Scout Notes

Aubameyang red card masks Arsenal progress under Arteta

Crystal Palace 1-1 Arsenal

Goals: Jordan Ayew (£5.0m) | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.8m)

Assists: Cheikhou Kouyate (£4.9m) | Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m)

Bonus Points: Ayew x3 Kouyate x2 Aubameyang x1

Jordan Ayew (£5.0m) rescued a point for Crystal Palace against a dogged, and arguably unlucky, Arsenal.

Fantasy managers looking for further evidence of Mikel Arteta’s benign influence on the Gunners found it in abundance during the first half at Selhurst Park.

The visitors controlled the match up until the break, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.8m) giving them a deserved lead when he produced a no-nonsense finish from Alexandre Lacazette‘s (£9.3m) astute pass.

Arsenal under their new manager are already a mile away from the disjointed mess they were towards the end of Unai Emery’s reign, with left-back Sead Kolasinac‘s (£5.2m) frequent forays down the flank covered by Granit Xhaka (£5.1m) and the entire team defending as a unit when required.

But a combination of the high wind and Palace’s standard obduracy meant the Gunners couldn’t turn their early fluency into a second goal.

And everything changed after half-time.

The influential Lucas Torreira (£4.7m) had to be replaced at the break, with Arteta’s initial diagnosis a vague one.

“It looks like (an injury). He had to come off at half-time. I don’t know (what it is). I’ll have to check with the doctor.” – Mikel Arteta

What did become clear was how well Torreira and Xhaka had nullified Palace’s midfield, because without the Uruguayan, Arsenal struggled to contain their hosts, who were level within ten minutes of the restart.

Cheikhou Kouyaté (£4.9m) fed Ayew, whose shot took a big deflection off David Luiz (£5.7m) on its way past Bernd Leno (£5.0m).

Things then turned from bad to worse for Arsenal when Aubameyang was shown a red card, following an intervention by VAR, for a challenge on Max Meyer (£5.2m) that might have been lacking in malice, but was definitely mistimed and decidedly ugly.

The Arsenal coach had no complaints with the decision.

“I just watched it and it looked nasty, to be fair. Knowing Auba, there’s no intention to make such a tackle. Hopefully, he hasn’t been injured and we are sorry for that. The decision was made and we have to accept it.” – Mikel Arteta

His Palace counterpart, Roy Hodgson, was not so hopeful that Meyer had escaped without injury.

“The position of his ankle as the challenge comes in is not a pleasant thing to see. I’d be very surprised if there isn’t any ligament damage there, but we won’t know that until Monday.” – Roy Hodgson

Pre-Arteta Arsenal might well have crumbled after the dismissal, but there was none of that at Selhurst Park.

They rode their luck when a looping header from James Tomkins (£5.0m) had to be cleared off the line, but even better chances came at the other end, with Nicolas Pépé (£9.1m) seeing his shot brilliantly tipped onto the post by Vicente Guaita (£5.1m), who then bravely saved the rebound at Lacazette’s feet.

A win would probably have flattered the Gunners, but their defensive solidity was generally impressive – Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.6m) did a particularly good job keeping Wilfried Zaha (£6.8m) very quiet – and their front three are likely to prosper against less well-drilled opponents.

Unfortunately for Fantasy managers, the most in-form of that trio, Aubameyang, won’t be adding to his three goals from the last four Gameweeks as he’ll now be suspended for the next three matches.

Arsenal have a very attractive long-term schedule, but investing in their improved defence still feels risky on the evidence of Arteta’s first three league games in charge.

Lacazette and Pepe might step up in the absence of Aubameyang, but Mesut Ozil (£7.2m) was little more than a bit-part player against Palace.

As for Roy Hodgson’s side, their defenders remain the best bet for points as they embark on a good eight-match run during which the first fixture, away at Manchester City, is by far and away the toughest test.

Zaha continues to be a misfiring luxury, while new loan signing Cenk Tosun (£5.7m) was starved of service during his 22-minute debut – a state of affairs he will probably have to get used to when playing for a side who’ve managed a league-worst 213 attempts this season.

Crystal Palace XI (4-5-1): Guaita; Riedewald, Cahill, Tomkins, M Kelly; Zaha, McCarthy, McArthur, Kouyaté, Meyer (Tosun 68′); Ayew.

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Kolasinac, D Luiz, Sokratis, Maitland-Niles; Xhaka, Torreira (Guendouzi 46′); Aubameyang, Özil (Martinelli 70′), Pépé; Lacazette (Nelson 90+2′).

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2,782 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one please

    Lund(ars), Dunk(AVL) or Soy(bur)

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Lund

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Lundstram

    3. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Soy

    4. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Lundstram

    5. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Interesting, cheers.

    6. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Dunk me thinks! Villa likely to score

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, just need a Grealish injury to help. Arsenal might struggle without Auba and Burnley are useless atm.

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

      Dunk. Arsenal won't score without Auba.

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

      Agree with Dunk -- as you/others have said, ARS is without Auba and BUR not in a good place. (For my team's sake, please no Grealish injury...)

  2. juho
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any Sarr owners praying for a double?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Hatty tbh.

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

        Need 30 pts min frm Sarr and kdb(c)

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

          Goal and assist, 3 bonus from kdb. 2 pts from sarr. Done.

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

      Would be nice.

  3. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Rashford and Gomez or Jiminez and Robbo?

    1. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not dropping Rashy.

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Who is going to be your 3 pool?

        1. Moose™
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Salah gives a real headache. Might just get Robbo TAA Mane. But, Salah potential..

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

    Lads, please: I am alright keeping my ft?

    Ryan
    TAA, Sidibé, Chilwell (Lundstram, Simpson)
    Salah, KDB, Maddison, Grealish (Traoré)
    Vardy, Abraham, Jimenez

    Could do Jimmy to Ings, but could wait until fixtures actually do swing. Anyways, what do you say?

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Get Ings

    2. ItOnlyTook9Years
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Fixtures irrelevant for Ings, and seemingly Southampton now

  5. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is downgrading Rashford > DCL worth being able to do Grealish > Salah for GW24 or do I keep Rashford and bring TAA in instead (any other routes to Salah welcome!)

    Gazza/Button
    Robbo/Soy/Lund/Kelly/Rico
    Mane/KDB/Maddi/Grealish/Cantwell
    Vardy/Rashford/Ings

    1FT 3.0ITB

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I would keep

      1. School of Poch
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        So would you go with TAA for triple Liverpool or find a different route to Salah?

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      On balance would want to keep Grealish and Rashford ( if fit) so no get TAA instead I think best for your team

      1. School of Poch
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I agree seems to be best for the team. Really could be punished by no Salah in that DGW though

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          i kinda doubt it, not seeing anything show stopping for him over a mid

          1. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            over a def*

  6. The_Fish
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Those advocating double Pool mid setup for 24, still think that or now wanting double defence?

    1. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Still think it’s double mid if you can afford, double defence if you can’t

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Depends how you do it doesn't it, I wont drop KDB for Salah/Mane, wouldn't drop Vardy/Rashford for Firmino.

        1. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah, no way I’d be dropping KDB/Vardy with their form over the season or Rashford with his weekly pens!

      2. NobodyF*cksWithTheJesus
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Not as simple as that though! Might be able to afford mids with downgrades elsewhere so there are decisions to make

        1. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Same situation! Mine involves downgrading Moura/upgrading Martial which I’m more than happy to do

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on the scoreline vs United.

    3. The_Fish
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      For more info on my bias, I brought in Robbo last week and have very much enjoyed his 18 points in the 2 games.

    4. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I think double mid could really be a trap, especially with all the plum fixtures from other assets that you'd be dropping

      1. FPL.team
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        It's not a trap, they also have great fixtures after the double.

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

      Both options available so will see after week 23 but actually Firmino might be my third player with Salah and TAA. His away record pretty good

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

      Nothing changed overnight
      Value for money and with 5 straight clean sheets I would choose double defence
      Lookik at 2 transfer move to get Robbo otherwise I’ll do Firmino

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

      Always have and always will want double midfield.

      1. Macam Dave
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed. I've squeezed out double midfield...

        Hendo
        TAA Lund soy Rico Kelly
        Mane Salah kdb Grealish cantwell
        Vardy Ings Tammy

        So it is possible with enough forward planning.

  7. MiLK2018
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    How does this transfer look? thx

    Alli + Aurier -> Grealsih + Robertson

    1. Skid Vicious
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good to me.
      Both Alli and Aurier lost me value already.

      I'd do it.

      I got rid of Alli just now for planned move to Salah for dgw

  8. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Do we think Ings will double rise?

    Maybe take hit now better

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

    Have Aguero and KdB(C) tomorrow, but most excited over Grealish. I think he can outscore them.

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      So perhaps should have captained him 🙂

      1. Firminooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        No guts. Didn’t even captain Aguero over KdB out of fear for the EO.

        1. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I have gone Aguero captain over KDB- see as last chance to close gap on ML leader really.

          1. Bobby Digital
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Last chance? There's a shiteload of games left...

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I strongly doubt he'll outsdcore them

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

    Alli + Maupay + Targett to?

    A) Salah + Greenwood + Stephens
    B) Richarlison + Ings + van Dijk

  11. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you prefer??
    A- Dunk
    Or
    B- Holgate

    1. D.Glynn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A) I think for goal threat.

  12. Moose™
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed.

    Ryan Alli Grealish Tammy > McCarthy Salah Dendo Ings

    Just have enough ITB. Do it?

    Salah caused so much headache. Get Robbo instead?

  13. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Alli + Greenwood --> Cantwell + Ings (-4)

    worth the hit? sets up Sidibe to Robbo for the DGW.

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Exact money moves before ings rise. Sweating ensues

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

      I like it

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        hate to lose sidibe after just getting him though 🙁 everton looks nice

  14. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Decent week so far what to do for next week?

    Guiata Button

    Sidibe Taa Lundstram Soyuncu Hanley

    Kdb salah mane Richarlison cantwell

    Ings vardy Greenwood

    0 ITB 1 FT

    Thanks.

    1. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      And you’ve had a decent week again and again

  15. Cookie Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Alli, Rashford and Traore OUT
    Mane, Ings and Choudhry (bench fodder) IN

    For -4?

    Or just Ings in for Rashford?

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

      Why sell Rashford??

      1. Cookie Kid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        To afford mane for DGW!

    2. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Alli gonna drop in price I think

    3. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Rashford pretty much nailed for a penalty every week. Keep

  16. D.Glynn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    G2G?
    Or any suggestions? Bench right? Tempted to start Cantwell vs Bourn

    Ryan
    TAA Soy Holgate
    Salah KDB Grealish Mane
    Vardy Ings Deulofeu

    4.0 Cantwell Lund Kelly

  17. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    A) Digne
    B) Sidibé
    C) Neither!

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. MiLK2018
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A) Digne; on set pieces. Sidibe is no longer OOP

    3. Kitsune
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A is the everton defender to get, though Holgate looks great for 4.4

  18. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Like the look of this,exact cash can do
    Tammy to ings
    Ramsdale to 4.0

    Then next week Soy->VVD for the double gw and pools fixture run

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

      Looks good

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

    Just pulled the trigger..

    Greenwood to Ings

    Sets me up for TAA/Robbo/Mane in the DGW.

    Was planning on adding Salah to TAA & Mane but it would have meant losing Rashford. Which would be very reluctant as he’s smashing it this season. His form is looking consistent too.

    Hopefully the right move. Takes away my captaincy head ache

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'm in the same mood but would mean losing Martial for me. Can do a Alli, Aurier to Sarr, Robo for free

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

        Looks good my fellow blade!

        I bought Sarr in this week. Hope he does the business against Bournemouth.

        I’m thinking of hendo in for Fabs. Tough couple of games but he can rack up the saves. Sheff look great for a double up from 25 onwards. Would mean double pool and double Sheff defence. Exciting

        1. Tsparkes10
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Very exciting haha. Same here. Had Hendo from start and Lund from about gw6

  20. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Just me who kinda wants to keep Alli and Aurier for Norwich in 24 hahaha

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’m keeping Alli for Villa

    2. ZTF
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      We will have Pukki + Godfrey back by then and probably 1/2 signings. By no means saying we’ll win but today was our worst performance of the season and I don’t expect many repeats of it.

    3. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Alli's price gonna drop soon

  21. T.Henry14
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Whether Dele will drop the price by the beginning GW23?

    Have excatly money for Martial&Abraham ---> Alli & Ings, but Ings will rise tonight, and it would be a good not to do early transfers because of Rashford yellow flag.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      yes

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

      Why are you buying Alli? I’m selling!

  22. Mortal.Swinbat
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Have had such a bad run lately but am really happy with my team, so frustrating. I feel like I doubled up on Mane and Salah too early and have missed out on Rashford and Ings.

    What to do with this?

    Ryan
    TAA, Soyuncu, Lundstrum
    Salah, Mane, KDB, Grealish
    Vardy, Jiminez, DCL

    Button, Reid, Kelly, Hayden

    2ft’s 0.0 itb

    Cheers

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Looks like low team value as all 4 is very manageable. Could sell Jimmy for Ings.
      Really need to sort the bench soon as defence is stretched.

  23. fgdu
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    yo, going to do martial + rico to TAA + dendo.
    G2g?

    Team:
    Hendo
    Lundstram Rico Gomez Soy Kelly
    Grealish Richarlison KDB Mane Martial
    Ings Vardy Rashford

  24. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Which sounds better:

    A) Rashford + Soyuncu = Ings + Robbo
    B) Rashford + Maddison = Greenwood + Salah
    C) DCL + Maddison + Soyuncu = Ings + Dendoncker + Robbo (-4)
    D) Rashford + Maddison + Grealish + Gazzaniga = Ings + Salah + Hayden + McCarthy (-8)

    Many thanks!

    1. Macam Dave
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

  25. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ings rising again.....

    Jiminez to Ings (have 2ft)?

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Could end badly

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        So could any transfer I suppose.

    2. Sacked in the Morning
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I have

  26. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Webster or Cathcart?

  27. Lucas8406
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Abraham or Jimenez to Ings?
    Will eventually get rid of the other one next gw to DCL to accommodate Martial to Salah

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Jimmy

  28. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Rashford + Traore + Kelly >

    A. Ings + Maddison + Holgate
    B. Ings + Grealish + Digne

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      See if Grealish gets through the game.

  29. Moose™
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Chasing Top 10K, which trio is the best going forward?

    A. TAA Robbo Mane

    B. TAA Salah Mane

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Currently A until Pool start to concede.

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

        Don’t see that they will when you look at the fixtures

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

    Team from 24 onwards:

    Hendo
    TAA / Robbo / Lund
    Mane (c) / Maddison / KDB / Sarr
    Rashford / Vardy / Ings
    4.0 / Traore / Rico / Soy

    GTG? Or find away for Salah over Robbo.
    Put off by team imbalance and value of defence looking on the up