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. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Tammy worth 7.0? Looks sharp

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

      no it was Norwich

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

    A) Dendoncker > Cantwell
    B) Jota > Barnes

    Ryan - Heaton
    VVD - Digne - Zinchenko - Dunk - Diop
    Salah - Sterling - KDB - Martial - Dendoncker
    Pukki - Jota - Greenwood

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

      Given that you're playing a 352, I would do A.

  3. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Shame my team name is ‘Don’t care one Jota’ as I’m going to have to get rid. Thinking Barnes as have Pukki and Vardy

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

    Eriksen not starting - is he leaving ?
    If so, should we all avoid Spurs offensive assets ?

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

      Yeah I'm avoiding spurs, If you can't score against Newcastle at home that doesn't bode well

    2. Dude1234
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Kane is way too deep when eriksen doesn’t play. Son is a bit expensive for a team underperforming. Would go for Moura if anyone as he seems to be getting into good positions and is cheaper. Also seemed to be higher in pecking order today than Lamela. They need the new lad back from injury

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

    Jota owners have you had enough?

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

      Yes! Europa league destroyed them.

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

        Villa Jota lookee rather good against Everton.

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

        Yeah I've been disappointed, Showing they can perform in Europa but don't have stamina for prem games as well

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

      ^^^^^^

      Yes I have. Hello Barnes...

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

        Even this week v Pool?

        1. KLOPPTOMANIA
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          May have to with price rises and falls, will monitor. Also pool defence not infallible

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

            I may wait it out, give jota one more spin

    3. twoplustwo
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yep -4 to get ride despite 61 this week

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

        If I want KDB, which I do, may have to stomach him one more week

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

    I know I ll people won't agree but a lucky assist by kdb today. Don't think he is essential at all.

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

      .....??.?.?.?..

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

        ?? Not worth 9.5.

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

          not worth? The man is a literal assist machine?

    2. Stoneleigh
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Hmm that’s the fourth lucky assist this season already

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

        Who cares? He gets 1 assist in 5 goals away to West ham and 1 assist away to bmouth in 3 games. Sterling, Aguero better choices

    3. ignis88
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      You're absolutely right. He's lucky to have that talent

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

      Watch the matches bro (not being rude)
      He can get 2/3 Assists each GW
      He's bloody brilliant

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

        I am getting Aguero (have sterling and zinch) esp with Jesus injury.

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

          Prefer a hattrick potential than 1 or 2 assists. Also need Salah or mane. Can't have em all.

    5. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Should of had more than 1 today

  7. ignis88
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Kelly vs Lundstram over the next 4-5?

    Fixtures point to Kelly, but OOP Lund does looks great. Shame I just used an FT for Kelly lol

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

      If u used ft to get Kelly, just keep him.. surely better transfers to do.

      1. ignis88
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Well I'm not gonna make another move now. Just wondering what people on here think 🙂

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

    Wildcard team thoughts?

    Pope
    VVD, Maguire, Zinchenko (kelly, lundstram)
    Salah, Sterling, Martial, Cantwell, ,Mount,
    Auba, Pukki

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

      Mount and Martial flagged with possible injuries

      1. wren
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Both are flagged but considered to be minor.

    2. wren
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      That's my WC midfield for this week but I'm taking an early punt on Abraham and Barnes and keeping faith in a sturdy back line with:

      Pope
      VVD, TAA, Laporte, Digne (Lundstram)
      Salah, Sterling, Martial, Mount, Cantwell
      Pukki, Abraham, Barnes

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

      Soz, meant Wickham instead of Barnes as bench fodder.

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

    Kane our for Barnes and dendo our for money gained from Kane? (-4)

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

      keep kane

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

    Which one would you play here?

    A. Rico (Lei)
    B. Lundstram(Che)

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

      Rico more likely to start after Daniels injury and easier fixture

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

      rico dont start so lundstram

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

      I'm playing Lund

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

    Dendoncker risk of not starting again next gwk?

  12. 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

    Which two go out first?
    Out of Sigurdsson, Wilson & Jimenez?

    Want to get in Martial, Pukki & Haller.

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

    Maybe a dumb question. If I take say: -4 today and activate my wc tomorrow, will the minus points disappear?

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

      Yeah.

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

        Ok thx

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

      Yeah

    3. Big Ping
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Y

  14. Business Cat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Looking to make my front-line more attacking

    Kane to Benteke, yes or no?

    😉

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

      You'll need to replace Kane with a midfielder.

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

        *defender

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

          *goalkeeper

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

            Lol

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

      😀

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

      Why have Kane if you can have the real deal Kante ?

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

        That is true. 6m cheaper and I get an extra letter 'T' into the bargain...like your thinking

  15. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Going with Sterling and Aguero.

    Would you rather KDB or Laporte on WC?

  16. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    That was a dumb move.

    Salah/Auba out

    Sterling/Kane(c) in

    I make that 8 pts worse off and waste of 2fts..ffs

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

      Plus the hit to get Salah back but keep Sterling 🙂

    2. Stoneleigh
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Meh, hindisight - seemed a good move at the time so don’t beat yourself up

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

    Kudus to those who picked Kane. Not your fault he failed.

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

      Correct. It was Mike Dean the utter cretin's fault

  18. JurgenRodgers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    40 on Wildcard 🙁

    Feel for Kane (C) again

    Debating Trossard/Kane to De Bruyne/Haller -4

    And move on

    1. Stoneleigh
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Plenty of Rashford (C) out there

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

        Thats a tough one

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

      I like those transfers

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

        Just need Martial’s injury not to be to bad

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

    Kane and KWP out for Haller and VVD?

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

      Or Kane and KWP out for Agüero and Mings?

      1. GOTHAM City F.C.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        This

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

    Che Adams owners what you doing? I also unfortunately own Perez but i have 2 FT’s. Perez > Mount likely, do you feel adams deserves one more game?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Keep him

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

    Anything worth -4??

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

    Button • Lundstram • KWP • GW

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Nope, save.

  22. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Any news on Martial ?

  23. Come on you Kante
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Will Ashley young replace luke shaw over next few gameweeks?? Like shaw hamstring??

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

      Possible. Wait for news.

      1. Come on you Kante
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers

  24. mookie
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Can any of you keep up with VAR?
    I'm completely lost.

    1. Party time
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Don't blame the VAR. It is the human beings who make the decisions in the end, not the VAR!

      • Party time
          4 years, 7 months ago

          The English FA are protecting most of the poor decisions from referees by using the term " Clear & Obvious error" before a decision can be overturned. Absolute rubbish

        • FPL Forward Thinker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          The referee’s decision is final. VAR chap had the day off

        • Business Cat
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          It's supposed to "overrule in the case of clear and obvious error on the part of the referee"

          Now the subjectivity has just moved from the decision itself to whether the referee's decision is definitely not correct or not, which means nothing ever gets overturned.

          i.e. it's pointless

          And annoys since it's used to rule out goals on the most inconsequential technicalities that would've stood last year

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

            Cheers

      • DVassell
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Should I bench KWP and play Dunk/Lundstram or take a hit to get him out?

        Current team:

        Pope (Button)
        AWB, KWP, Soyuncu (Dunk, Lundstram)
        Mane, Sterling, KDB, Cantwell, Martial*
        Kun, Pukki (Wickham)

        0.2itb

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

          Definitely don’t take a hit

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

        best palace defender for 4.5 ? thanks

      • Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Imagine Dilva was nailed at 7.3

        1. Party time
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I have him in my team but he is leaving soon. He should have had 3 fpl assists today. A penalty that wasn't given...really hurts!

        2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Thoughts on this lot? 1 FT 0.0 ITB

          Pope

          Maguire, Otamendi, Kelly

          Sterling, KDB, Son, Martial, Mount

          Kane, Haller

          Subs: Button, Greenwood, Lundstram, KWP

        3. royals forever
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Would you WC this team

          Leno Button

          Robertson Van Dijk Soyuncu Montoya Lundstram

          Salah Sterling Perez Martial Dendoncker

          King Barnes Wilson

          Any ideas would be welcomed

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

            It's fine.

            Leno + Wilson to Pukki and Pope.

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

          Early thoughts on these possible hits?
          A) VVD, Siggy & King > Kelly, KDB & Haller (-8).
          B) Siggy & King > Mount & Haller (-4).

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

            B

          2. Pilgrim62
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            B imo

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

              Cheers - think I agree. Just fearing KDB a little.

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

                Yes but -8 is a no no

          3. Big Hass
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            B, not worth taking an 8 point hit I think

          4. Pukki Party
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            B