77th minute against Arsenal

As mentioned previously, Mané was probably unfortunate not to get any attacking returns in this one, considering how dominant Liverpool were going forward.

While he did not shoot as often as Salah, he took on the brunt of creativity in Liverpool’s team.

Meanwhile, Roberto Firmino (£9.5m) was also unfortunate not to come away with any attacking returns against Arsenal, a side he typically does well against.

He was inches away from getting on the end of an Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) cross in the opening minute which would have given Liverpool an early lead.

Roberto Firmino was also unfortunate not to get any attacking returns against Arsenal

Later on, he went close again, this time setting himself up with skill, scooping the ball over Dani Ceballos (£5.6m) and firing a volley at goal – only for it to be blocked.

There was further frustration for most Fantasy managers in possession of Liverpool defensive assets as they went a third Premier League match in a row without a clean sheet this season.

Perhaps this was an encounter in which defensive returns were unlikely though, given the way that Arsenal’s attack had started the season.

Indeed, the Gunners asked more questions than most sides had at Anfield in recent times.

While Liverpool were the side largely in control of this encounter, whenever Arsenal broke on them they looked dangerous.

“To be honest I didn’t expect the system they played. I’m not sure they played it in pre-season, I didn’t see it. It meant we had a lot of space on the wings, switching sides, the only problem was a little bit the movements in the box to make it a bit more tricky for the defending side. They won a lot of these challenges in the air, but we won a lot of second balls for that, putting them constantly under pressure without having the outcome we wanted.” – Jurgen Klopp

Nicolas Pépé (£9.4m) was the main dangerman for Arsenal, also becoming the first man to successfully dribble past Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) in 50 Premier League games.

Nicolas Pepe and Virgil van Dijk was a pulsating contest in Liverpool’s win over Arsenal

He did this six minutes into the match, holding off the Liverpool man and running beyond him towards the opposition penalty box. Were it not for Pépé tripping over the ball, he would have been able to find Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) in space.

11 minutes into the game, Pépé caused problems once more, chasing a ball played to him over the top of the defenders, forcing Adrian (£4.5m) to sally out of goal.

His clearance went straight to Aubameyang who, from outside the box attempted a lob but screwed it just wide.

In the 30th minute, Aubameyang set up Pépé on the edge of the box, who was afforded too much space by Robertson. His curled effort went just wide.

Arsenal’s best chance of the first half came after Jordan Henderson (£5.5m) gave the ball away in the breakdown of a Liverpool set piece.

That left Pépé with only Robertson to beat in order to get one-on-one with Adrian. Unfortunately for Arsenal, the former Lille man’s shot was tame, although Liverpool’s goalkeeper still struggled to keep hold of it.

In the end, Liverpool were beaten in the 85th minute, once it looked as if they had ridden the storm and banked the clean sheet, perhaps making it all the more frustrating.

Substitute Lucas Torreira (£4.9m) was the man to get the goal for Arsenal, firing in from 12 yards after nearly tripping over a square ball from Aubameyang.

“I would have loved to have (the clean sheet), to be honest, but when I see what the boys throw into a game like this, these things can happen. It’s a quality side Arsenal, they never give up, but I didn’t see that many chances. Today we were really in charge.” – Jurgen Klopp

That g ensured blanks for a selection of Liverpool defenders as the inquest into a double-up on this area of their team goes on.

With the in-form Ashley Barnes (£6.6m) the next striker to face the Reds’ back-line, concerns about the team’s clean sheet potential are sure to continue.

“We will have another week of training and then we go to a very difficult place, to Burnley. I couldn’t have more respect for what they are doing there. I will have the opportunity to watch them tomorrow but it will still be different because Burnley at home are another level, so it will be really tricky.” – Jurgen Klopp

Alexander-Arnold was one of two Liverpool defenders to get returns in Gameweek 3

However, we should point out that that least those on Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.0m) got something out of the game.

As expected, his crossing was excellent and his involvement in set-pieces was what led to his second assist of the season. The England international now has nine of them in his last 10 matches at Anfield.

It was not surprising that he was able to chalk another one up against Arsenal, as they had conceded more chances from set-pieces than any other side in the first two Gameweeks.

That’s why van Dijk owners can probably feel somewhat unfortunate to come away with another two-pointer. He was likely the intended target of Alexander-Arnold’s 41st-minute corner but he was fouled by at least two Arsenal players as he leapt to connect with it.

Joel Matip opened the scoring for Liverpool in the first half

This was what allowed Joel Matip (£5.4m) to nod home the opening goal of the match.

“It was a very determined header as well; I don’t know how many people held on Virg in that moment, it looked like they built something around him, but Joel was there – big Joel – and made a fantastic goal. I think it was a deserved result for half-time.” – Jurgen Klopp

Meanwhile, Robertson was also unfortunate not to get something too. As already mentioned, Firmino came close to converting his early cross and it must be said that the Scottish international continues to shoot with greater regularity than he did last season.

Members Analysis

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Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Adrian; Robertson, van Dijk, Matip, Alexander-Arnold; Wijnaldum (Milner 69′), Fabinho, J Henderson; Mané (Oxlade-Chamberlain 77′), Firmino (Lallana 86′), Salah.

Arsenal XI (4-3-1-2): Leno; Monreal, D Luiz, Sokratis, Maitland-Niles; Willock (Lacazette 81′), Xhaka, Guendouzi (Mkhitaryan 86′); Ceballos (Torreira 61′); Aubameyang, Pépé.

Lessons learned from Gameweek 3

4,374 Comments Post a Comment
  1. gellinmagellan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pope Button
    Digne Robertson Zinchenko Dunk Lundstram
    Salah KdB Martial Trossard Dendoncker
    Jota King Kane

    2 FTs 0.3 ITB What should I do? Considering King > Haller; Trossard > Cantwell

  2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Hilarious headline. Love it

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Would have been nice if they added the opening date of FPL 20/21, just to top it off.

    2. teddypicker
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I love these headlines as I had cheerios this morning

  3. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Jota to Barnes?

    Ryan
    TAA/Digne/WB
    Salah/Sterling/KDB/Martial/Ceballos
    Pukki/Jota

    Button/Lund/Rico/Green

  4. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Kane to Pukki. No brainer?

    1. In and Out
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Who are your other 2 strikers?

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        You don't want to know. Think I'll just wildcard.

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          So yes then 🙂

  5. F4L
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Wolves I think are already starting to suffer from Thursday night footie. Sluggish and slow in attack

  6. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Siggy Zinch —> KDB 4.5 (-4) - and which 4.5?
    B) Siggy —> Son

    Prefer B but not encouraging today...

    Team linked

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Get KDB but keep Zinchenko till Mendy is back

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Not an option. Can’t get KDB straight for Siggy, need a downgrade

        Pope 4.0
        TAA VVD Digne Zinchenko Rico
        Salah Sterling Sig Mount Dendoncker
        Pukki Jota Greenwood

        1.6 ITB

        1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Sell Digne, similar team to me and that's my current plan to get KDB, unless I just go for Haller of Barnes up top

          1. Top Lad Dakes.
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Why would you sell Digne though

  7. xtina
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Siggy + Moura -> Mount + KDB for -4?

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Feels right

    3. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Absolutely

    4. xtina
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks all 😀

  8. Lucackadoodledoo
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Mcginn worth a place in your starting 11?

  9. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pages moving really slowly... Did 90% of FFS captain a CDM?

    1. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      😀 ouch

    2. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Lol

  10. zizoo10
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Used FT on Dend > Cantwell (against my fpl law). No more move until after int break

    Pope
    Robbo • Digne • Zinch
    Salah • Sterling • KDB • Martial • Cantwell
    Pukki • King

    Button • Lundstram • KWP • GW

  11. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Remove Kane. Remove him now !!!!

  12. Robson-Canoe
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    WC activated, had to do it. What are your thoughts on this draft?
    Pope
    VVD AMN Digne (Lundstram Kelly)
    Sterling KDB Salah Mount (Cantwell)
    Haller Pukki Barnes

    1. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Perfect

      1. Robson-Canoe
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers 🙂

    2. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      What's with AMN love?

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      No UTD assets. Good to go.

    4. Lucackadoodledoo
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Who's AMN?

      1. Robson-Canoe
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Maitland-Niles. Could also downgrade him to Soyuncu and keep 0.5 itb.

        1. Lucackadoodledoo
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Cool. Very similar to my wc team. I think you need taa though instead of vvd. He's so attacking. Had shots in the box and everything this weekend

          1. Robson-Canoe
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Hmm yes you're right, he's probably worth the 0.5 more!

    5. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Haha. That's basically my draft. Looks like we have the new template sorted. Tempted by Adrian in goal and laporte over VVD tbh

      1. Robson-Canoe
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Haha it seems that way. I prefer Pope as we don't know when Alisson will be back. Also Pope will get a lot more save points. Laporte is a great shout, I'll keep that in mind!

    6. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      v good

    7. CornerTakenQuicklyOrigi
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'm a -4 away from this. Martial or Haller? Hmmmm. Could you afford a 5.5 defender over AMN?

      Pope
      VVD ZINCHENKO Digne (Lundstram Kelly)
      Sterling KDB Salah Mount MARTIAL
      Pukki Barnes

      1. Robson-Canoe
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        That looks very strong. Martial is a great option as well!

  13. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Fraser, Moura and Wickham > Cantwell, Martial and Pukki worked out pretty good 😀

  14. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Haller and KDB
    B) Aguero and Cantwell

    1. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

  15. el polako
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Kane sucks - it must be hard for mouthbreather.

    1. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      That weirdly made sense

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Not bad for a polack, eh ?

  16. Rasping Drive
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Ah well. At least I can concentrate on the Cup now.

  17. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Salah, VVD, TAA. Take your picks 🙂

    1. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I have all three. Looking to lose VVD on WC in a few weeks

  18. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Rico likely to start since Daniels going to be injured for a while?

    1. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Think so.

    2. Lexi2014
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I’d imagine so

  19. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    best transfer option?

    A) Perez and Lanzini
    B) Haller and Cantwell -4

  20. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone doing hokey kokey of 6.5 striker?

    I had wood.
    Replaced him with jota.
    Last night replaced jota with Ayew 😀

  21. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Want to WC during IB but team haven’t done badly creeping up from 450k to 390k to around 140k ... any suggestions?

    1. zizoo10
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Wildcard

    2. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Don't WC?

    3. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Same position. Still think it’s one of the prime times to use it

    4. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Wildcard.

  22. Hairy Potter
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Where's the guy who kept posting links of Norwich's goals against Newcastle and changed his grav to show he was going to TC Kane?

    1. Lexi2014
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Gone into hiding

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Long gone

  23. Lexi2014
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A:
    Kane / Moura / J. King ->

    Aguero / H. Wilson / Haller

    Would cost -8

    Or

    B:
    Kane / Moura ->

    Aguero / H. Wilson

    Would cost -4

  24. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    This Jimenez goal was the cherry on the cake today, no kdb and kane, couldn't be happier.

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah I was quite relieved as a non owner.

  25. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    So lots of talk on the pool forum about how it's matip's place to lose as van dijks partner in defense. Just 5.4 too. Anyone tempted to take a punt? Especially if on WC?

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Got Salah, TAA and VVD with no intend to change it for the next 2 games

    2. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not really as he doesn't usually have this much attacking threat and if anyone is dropped it will be him

  26. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    As a Martial owner, I feel paralysed in the transfer market. Can't possibly spend the FT without hearing news.

    1. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      He'll be fit.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks for the news. Link?

        1. The Overthinker
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Can't find the link, but ole did say that he'll be okay.

          If I get it, I'll provide it

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Carabao cup midweek, mad to use the FT early anyway

    3. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Same. I hope he is fit. But don't mind giving Jota another week so I can get Barnes after Pool.

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Barnes will rise by then

    4. MTPockets
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yep headfck. Meanwhile I have Jota, King...

      • Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Selling him on WC atm
        Mount is IN to free up ££ to get KDB

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Martial should be fine bud

    5. andrinho
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Got bottomed last time. Sorry:)

      Worth a wildcard?
      Transferring out this:
      Pickford
      Robbo Walker Ake Diop Reid
      Salah KDB Trossard Siggy Ceballos
      Deulofeu Kane Rashford

      For

      Pickford
      Robbo Zinchenko Maitland-Niles Lundstram Kelly
      Salah KDB Mount Cantwell Ceballos
      Aguero Haller Barnes

    6. FPLGeezer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Done with Kane not getting burned again wildcard triggered! Going the Mark Sutherns route no big hitters up top.

    7. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pope
      VvD - Digne - Zinchenko - Soyuncu
      Salah - Sigurdsson* - KdB - Son
      Wilson* - Jimenez
      Heaton - Diop - Stephens - Greenwood

      1 FT, 0.0 ITB

      A) Jimenez/Wilson -> Pukki
      B) Sigurdsson + Jimenez/Wilson -> Martial + Pukki
      C) Sigurdsson + Wilson -> Cantwell + Auba

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        C

    8. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pope Button
      TAA Robertson Montoya Digne Lundstram
      Salah Sterling KDB Perez Dendoncker
      Adams Pukki Greenwood
      2FT 0.9ITB

      Obviously, Adams and Perez are issues. Potentially a LFC defender, any suggestions for the best way to spend my 2FT’s?