Scout Notes

What next for Aubameyang after double-digit haul hots up Golden Boot race?

Arsenal 4-0 Norwich

  • Goals: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang x2 (£11.0m), Granit Xhaka (£5.1m), Cédric Soares (£4.8m)
  • Assists: Aubameyang
  • Bonus Points: Aubameyang x3, Xhaka x2, Hector Bellerín x1 (£5.4m)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) finally rewarded his patient owners with two goals, an assist and a double-digit haul in Gameweek 32+.

Faith in the Arsenal forward had ebbed away since the Premier League restart, especially after blanks against Brighton and Southampton.

However, if Aubameyang and his 24% ownership were rather unlucky in Gameweeks 30+ and 31+, they were more than repaid by the Fantasy fates in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Norwich.

For the opening half an hour, the Gabon international did not look any more dangerous than usual, afforded three opportunities that were far from clear cut.

In the ninth minute, Aubameyang cut inside on his right foot from his usual wide-left station, bending a shot straight at Tim Krul (£4.6m). Shortly after, Reiss Nelson (£5.3m), who found plenty of space against Jamal Lewis (£4.4m) in the first half, lofted a clipped cross to the back-post, but Aubameyang could only nod a tame effort at Norwich’s goalkeeper. It was the same story a few moments later when Dani Ceballos (£5.2m) got around the back of Lewis’ flank, his cross too high for Aubameyang to bring under control.

These were the sorts of chances, mixed in with some bad luck, that had led to those recent blanks, but arguably, the forward’s luck was due based on what happened next.

The first stroke of good fortune occurred in the 31st minute when his high-press on Krul, and the goalkeeper’s over-confidence on the ball, led to him winning possession in the Norwich penalty area. Pulled a little wide by the tackle, Aubameyang had no problems sliding the ball into an unguarded net.

His involvement in Arsenal’s second goal was much more about Aubameyang’s own skill. David Luiz (£5.7m) played an excellent crossfield ball from the back to Kieran Tierney (£5.3m), who slid Aubameyang into an advanced position on the left-hand side. His quick-thinking fed a rapidly approaching Granit Xhaka (£5.1m), who pulled his shot back across goal and underneath Krul.

Lady Luck (who we assume captained Aubameyang for Gameweek 32+) then smiled again in the 67th minute when Josip Drmic (£5.3m) played a blind ball back to his defence from a wide-position, sliding Aubameyang instantly into a one-on-one with Krul. With the confidence of an earlier under his belt, Arsenal’s number 14 made no mistake from close-range.

While we cannot rule out the flukey nature of Aubameyang’s two goals against Norwich, his latest outing might just ask some questions of his remaining owners.

Many of those who held onto him for Gameweek 32+ (this author included) did so after watching the unfortunate nature of recent blanks, seeing enough efforts on goal to predict a haul at some point. Therefore, you could argue that Aubameyang’s luck evened out over the three Gameweeks we’ve had so far.

And the position that period has left the striker in is certainly an interesting one. Not only has he become Arsenal’s fastest ever player to reach 50 Premier Leagues (77 games), he is now joint-top of the race for a second Golden Boot in a row. Sharing that prize with Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) and Sadio Mané (£12.5m) last season is almost certainly motivation enough for Aubameyang to end the season on a high, especially with his contract situation still up in the air.

“I’m really happy that Bukayo signed (the contract). We’ll see. We’ll talk with the club and see what happens. I’m really focused on the games. Since Mikel is in we’re doing well. We’re working well. We have signs we’re improving.” – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

“A credit to him. He’s always trying to be the best and help the team. I am really happy for him not just for the goals but his attitude overall.” – Mikel Arteta

However, the remaining fixtures for Arsenal are not pretty at all. Up next is a Wolves side with seven clean sheets from their last eight, then it’s Leicester and Spurs, before Liverpool come to the Emirates Stadium in Gameweek 36+.

That same caveat of fixtures also applies to other Arsenal assets recently considered by Fantasy managers.

While Wednesday evening was one of much-needed rejoicing for Aubameyang owners, those invested in Nicolas Pépé (£9.2m), Bukayo Saka (£4.7m) and Eddie Nketiah (£4.4m) were left ruing what could have been. Even though the Gunners ran out as 4-0 winners over Norwich, that trio were all left on the bench. Saka stayed there all evening while Pépé and Nketiah emerged for one-pointers.

Saka seems the most likely to hold his place in Fantasy teams considering his price and position, fully capable of operating as a useful fifth-midfielder. Furthermore, this was the first time since the Premier League’s restart that Saka had been absent from the starting line-up, so he was more than owed his rest.

However, despite Joe Willock‘s (£4.7m) late shot nearly earning him an assist, Nketiah remains a rotation threat for those looking at going ultra-cheap in the forward line. This was the second time in four matches that the former Leeds loanee was superseded in the centre-forward role by Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m). Considering that Mason Greenwood (£4.3m) has started each of the last two, earning praise from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the process, the Manchester United man, who has nicer fixtures too, arguably looks a better option for the run-in than Nketiah.

Meanwhile, Emiliano Martínez (£4.3m) proved his worth as a budget goalkeeper once again. He has now contributed to two clean sheets in a row for Arsenal, although he stopped short of amazing his 2.0% ownership with his five-point haul. Norwich’s rather subdued nature led to just two saves for the goalkeeper, one short of an additional point and he picked up a yellow card just after the hour-mark.

Also, the chances of Martínez earning starts from his Fantasy owners over the next four matches seems low, considering those aforementioned tough fixtures against Wolves, Leicester, Spurs and Liverpool. A Gameweek 37+ trip to Aston Villa looks like the next chance for Martínez to ask his owners a difficult question from the bench.

Despite drawing a fourth successive blank, Norwich did offer some threat at Arsenal, although, as usual, fell short of actually finding the net.

Ben Godfrey (£4.4m) stepped out of defence and into midfield in the 19th minute, firing a fierce shot from distance against Martínez’s post.

Kenny McLean‘s (£4.8m) powerful free-kick forced a diving save from the Arsenal goalkeeper just short of half-time before Daniel Farke made some changes at the break.

Teemu Pukki (£6.5m) and Emi Buendía (£6.0m) were both withdrawn allowing for a very central front-three of Drmic, Todd Cantwell (£4.6m) and Adam Idah (£4.4). This new set-up could be something that Farke tries in the remaining games of 2019/20 as it nearly led to a breakthrough in the 46th minute, Idah stinging Martínez’s palms with a fierce shot from the edge of the box. During this period, Norwich arguably saw more joy going forward than Arsenal, but all their confidence was dispelled when Drmic handed the game to Aubameyang in the 67th minute.

Arsenal XI (3-4-3): Martínez; Kolasinac, D Luiz, Mustafi (Holding 46′); Tierney, Ceballos, Xhaka, Bellerín (Cédric 77′); Aubameyang (Pépé 82′), Lacazette (Nketiah 76′), Nelson (Willock 58′).

Norwich City XI (4-1-4-1): Krul; Lewis, Tettey, Godfrey, Aarons; Trybull (Idah 46′); Cantwell (Stiepermann 75′), McLean, Rupp (Vrančić 75′), Buendía (O Hernández 46′); Pukki (Drmic 46′).

Members Analysis

View full match data in the Members Area

MEMBERS AREA HOME PAGE

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 32+

1,380 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Any possibility of more double GW with the FA cup fixtures?

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      No. PL Games will be moved to midweek like the last round.

    2. Botman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Also chance Leicester next home game gets postponed

    3. Ninjaa
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      No pretty sure there cant be any more DGWs. No replays now

    4. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Should not be if all fixtures go ahead as planned

  2. Bobby
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    One thing from being a regular on here is overanalysing players who may get rested maybe. I had auba captain for GW31 and when it was Norwich stopped due to apparent benching risk...too much information and all that

    1. Mr. Mystic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah I know what you mean. Can work both ways I guess... finding the right balance is the challenge

  3. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Aubameyang or Ings the priority to transfer out given their tough upcoming fixtures?

    1. faux_C
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Auba I reckon. Ings is a season keeper.

    2. Bobby
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I'd keep ings. Think hes def one for form over fixtures (and still a relative differential)

  4. myteamissheeeeeeeet
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    2 frees! DCL & Kiko to Greenwood & Doherty. A no brainier right chaps?

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Uh huh.

  5. Goooo Rickie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    KDB & Grealish to Mahrez & Son, if tomorrows minutes suggest rest/start at weekend?

  6. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Would you do these moves for a -8? Currently about 120 points clear of second place in my ML...

    Auba > Rashford
    Barnes > Pulisic
    Brandon Williams > Saiss

    (have to move Williams out to do the Auba>Rashford as already own DDG & Fernandes)

    Please help, don't want to take a hit.. but, i've only taken a few all season and Barnes is useless, Auba has nasty fixtures after this GW. Thoughts?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Why not? It’s not like you are going to be caught

    2. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      jeez wish my MLs were like this boy!

  7. FPL Mentor
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Who to go for this week with 2FTs?

    A. Manè & Connolly (Jimi & Alli out)
    B. Mahrez & Jesus (Vardy & Alli out)
    C. KDB & Connolly (Deeney & Alli out)

    Tempted by A and going all out Liverpool attack with TAA, Salah, Manè and no Man City cover.

    Worth rolling the dice?

    Southampton doing well, Villa not so much. Tasty fixtures away to Brighton next too.

  8. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Bruno or Salah captain?

  9. faux_C
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Crazy that Vardy is still the highest scoring FWD in the game.

  10. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Martial the obvious cap?

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      He’s the far superior option to Fernandes so yes

      1. Botman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        what?

        1. Athletic Nasherbo
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Is my sarcasm because this guy spent all weekend trying to argue he was

          1. Botman
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            gotcha haha

          2. JJeyy
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            I have Bruno. Wont cap.

            1. Athletic Nasherbo
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Anyone who disagrees with him is ‘bad at the game’

              1. JJeyy
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Don't be salty. He had bad clearly stats thats why I chose not to cap.

                1. Athletic Nasherbo
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  Not salty. Was engaging in a discussion about it and you turned personal unable to have a fantasy football debate. Take the L.

                  1. JJeyy
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 9 months ago

                    Salty.

    2. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      think so for this week

    3. Bobby
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Is captaining mo ridiculous? May get 60 mins vs villa and surely thats all he needs

    4. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Hoping Martial has better chances against this poor Bournemouth team. Against Brighton all efforts had to come from deeper hence why Fernandes got all the points. That’s my theory anyway!

  11. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Would you get Salah in for a (-4) if you’re probably going to captain Fernandes/Rashford?

    Looking to conserve rank

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Wait to hear what klopp says and after tomorrow’s game

  12. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    bench boost of
    Fernandez (93rd min goal) and Saka (0 mins)

    Cheers boys!!

  13. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Someone PLEASE help...

    Would you do these moves for a -8? Currently about 130/40 points clear of second place in my ML and the guys in 2nd and third have both taken -8 hits this week.

    Auba > Rashford
    Barnes > Pulisic
    Brandon Williams > Saiss

    (have to move Williams out to do the Auba>Rashford as already own DDG & Fernandes)

    Please help, don't want to take a hit.. but, i've only taken a few all season and Barnes is useless, Auba has nasty fixtures after this GW. Thoughts?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Looks good to me

      1. Kodap
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Okay great, worth taking the -8 hit for too? I guess it's ultimately worth it in the long run..

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Doing the top 2 for -4

      1. Kodap
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        i can't get Rashford in, without taking Williams out cos I already have DDG and Bruno Fernandes?

    3. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Calm down

  14. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Best transfer?
    A) Auba and Grealish to Rashford and Mahrez
    B) Auba and Grealish to Jesus and Martial
    C) Auba, Grealish and Stevens to Greenwood, Son/Mahrez and TAA for -4

  15. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Pick 1 Utd not to have:

    A) Martial
    B) Bruno
    C) Rashford
    D) AWB

    1. Jolly Good
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yet agree, hat trick flock, generally garbage always making the wrong Hollywood decision.
        MUPPET.

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Agree the flooky###$

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      C

  16. Jolly Good
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Auba -> Greenwood done

    Waiting tomorrow to do Sarr -> SalH (c)

    1. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Why so early?

  17. wildnothing
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Any suggestions what to do woth this? 2 ft 0.3 itb. Vardy needs to go I guess. Sarr too. Chelsea replacement? Maybe take a chance on Jesus or Kane?

    Patricio Martinez
    Doherty TAA Maguire Ritchie Aurier
    KDB Son Fernandes Sarr Saka
    Vardy Rashford Jimenez

  18. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Look ok for a WC?

    Pope Martinez
    TAA Gomez Aurier Saiss Boly
    Salah Kdb Bruno Martial Pusilic
    Jimi DCL Greenwood

    Benching headaches I know but gives options

    0.1 itb.

  19. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    DDG & Nketiah to Fabianski & Greenwood?

    2 FT and not sure what to do, 0.0ITB

    DDG (Martin)
    TAA Doherty Lascelles (Holgate Simpson)
    Mane KDB Son Fernandes Martial
    Jimenez DCL (Nketiah)

  20. myteamissheeeeeeeet
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Any chance Greenwood goes up tonight as he’s currently on 95.6? I’m screwed if he does!!

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Doubt it.

  21. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Will Auba drop tonight?

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Probably tomorrow

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Doubt it after tonight

    3. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I don’t think he will tonight..

    4. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers fam! Will decide my transfers after City vs Pool

    5. Bartowski
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      People have actually transferred him in since after the game so he should be okay now.

  22. DandyDon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A) Alli, DCL - Mahrez, Abraham
    B) Alli, VVD - Mahrez, TAA
    C) Alli, VVD, DCL - Antonio, TAA, Abraham
    D) Alli, VVD, DCL - Pulisic/Willian, TAA, Abraham

    Help please. Can’t quite afford Jesus so Mahrez looks a smart bet?
    Tammy seems a good option, can swap easily to Ings for last 2 games.
    Think I want to move on DCL this week as his next 3 are looking tricky.
    TAA essential? Think he may get rested against Villa?

  23. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Get rid of Alonso or save free transfer??

    1. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Save. He looked really dangerous first half I watched, every attack came thro him

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I was just worried he may get the axe after his laziness.. He was great going forward and almost set Giroud up, just slightly worried that he’ll get dropped..

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Get rid of your garbage or you'll get rats.

  24. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    After my worst fpl season with a 1,5 mil rank before covid19
    I have now reached 340k ovr rank having my very own plans and I will continue

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Should get a second spike soon.

  25. Magic Hamster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Just had a look at Rashford's heart map for last two matches had convinced me he has to go (have Bruno and martial). Whose a good option as a 3rd striker? Already got jimi and DCL... Considering a punt on Jesus?

    Not many good options mainly due to fixtures...maybe better to revert to a 352...

    1. Magic Hamster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Heat map. Not heart map 🙂

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        But I'm also considering Jesus instead

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I'm buying Rashford lol

    3. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Keep Rashy. Not obvious replacements. He’s fine! Bad game this week, 9 points last time out when Fernandes did nothing

    4. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Not sure Jesus is a great option.

      Greenwood a popular pick though I see him being benched a bit.

    5. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Think Bruno and martial are best two unfortunately. (I have martial and rash). If you can afford him Jesus, I can’t quite so will probably take a punt on Tammy (for DCL not Rash)

  26. FPL Mentor
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    How does this look for next week:

    Pope
    TAA AWB Doherty Lascelles
    Salah(C) Mane Bruno Martial
    Vardy Connolly

    Button / Deeney / Guendouzi / Robinson

    - Vardy's last chance saloon in my team, in search of his 100th prem goal Vs Palace. Then look to get Jimi back in or Jesus for some for cover.

  27. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Pope
    TAA AWB Saiss Aurier
    Salah KDB Fernandes Willian
    Rashford Jimenez

    Henderson Lascelles Cantwell DCL

    Would you Bench Boost this??

    Ta

  28. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Who is the better investment?

    A...pulisic

    B...mahrez

    Thanks

  29. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    1FT 0.4ITB willing to take a hit. What should I do?

    Henderson
    TAA Doherty Egan
    KdB Fernandes Richarlison* Cantwell
    Aubameyang Rashford DCL

    Nyland Grealish Lundstram* Aarons

  30. Shakshuka
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGExUwRSbOI

    Martinez makes saves at 5:03, 5:16 and 7:10. Totaling 3 saves
    Wheres the savepoint?

    #justice4emiliano