Jordi Gomez and Franco Di Santo stun the Emirates as Wigan’s remarkable run of form shows little sign of abating. Robin Van Persie has yet another off day, while Thomas Vermaelen picks up his sixth goal of the season as the Latics add Arsenal to their recent list of impressive scalps:
Robin Van Persie
Last night’s blank took the Dutchman’s recent tally to a single goal in the last six matches – a penalty in the 3-0 win at Wolves in Gameweek 33. While Wayne Rooney continues to grab the goals and Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez tear defences apart for City, Van Persie’s form is a major concern for his Fantasy owners. A home clash against Chelsea still looks obliging, given his hat-trick at the Bridge earlier this season but, with Arsenal facing a trip to Stoke in Gameweek 36 and the likes of Papiss Cisse and Nikica Jelavic both in strong form and afforded a pair of fixtures apiece, the idea of offloading Van Persie is a ploy many Fantasy managers are currently considering as his campaign stutters to a close. It’s a risky tactic, though; Arsenal have Norwich and West Brom in the final two Gameweeks, however, affording the Gunners skipper plenty opportunity to pick up the points and prove the doubters wrong.
Thomas Vermaelen
The Belgian’s consolation goal for the Gunners brought his recent tally to three in the last seven Gameweeks as he continues to offer strong value at a price of 7.1. Vermaelen has now notched six times in just 25 appearances this term – two more than John Terry and Leighton Baines for defenders – and, with Laurent Koscielny now back from suspension, Arsenal are likely to more solid defensively going into the final four Gameweeks, with Johan Djourou surely returning to the bench. An average of 4.9 points per game is third best for the London outfit, behind Van Persie and Theo Walcott; if Vermaelen can stay injury-free next term, he looks set for significant investment.
Jordi Gomez
A minor knock to Shaun Maloney proved a blessing in disguise for the Latics last night. Robert Martinez handed the Spaniard his first start since Gameweek 28 and he didn’t disappoint. Gomez played a pivotal role in the 2-1 in, providing an assist for Franco Di Santo’s opener before notching his side’s second as Wigan won for the fourth time in the last five Gameweeks. The Latics have also racked up victories against Liverpool, Stoke and United, highlighting just how tricky the final hurdle can be for Fantasy managers, with the idea of playing the fixtures thrown firmly out the window.
While many will be confident of handing Clint Dempsey the captain’s armband next weekend as Wigan travel to the Cottage, the recent run of wins suggests Martinez’s men will be anything but pushovers. Although a Gameweek 36 home clash against Newcastle could prove problematic, the final two games of the season pit the in-form outfit against Blackburn and Wolves, suggesting another great escape could be firmly on the cards.
