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. mcgrejam
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Aguero 4 goals in 3 games = essential

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

      Making WC team difficult to build 🙁

    2. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Especially if Jesus is injured

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

      I think he is for next week

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

      12 mil is just too much, going Kun over Sterling seems like the wrong mvoe for certain and if you want double then KDB is the clear next choice. There just isnt room for Kun, we all love him but its sadly true. Espically when you take into account the decent cheap forwards available

      1. mcgrejam
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I can WC to this...

        Pope
        Mina, AWB, Zinchenko
        McGinn, Salah, Sterling, Mount, Martial
        Pukki, Aguero

        Subs- Kelly, Lundstram etc - team good enough?

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

          Looks great. If Jesus returns, u can always go back to kane, auba..

  2. Mr. Funny Name
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Think of the wildcard maybe??
    Out: In:
    Ryan. Pope
    Rico. Lundstram
    AWB. Diop
    Martial. KDB
    Siggy. Cantwell
    Jota. Barnes
    Parrot. Haller

    1. Mr. Funny Name
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Well that didn’t format the way I’d imagined....

      Team atm:
      Ryan
      TAA-Digne-AWB-Zinchenko
      Salah-Sterling-Siggy-Martial
      Pukki-Jota

      Button-Rico-Dendonker-Parrott
      1ft 1.2 itb

    2. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Who is parrot? Looks decent otherwise. Not sure about diop.

  3. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    ceballos nailed ? not sure how he can fit auba lava and pepe ? thanks

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

      Behind them

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        thanks

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

    Pope Adrian
    Laporte Digne Soyuncu Mings Lundstram
    Sterling Salah KDB Mount Caldwell
    Pukki Abraham Barnes

    My new WC team
    Tempted by Mario and Haller over Digne and Abraham. Makes sense?

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

      Matip*. Can be swapped out for a 5.5 if he doesn't look like playing

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      i d get haller ahead of abraham

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

        Done. I could keep as is and swap Adrian for a 4.0. Laporte for VVD and get haller upfront. Want to maintain a good defense

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

    Wonder what Salah is saying to Luiz there lol, would love to hear that 😀

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

      "Thanks you muppet"

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

    Son still an option?

    Anyone bringing him in?

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

      No

    2. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Negative. If Eriksen leaves, they could be a no go area for the year.

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

      Not based on that game, I didnt like the line up to begin with.

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

      Yeah i think he will come good

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

      If you can afford KDB in that slot, there’s not point overthinking.

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

        Cannot

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

      Without evidence of Spurs form I will wait

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

      Too much hype.

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

    Pool and Burnley cleanies wiped out at the death. Harsh.

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

      Cost a huge heap of points for me. But aw well, it happens. I'm hopeful of both defences going forwards.

  8. HD7
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    1 FT; 0.6M ITB
    If no injuries after the GW what do you suggest mates?

    I really wanted to do Jota to Abraham last night but decided to wait and take the 0.1 loss

    Pope
    Digne VVD Laporte TAA
    Salah Sterling Mount Martial
    Jota Haller

    Subs: Button, Greenwood, Dendoncer, Rico

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

    Aguero or KDB?

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

      KDB

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

      I'd still go KDB assuming you already have Sterling?

      1. NeverLucky
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        My Lineup is

        Adrian/Pope
        TAA/Zinchenko/Mings/Lundstam
        Mount/ Salah/ Sterling/Cantwell/Ceballos
        Haller/Kane/Pukki

        So I am spinning

        Ceballos + Kane > Aguero + cheap MF
        Ceballos + Kane > KDB + Abraham

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

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

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

  11. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    2ft, Moura to KDB is one move, to fund it which replacement for Perez do you like!

    A) Cantwell +1m itb
    B) Mcginn
    C) Ceballos

    1. Mr. Funny Name
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

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

    Kane owners especially who captained him going to be hit hard this GW.

    1. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Selling. Through my tears

  13. Ozzy smith
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I think it's fair to say my first hit of the season was a success this gw. Jota King Perez > Pukki Barnes Mount (-4). Don't be afraid to take a hit guys.

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Post all the ones that don't work 😉

  14. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Barnes, Abraham or Haller?

    1. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Barnes

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

      Barnes long term. Haller short term.

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

      Is go for all three, alongside Pukki, Aguero and Joelinton. Essential.

    4. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Cheers guys, obviously I already have Pukki or this wouldn’t be a question

  15. Rash
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Early thoughts on this bunch please

    Pope
    Trent digne mina 
    Salah sterling martial kdb dendonker 
    Jota pukki 

    Button Greenwood lundy montoya 

    1ft .9itb

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

      Jota > Haller?

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

        Since jota fell I am priced out.

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

    Sterling captain locked until rest of the season.

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

    Wolves fan crying over Dyche's negative tactics on 606. "Championship rubbish" 😆
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0070hz6

    I love that there's still a manager like Dyche in the league. Gives us a bargain keeper option 🙂

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      They also defend deep against better teams.
      Nothing wrong in playing within your limitations.
      Love 442
      Love Burnley

    2. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      That’s rich from Wolves, they love parking the bus, and long balls

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

    People wildcarding with somewhat decent times like the template is set. If you know anything about this game, that week will come when everyone’s scrambling to bring in auba/Kane/Aguero. Chill

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

    at what point do we satrt considering Pukki captain material? This week Salah and Sterlings fixtures are too good to pass up, but he is in contention for sure

    1. Superkitten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I captained him this week. 22 points. Only beaten by Salah.

  20. pablo discobar
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Scout picks recommended Mane over Salah, this article headline is basically taking the mickey out of those that might have followed that advice!!! Doesn't inspire confidence in future scout picks does it

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      😀

    2. Miniboss
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      That’s why you make your own decisions.

    3. Mr. Funny Name
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Even the best are allowed to be wrong

      1. pablo discobar
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Of course people can be wrong, no worries, it's the way the headline is worded that could wind people up

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

      If I sign up though, I can find out who scout picks captained...

  21. mcgrejam
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    How’s this WC looking...

    Pope
    Mina, AWB, Zinchenko
    McGinn, Salah, Sterling, Mount, Martial
    Pukki, Aguero

    Subs- Kelly, Lundstram etc - team good enough?

  22. dshv
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    57 points is it bad??

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

      no 44 is average

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

      Nope

  23. Srv210
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Which combination is better to have for 2 nd city spot with sterling

    A) Haller + KDB
    B) Aguero + mcginn/Ceballos

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Tough. I'd go b

  24. Amey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Rico should start some matches now that Daniels is Injured right ??

    1. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Maybe..Kelly is there too

  25. LordEllison
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    1ft and 0.0 itb not sure what to do

    Pope Button
    AWB VVD Digne Zinchenko Lundstram
    Salah Sterling KDB Perez Dendoncker
    Wilson Wood Greenwood

    Any ideas? Was thinking Wilson and Wood to Haller and Pukki maybe
    Thanks!

  26. Queens of the South Age
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    So, Kane and Martial to Aguero and Mount a good shout then?

    Probably wait till after Arsenal game though as Kane likely have more space to actually get a chance.

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

      Y did u have kane in the first place? Didnt u know he will blank? Learned nothing from last year Cardiff game.? I am sure I captained him

  27. Regin
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    The way premier league is totally different from Bundesliga.. but I do like this clear and obvious rule.

  28. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Wild Card taking shape.Will give kean 1-2 GW and most likely ship him to Barnes
    Pope, Button
    Van Dijk, Laporte, Digne (kelly, Lundstram)
    Salah, Sterling, Martial, Mount (Cantwell)
    Haller, Pukki, Kean

  29. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Ryan, Pope
    Robbo, Zinch, Dunk, Kelly, Lundstram
    Salah, Sterling, KDB, Ayoze, Donck
    Pukki, Wood, Jimenez
    1FT, 0.1itb

    1) Wood > Wesley
    2) Ayoze > Mount
    3) Wood, Kelly > Greenwood, 6.0 (-4)
    4) Activate WC and fix it all

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

    Jota to Barnes - yah or nah?

    Not willing to take another price swing.