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.

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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. Wally711
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    When do prices go up?

    I have Jimenez and jota and want to transfer for pukki.

    Is it best to do it now or is pukki not going up again?

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not tonight

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

      He won’t go up tonight

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

      Do it immediately. why on earth u have both of them? Isn't one enough?

      1. Wally711
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I wanted to give them a shot for a bit... thought I would be in on every wolves goal but it’s time now for pukki

  2. wtx_5780
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Wc save me gw3..Thank you

  3. The Greenback Boogie
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Had a good 3 weeks. Looking to WC anyways. Current team :

    Ryan
    VVD - Digne - Soyuncu
    Salah - Sterling - Martial - Perez
    Pukki - Firmino - Jota

    Button - Lundstram - Dendoncker - Fredericks

    Looking to ship out Firmino, Perez, Jota, Ryan mainly and get in Vardy, Mount, Haller & Pope.

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

      I would rather keep Vardy and ship out lazy Martial.

  4. 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?

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      It still needs a pool regardless of what people say. TAA for me other than that it looks good

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

    0.5 m in the bank and 1 ft

    Haller in for Kane this week?
    Will give me 4.1 m to spend gw 5.
    Or anything worth a hit?

    Pope Button

    AWB Digne KWP Dunk Lundstram

    Sterling KDB Mane Mount Dendoncker

    Kane Pukki Greenwood

  6. Delhidynamo
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) keep Charlie Taylor, take another price drop on the chin in and hope he wins his place back

    B) sell to a 4.0 and save some SV

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

    Kane is against David Luiz next week. Guaranteed hattrick?

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

      Trolling

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

        Me, Kane or Luiz?

  8. DVassell
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pick A or B?

    a) Cantwell + Kun

    b) Ceballos + Kane

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

      A without a doubt

      1. Wally711
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        A for sure

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

      A

  9. 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
    Trossard > Cantwell and King/Jota > Pukki/Haller
    or
    Digne > Soyuncu; Jota > Haller and King > Pukki for -4?

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

    Genuinely don’t know what to do here. 1FT 1.6 ITB

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

    Not enough for Siggy to KDB straight. Just enough for Son.

  11. But to who Chris Kamara
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Mings or Lascelles

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

      Mings

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

    Atleast kane can afford to drop 0.1

  13. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Kane owner, 1 FT - what to do..?

    A) keep
    B) ➡ Aguero
    C) ➡ Haller
    D) ➡ Barnes

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

      I am also an owner and will see how spurs bounce back against arsenal.

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

      Aguero

    3. DVassell
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Aguero since Jesus is out

    4. Jolly Good
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

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

      I am keeping.
      But if you can afford to bring in Aguero, go for it

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

      B

    7. Wally711
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Aguero

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

    62 all out. Kane(C) makes me think "what could have been"

  15. Jolly Good
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Not a biggie ... but if people have noticed the sterling, salah captaincy is such a pain

    First 2 weeks template was Salah (c), Sterling outscored
    Gw3 template goes sterling(c) and ofcourse Salah outscored

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

      Yep. Sucks big time

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

      Same
      With me

  16. Party time
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Oh man! that penalty given to Wolves was harsh, good to see Jimmy dispatch that tho

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

        saved me in my H2H match

        1. Party time
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Yeahh.. Quite a relief to be honest. Important 9 points bagged 😉

      2. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Kane -> Auba? (Free)

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

          50/50 really. Id save it

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

          yuuuup

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

        You know that image of Kermit the frog drinking Lipton tea

        that's me at the thought of Kane owners

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

        A or B?

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

        B

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

        If Martial is injured, does that mean mason greenwood starts?

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

          Potentially yes

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

          Yes

        3. Dr Van Nostrand
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I would think Rash up top and Mata in would be more sensible but who knows with OGS

          1. Dr Van Nostrand
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Or Pogs back in AM he obviously doesn't fancy DM

        4. Amartey Partey
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          About 50/50. Seems like Martial will be back though.

      7. Drop Dead Tsimikas
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Salah (15) + Wilson (5) + Perez (2) >>> Sterling (8) + Pukki (11) + Martial (5) -4 almost came off...

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

        Would you do these for - 4?

        King > Pukki (whu)
        Perez > Cantwell/McGinn (cpl)

        Cheers

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

        How is this WC looking?
        Pope, Button
        Van Dijk, Laporte, Digne (kelly, Lundstram)
        Salah, Sterling, Martial, Mount (Cantwell)
        Haller, Pukki, Barnes

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

          Decent, I would downgrade Laporte to Otamendi imo

      10. Drop Dead Tsimikas
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        44 (-4), ugh.

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

        Any updates on Mount and Martial because they are on my starting 11 for next week??

      12. Rattus Norvegicus
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        My GK and defence scored 2-1-1-0, I still scored 68 points without wildcard or any other chips. Patience with Jimenez paid off. His price has dropped but it will climb again.

      13. Pigeon
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Would you guys rather have Barnes or Haller for the next few games?

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

          Haller

      14. Party time
          4 years, 7 months ago

          This gameweek has just confirmed that the FA aren't using the VAR but protecting most referees judgement. Rubbish!

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

          on behalf of Son everyone I apologise 🙁