Scout Notes

Arsenal’s defence offers encouragement to owners of Leicester assets

Arsenal 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

  • Goals: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) | Raul Jimenez (£7.2m)
  • Assists: Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m) | Joao Moutinho (£5.3m)
  • Bonus: Jimenez x3, Aubameyang x2, Moutinho x1

Troubled Arsenal manager Unai Emery received little comfort from a second straight draw in front of an increasingly disgruntled set of home fans.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang‘s (£11.0m) first goal in four matches should have improved the mood at the Emirates, but Raul Jimenez‘s (£7.2m) second-half equaliser was a deserved one for the lively visitors.

The 26.7%-owned Aubameyang is the second most popular Fantasy Premier League (FPL) striker, although his ownership dipped below the two million mark for the Gameweek 11 clash with Wolves.

He rewarded the patience of the majority with his eighth goal of the campaign, set up by a pass from Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m) which made it back-to-back assists for the Frenchman.

Lacazette’s 1.7% of backers were then denied one more point when Emery subbed him off after 59 minutes, no doubt making the Spaniard that little bit more unpopular among Fantasy managers as well as the growing army of Arsenal fans.

That unpopularity is rooted in the Gunners’ lack of a clear on-pitch identity, with all-too frequent periods of timidity and a lack of creativity leaving them looking very vulnerable for large parts of recent matches.

That was certainly the case against Wolves, who were allowed a massive 24 attempts on Saturday, with the visitors having eight shots on target to Arsenal’s four.

Only Southampton and Villa – who played the top two – allowed more efforts on goal than Arsenal this weekend, which will be of huge encouragement to owners of Leicester assets ahead of Gameweek 12.

Jimenez finally took advantage of the hosts’ passivity when he headed home a 76th-minute equaliser from a Joao Moutinho (£5.3m) cross, and it could have been so much worse for the Gunners had keeper Bernd Leno (£5.0m) not made seven saves, with stops from Matt Doherty (£6.0m) and Ruben Neves (£5.3m) particularly eye-catching.

Leno has now made a league-leading 44 saves while keeping only two clean sheets this season – a damning indictment of Arsenal’s failure to impose themselves as a defensive unit, something which Emery acknowledged post-match without explicitly blaming his backline.

The Gunners’ head coach said:

We can improve. We must improve that balance defensively. Above all, we deserved more. The key was to have more clear chances to score the second goal and get the result for us.

Those cracks at the back have usually been papered over by swathes of attacking swagger, but the Gunners are averaging just a goal a game over the last five Gameweeks and that lack of bite was there for all to see against Wolves.

The top three players for attempts, and the top two for chances created, all came from the visitors, with the returning Mesut Ozil (£7.2m) one of only three Arsenal stars to make it into the top ten for creativity.

Such is the mood at the Emirates that Ozil – footballing Marmite to so many Gunners fans – is currently seen as a potential saviour of their season. He’ll need to start delivering quickly and regularly to justify that notion, and he’ll also need to be a lot more influential than he was against Wolves if he is to become a Fantasy target once more.

Emery’s take on the German was short and sweet:

He worked, he played well and I think he has quality.

Newly-anointed captain Aubameyang and the fit-again Lacazette aside, Arsenal’s attacking assets remain at the mercy of Emery’s perceived inability to decide upon a settled side. Nicolas Pepe (£9.3m) was the latest victim of the manager’s selectorial confusion, the winger playing no part against Wolves after enjoying eight straight starts previously.

A back four of David Luiz (£5.8m), Sokratis (£5.0m), Calum Chambers (£4.4m) and Kieran Tierney (£5.4m) might now be more set in stone, but it’s a defence that is a long way from watertight and remains heavily reliant on Leno’s shot-stopping excellence.

Arsenal’s schedule should still be a tempting one, with an eight-match run in which only a trip to Leicester City and a visit from Manchester City look beyond them. But their form is too ropey, and their confidence too brittle, to suggest anyone but their strikers are worthy investments.

The outlook for Wolves is rather more rosy, in the short term at least.

Their next five fixtures are favourable and in Jimenez they have a striker in fine form, with two goals and as many assists from his last four starts.

He and Diogo Jota (£6.1m) topped the goal attempts chart against Arsenal, with the latter coming perilously close to grabbing a late winner with a fine run into the box.

Jota was also joint-top for chances created with the excellent Moutinho, while wing-backs Doherty and Jonny (£5.4m) provided their usual solid attacking threat.

The one downer on the day came when Doherty had to be substituted after 71 minutes when he landed heavily on his right knee.

Wolves coach Nuno Espirito Santo provided an update on the Irish international post-match, saying:

Let’s see how Matt is. I hope it’s nothing serious, but we have other options. Players go down, other players come up.

Unfortunately for him, some key defenders are currently more down than up, with Doherty potentially joining Willy Boly (£5.0m) and Ryan Bennett (£4.9m) on the treatment table.

Not that their backline is particularly tempting at present anyway. Wolves have managed only three clean sheets in the league, with the side coming back from a goal down to draw 1-1 no fewer than six times already this season.

All that leaves Jimenez as the standout Fantasy option and he earned a glowing review from his manager for his latest endeavours.

Santo said:

He’s a very good player, he’s a very good man – a fantastic boy. He works very hard, he believes in himself and he works for the team. I am delighted, and we are delighted to have him.

Some 11% of FPL managers have also been delighted to have him in recent weeks, and there will be more feeling the love over the next few matches as he’s currently just outside the top five for Gameweek 12 transfers-in.


Arsenal XI (4-4-2 diamond): Leno; Chambers, Sokratis, Luiz, Tierney (Kolasonac 87′); Guendouzi, Torreira (Saka 73′), Ozil, Ceballos; Lacazette (Martinelli 60′), Aubameyang.

Wolves XI (3-4-3): Patricio; Dendoncker, Coady, Saiss; Doherty (Vinagre 71′), Neves, Moutinho, Jonny; Traore, Jimenez, Jota (Neto 90′).

Members Analysis

Lessons learned from Gameweek 11

517 Comments Post a Comment
  1. gaus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    D.Silva out for?
    A. Martial
    B. Maddison

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

      B all day long

    3. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Maddison

    4. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A... POSITIVE oop is tasty for that price regardless of what team you play for with those fixtures

  2. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I think the thing to consider when switching a player is, what is the potential of that player compared to that being brought in.

    Lots of posts about fear of missing out but quantify it

    Sterling out for instance - figure he could score 3 goals 2 assists in the next 6 if he’s fortunate (complete guess work of course but everyone has to use there own judgement) I don’t see hauls tbh. NC away isn’t great. Utd haven’t been beat by letting in multiple goals. Pool aren’t going to open the flood games. Chelsea have tightened.

    Who could replace him... Maddison: on form and has fixtures plausibly 2 goals 2 assists in the next 6. Cash also enables bringing in robbo for a 4.5 defender who has tougher fixtures - been chipping in with attacking returns and more chances of CS’s ahead further upside. Cash doesn’t stop there, upgrade to 5th mid - could bring in another form mid price mid with good fixtures etc etc

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      So do u see Salah outscoring sterling in next 5- 7 GWs?

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

        I know I don't... he has that ankle injury which will likely cost him a few seconds of pace... He might not even take spot kicks just to be safe.

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          But I really want the Mo Mane double up for their run of fixtures after city 🙂

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

          Last Klopp said he had fluid in his ankle or something to that effect.

          I am sure Klopp will rest Salah for the CL and let him have a 'week off' for the ankle to get better.

          He will be ready for City.

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

            Fluid on any joint is not as easy to shake off as it was in the 70s. Then it was an injection and lose your livelihood by 27... now, you've got to take time to recover to last to 35 🙂

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Your talking about switching the price structure of your team. Getting Sterling back will be difficuly. If you replace Sterling with Mane or Salah it would make more sense imo

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Difficult*

      2. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        yeah agree

      3. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Valid point but there is always a way

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

      Sterling is on 4 yellows so will be suspend for a GW coming up.

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Might be suspended* One could just wait for it to happen

    4. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yep , not easy predicting though , much random involved. You have to stick with what you got imo , if they are passing the eye test at least ; thats my way anyway

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Or get ahead of the curve

  3. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Any thoughts on how to use the FT? 0.3 ITB... I'm thinking maybe I should boot one of my two Palace defenders....

    Henderson

    TAA, Soy Boy, Lundstram

    Tielemans, Mane, Sterling, De Bruyne, Mount

    Abraham, Vardy

    Subs: Button, Kelly, Cahill, Wickham

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

      I would save the FT mate. 100%. Solid team

    2. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      nice team that, Kelly to Reid & save some cash on non-playing 5th Def or bank FT

    3. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers lads. Might well hold onto the FT for when I need it.

    4. ToooooooOon
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Good team, I'd hold till next week. who are you Captaining?

    5. Beizer
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      In Gameweek 12 your cs-potential is a concern in my opinion. Maybe Cahill out for tomori/janmaat etc.

  4. kennethrhcp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    9.8m 1ft, WC next week I'd say:

    Dilva to

    A: Mount
    B: Madison
    C: Martial
    D: Richarlison

    can be seen as 1 week punt

    1. ToooooooOon
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Mount

    2. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Richarlison? Southampton's home form is shockingly bad

  5. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else expecting 4 or 5 goal thumping from Liverpool against city.......??

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

      um, no.

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        This is the first real test after the injury to Laporte...The other decent attack they faced was Atalanta who were able to open them up for fun at ethihad

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

          yeah but their back up defenders are still decent and they will be very well drilled.

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      If Klopp decides to reply on counter attack and high pressing I think City could be in sanger. 2-1 sounds likely. But not a thumping imo

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

      yea i am...i agree with you. im captaining Sadio

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

      No, Salah is in poor form and semi injured. They need him in top form for that to happen

  6. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    (RP - bottomed) I have both Aurier and Son in my team in a domestic CL fantasy football. Do you reckon they are mentally fit to play?

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

      thoroughly doubt they will play. Son 100pc not

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I think if he has seen the replay of his tackle. It was an inedequate injury. The injury only occured because of the following clash with Aurier stepping on Gomez foot

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          That might relief him somewhat and he is banned in PL afterall

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

            I don't think it's just feeling guilty. Some player's react badly to seeing such a gruesome leg break. It affects the mind. I remember when irwin destroyed david busts leg and a few united players had to have therapy.

            1. FC Hakkebøf
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              Its difficult to say I guess... And now im in a dilemma on wether or not to get rid

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

                i would ditch.100%. He cried for an hour. He wont feel like football for a while Traumatized poor lad 🙁

        2. Monkey Hanger
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          He also knows it happened because he was really hyped up by the challenge Gomez put on him, a couple of minutes earlier.

  7. George James
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    What to do here?.......

    2FT 0.3ITB

    Pope
    Rico VVD Lundstram
    Mane KDB Mount Sterling
    Tammy Haller Wilson

    Button / Cantwell / Cancelo / Kelly

    1. Beizer
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I would do Haller to Jimenez.

  8. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Ryan
    Lund Rico Soy TAA (Ota)
    Salah Sterling Mount (Cantwell Stephens)
    Wilson Tammy Vardy

    1FT, 0.2ITB

    What would you do? Save or other?

    1. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      ota out. i like saiss/tomori

      1. Gooner97
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        And still bench one of those?

        1. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          id start either ahead of soyboy i think

    2. KunDogan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Save

    3. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Firstly I would sack Emery then I would do Salah to Mane , get it done

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

        Wenger IN
        😉

      2. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        First time in years I am witnessing a poor arsenal side in the attacking front....they are as boring as man united

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

    Many saying Salah is out of form? Yes he could be but he has missed a GW and ankle issue yet one point of Sterling.

    For an 'out of form player' I would say his score is ok.

    If that score is out of form then what is his score going to be when he is in form 😀

    Geuss we will just have to wait and see. It has not once jumped to me to get rid so I will just ride the storm.

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Foo , are you watching the games? At this time he is half the player he was last season, You want to hang on ok ? you want to get out and get back once he shows a smidgeon of his previous form better, but your choice mate

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

      Sold him for Mane in gw 9 to fund Vardy.
      Jumped from 1.2m to 480k due to that.

      Going to double up now though. He will come good once he's fully fit IMO

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      There are 6 premiums ahead of him and arguably Kane is better value too!

  10. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Which would you do for THIS week?

    A) Kun > Jimi (FT)
    B) Kun, Dendo > Jimi, Maddison/ Martial (-4)
    C) Neither - hold Kun and do it next week

    1FT 0.4itb
    Pope
    TAA, Lunds, Rico
    Mané (v), KDB, Mount, Barnes
    Aguero*, Vardy (C), Abraham
    (McGovern) (Willems, Dendo*, Boly)

    Regardless, Boly will move to Robbo next week

    Cheers 🙂

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

      A

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks matey. That’s my preference atm but not sure whether to jump on it before possible price changes tonight or wait until midweeks have happened

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

          Wait till Friday.
          Early deadline so can get away 🙂

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Hmmm hate missing those juicy price swings!

            Kun looks super likely to drop tonight and Jimi may rise

    2. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      May be Kun to auba for his nice fixtures?

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        It’s a possibility but would mean not getting Robbo in and moving Boly to Soy instead.

        Just feel Jimi, Robbo are prob a better combo than Auba, Soy but could be close

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          If u get robbo IN, u r going to waste one of lund rico willems every week imo 🙂

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Yes would have to bench one every week, likely to be a rotation between Willems and Rico with Lunds permastarting!

  11. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Another clean sheet in the bag for Lund against man united

  12. New Post
  13. jtreble
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Interesting trivia: in 2011 John Lundstram played for the England U17s with Jordan Pickford, Nathaniel Chalboah, Raheem Sterling and Nathan Redmond.

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      That rabble aren’t fit to lace the big man’s boots!

  14. st4rty
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on CHO & Sterling > Mount & Martial for free? Feel for some reason Martial could do a madness against Brighton, dunno why.

    Would leave my attack as:

    Mount - Martial - Madders - Mane - KDB
    Tammy - Vardy

  15. Speedu
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Enyone else intersted bringing Jota in? With 6.1 offeringgreat differential potential with great fixtures
    I did last week and still dont get how he ended up with only one point