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. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Callum Wilson, the assist machine

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

      Yeah this. Reliable.

      1. Limbo
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        None from open play mind. #questionable?

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

          Nah I’m a happy owner. He’ll get some goals soon too. Rashford last week, Haller this week, wonder who it’ll be next week? Joelinton? Murray? Che?

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

    Is Cahill nailed on for palace?

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

      Maybe

  3. Supersonic Marv'
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Trossard to Cantwell done mofos.

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

    Need some advice guys.

    A. Martial + King > Cantwell + Aguero (-4)?
    B. Save
    C. Other

    Heaton
    VVD Robbo AWB Digne
    Salah Sterling Martial McGinn
    King Pukki
    (Button, Kelly, Hayden, Greenwood)
    1FT, 2.7 ITB

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

      B

    2. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I’d definitely do A if I had martial and king.

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

    Heaton / Pope
    VVD / Zinchenko / Digne / KWP / Montoya
    Sterling / Salah / Trossard / Mount / Dendoncker
    Kane / Pukki / Wickham

    Worth a hit for Kane + Trossard -> Haller + KDB?

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

      I'd keep Trossard, looks very good

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

        agree, but would need to play vs man C away....

  6. Silva’s Left Nut
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on Abraham vs. Barnes vs. Haller vs. Pukki?

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

      Vs Wesley

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

        I just got rid of Wesley for Pukki. Slightly regretting it, but couldn’t afford not to get on the pukki train.
        Wesley will now start banging them in for fun.

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

      Pukki and Haller are the 2 I want up top

    3. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yes, confusing ones however. Haller too pricey and spicey for my budget so I'm settling with Barnes. Owning double Liverpool defence so I'll be either happy for finally getting a cs or either my striker scoring Win/win, (or Loss/loss)

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

    A) Moura + Jota
    B) Mount + Haller

    Or
    C) Moura + Jota + KWP >> Mount + Haller + 5m def (-4)

    1. MosF94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B for now, wait for news on KWP

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

    8 of the Scout picks GW3 were awful

    Pass marks for Pukki, Sterling and Martial

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

      Always happens, it’s a curse

  9. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    FT:
    A) Barnes
    or
    B) Wilson
    ?

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

      Barson

  10. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    City defence looked pretty poor today. Not sure whether to get in Laporte just yet...

    1. Supersonic Marv'
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Assist making defenders are the only ones worth having in my opinion. Saying that I do still have Zinc though.

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Zinc actually showed good attacking threat today

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Laporte isn't without attack threat. We cannot play with TAA as our only def 😉

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

    1FT and 0.1itb -- Who gets dropped first?

    Def: Kelly, Lundstram
    Mid: Perez, Donck
    Fwd: Wood, Jimenez

  12. Saint & Reevesy
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    So Kane (or spurs) doesn’t work without Eriksen, who I understand wants a move.

    I’ve just seen the highlights and it seems like Moura carries more goal threat. Spurs fixtures are so tempting....

    Your thoughts on Keeping Kane, replacing with other spurs cover or ditching?

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

      It’s tough. They cost a lot, home to Newcastle is a prime fixture. I don’t own any and I’ll wait for the window to shut and Eriksen to stay. If he goes, think their players suddenly become a lot more expensive. I’d keep Moura though.

  13. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Why did Callum Wilson only play 68 minutes today?

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

      Not much was happening, unexpected sub but doesnt mean anything.

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

        Thanks, hoped this was the reason!

  14. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else looking for value in discounted players. I’ll be picking up Haller for 7.4. I’m also going to be rather tempted by

    Wilson 7.8 (soon)
    Alisson 5.8
    Pepe 9.4 (still falling apparently)
    Jota 6. almost nothing soon I guess

    Any other potential cut-price bargains?

    1. the vanisher
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Robertson 6.9

      1. Limbo
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        That was my first thought.

        Everton MF will find for soon soon. Also Kean.

        C.Wilson has dropped but I don’t get it. Great FPL asset

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          *form

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

      Fraser. Looking at going down again tonight BOU next 4: lei EVE sou WHU

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        The first 2 don't look great

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pepe will keep on falling for month or two at least 😉

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

      Guilbert

    5. Karhumies
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Kean and Iwobi after they get their first XI starts. Kean has 67mins total after 3 games so far.

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

    if Martial misses next week Trossard comes in, its win win 😀

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

      against City?

    2. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Trossard is a good call but I'd also wait to get him in at least after the City game. You never know but I'd wait.

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

    Is Harry Wilson a viable option for Bournemouth cover? Or will he be for ever be a rotation risk?

    1. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      He’ll break into the team (eventually). But will be competing with Brooks. Tough call.

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

        Brooks out for another 6 weeks at least

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          His to lose. Great footballer. On set pieces. Fixtures. Great price. Decent team going fwd.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Probably not, no

  17. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    People with or purchasing mount?

    Aren't you concerned re rotation with champs league looming?

    Thanks

    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      He's 6mil. We will likely have rotation with much more expensive City and Liverpool assets also.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      They should be. There's no need to go there over Lanzini or Buendía for me.

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

      He is not leaving my team unless injured
      Great player, also on corners and some set pieces
      I think he is one of the most important players for Chelsea this season.

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

      At that price with Lund and Donk and Cantwell in squads, think it’s a worthwhile risk. Same with Ceballos and others at that price.

    5. @FPLDIARYFPL
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Nah not any more than any other player in champs league. Seems to be a fav of Fat Frank.

  18. Limbo
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Crouch’s teeth way more entertaining than Shearer

  19. Supersonic Marv'
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Blimey just seen the City highlights. Why wasn't Walker sent off?

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

      Quite a few bad referee decisions in that game, walker was trying to kill ake apparently.

      1. Supersonic Marv'
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Shouldn't VAR clear that up? Isn't that the point?

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

      Because Jesus winner v Spurs should have counted so in fairness and balance Walker was exempt from red card and Spurs were exempt from being awarded stonewall penalties.

      It’s all square now. Play on

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

      Should have. Awful reffing.

      1. Supersonic Marv'
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Shouldn't VAR cancel out awful reffing?

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          No. It’s not for every reffing decision as I understand it.

  20. Lord of Ings
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    G2g?
    Heaton
    TAA diop Tarkowski/Lundstram/Adam smith
    Martial mount kdb salah
    Jimenez Kane pukki

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

      G2g

  21. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Mates, which duo?

    1) Digne VVD

    2) AWB TAA

    Cheers!

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

      A

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

        Cheers!

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

      A

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

        Thanks!

  22. Limbo
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Barnes finishing like Barnes

  23. Lord of Ings
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    RMT up anyone please!

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

      9/10

    2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      You clearly lack a certain ‘key be se quoi’

      1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        *jeu

        Fooking phone....

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

    1 FT; 0.6M ITB

    Jota to Abraham... what do you say mates?

    Pope
    Digne VVD Laporte TAA
    Salah Sterling Mount Martial
    Jota Haller

    Subs: Button, Greenwood, Dendoncer, Rico

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

      Pukki?

  25. PrincePogba
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I need Siggy out. Ideally for KDB only way to do it is martial + Siggy for KDB + Mcginn for -4.
    My thought is KDB could easily out score Martial and Siggy alone this week so surely it’s a good move. Any reasons why i shouldn’t??

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

      I might get Cantwell over McGinn

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

        Or the new 4.5 Villa mid

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

          Yeah Cantwell is being considered to mate. Just like the look of villas fixtures a bit more than Norwich’s

  26. T.Henry14
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Kane+Perez -------------> Aguero+McGinn (0.2ITB) for -4?

  27. Naby K8a
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Wouldn't surprise me in the slighest if Poch isn't at Spurs next season

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

      We shd sign him up. Utd a lot bigger than spurs

  28. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Why are so many shipping Martial?

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

      Because of the breaking news

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Which news?

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

      Plays for Sh*tty Utd

  29. Whiskerz
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Quite like the look of Perez & Aubameyang > Mount & Aguero - 4.

    Thoughts?

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

      I'm eyeing similar but Kane out instead of Auba

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

    Pope save would have seen a 12 point swing for owners. Such fine margins