Scout Notes

Son and Kane more of a goal threat as Mourinho turns to a two-man strike force

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Arsenal

  • Goals: Son Heung-min (£9.6m), Toby Alderweireld (£5.3m) | Alexandre Lacazette (£9.2m)
  • Assists: Son | Granit Xhaka (£5.1m)
  • Bonus: Son x3, Alderweireld x2, Lacazette x1

Three days before the 187th north London derby, Tottenham Hotspur served up a display so bad that it made Premier League history.

Bournemouth had previously never managed to stop the opposition from registering a shot on target in 186 top-flight games but they achieved that feat with ease as the Lilywhites scraped a goalless draw at the Vitality Stadium.

The dire exhibition prompted a wave of Fantasy Premier League sales, with Harry Kane (£10.9m) and Son Heung-min (£9.6m) both transferred out by over 100,000 FPL managers apiece.

Son duly delivered his joint-highest FPL score of 2020 on Sunday and, while Kane blanked, the two premium Spurs assets were much more of a threat against the Gunners than they had been less than 72 hours earlier.

Son pounced on some calamitous Arsenal defending to swiftly cancel out Alexandre Lacazette’s (£9.2m) 15th-minute stunner and then turned provider for the hosts’ late winner, sending over a teasing corner that Toby Alderweireld (£5.3m) nodded home.

There could have been other/further attacking returns from Kane and Son.

The England international was thrice thwarted by the impressive Emiliano Martinez (£4.3m) when put clean through on goal, while Son had earlier failed to capitalise on a Kane cut-back when the pair broke at speed and then saw a shot blocked in the 86th minute as Arsenal’s defence parted.

The key difference between Gameweeks 34+ and 35+? Mourinho used a two-man attack.

Having been peripheral on the flanks since the restart, Son looked far more dangerous centrally alongside Kane.

In turn, Kane seemed less isolated up top and benefitted from Son’s pace and movement opening up space alongside him.

Before we get too excited about a possible return to form for the pair, it should be said that this was no gung-ho Spurs display.

The hosts were direct and had just 37.3% of possession (only three sides have seen less of the ball in Gameweek 35+ so far), with both of their goals owing more to Arsenal’s defensive shortcomings then they did to the Lilywhites’ own ingenuity in attack.

Mourinho’s switch to a 4-4-2 was also done as much to combat the Gunners’ wing-backs as it was to improve their own goal threat, as the Special One explained after full-time:

I thought I needed to give the team a different shape and to control that we would be in a better position to try to win the game.

They play with Bellerin and Tierney really wide and high, then they bring Aubameyang and Pepe or Saka to the inside. I wanted my back four to be focused on closing the central areas and jumping only to the wing-backs in special occasions. For that, I needed a sacrifice from Sissoko and Lucas.

Even then we had two targets in attacking transitions and to go on to change the direction of the play. With Sonny close to Harry I felt that we could have both, one coming more for the ball and being more a target man and the other making the runs and attacking the space.

So it was our strategy for the game but more important than that was the players. The mentality and the way they embraced the game and the rivalry with Arsenal.

Whether the Lilywhites can reproduce that display away at Newcastle on Wednesday is open to debate, with Spurs likely to see considerably more of the ball and not rely on counter-attacks as much.

It also remains to be seen if Serge Aurier (£5.1m) makes that match, with the dreadfully sad news emerging on Monday morning that the Spurs full-back’s brother had passed away in France.

Japhet Tanganga (£3.9m) made the bench at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after recovering from injury so could step in if match-fit, although Moussa Sissoko (£4.8m) is another option and Mourinho had previously mentioned that Gedson Fernandes (£4.6m) and Oliver Skipp (£4.3m) had been used at right-back in training amid the shortage of numbers.

As for Arsenal, four weeks of defensive improvement gave way to a bit of a shambolic display at the back, with Sead Kolasinac (£5.2m) and David Luiz (£5.7m) at fault for Son’s leveller, Shkodran Mustafi (£5.1m) in kamikaze mood and the Gunners again conceding from a set piece.

It’s harsh to criticise too much as this was a backline that had shipped just one goal in four league games prior to Sunday but there would have been some encouragement for owners of Liverpool’s assets ahead of their trip to the Emirates in midweek, particularly the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.8m) given that Arsenal were again undone by a dead-ball delivery.

Arteta discussed set plays after full-time, saying:

It’s one of them but in this league, it’s very difficult. It is part of the process we are trying to do. We will improve there and we know how important they are in big matches. We talked about it before the game today that set-pieces in this game are crucial, and today it cost us the three points.

The Gunners arguably merited a point and had chances of their own to win it.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) may have blanked but there was enough here to reassure his Fantasy owners, with the Gabon international rattling the woodwork, forcing Hugo Lloris (£5.3m) into a fine flying save, sending a free-kick narrowly wide and uncharacteristically mishitting a Hector Bellerin (£5.3m) cut-back from close range.

Arteta said of his side’s display:

I am disappointed and frustrated and really sorry for the boys first, because the way they played today and the personality they showed today, to come into this ground and show who we are, to nullify the opponents and press them high, forcing them to kick the ball long and defend in a low block. That’s exactly what we wanted to do.

But obviously, if you give the two goals away that we have given against these players, it is very difficult to win a derby.

Sunday was also a reminder to Bukayo Saka‘s (£4.7m) owners that he isn’t yet ‘nailed’ in the Arsenal starting XI despite his fine recent displays, with Arteta benching the teenage prospect as he continues to manage him carefully amid the fixture pile-up.

A breather at the weekend may well ensures he starts against Jurgen Klopp’s side, however.


Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-4-2): Lloris, Aurier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Davies, Winks, Sissoko, Lo Celso (Skipp 84′), Lucas (Bergwijn 82′), Son (Lamela 9o’), Kane.

Arsenal XI (3-4-3): Martinez, Mustafi, Luiz, Kolasinac (Willock 84′), Bellerin (Cedric 84′), Ceballos, Xhaka, Tierney (Nelson 84′), Pepe (Saka 70′), Lacazette, Aubameyang.

Members Analysis

View all player and team data from the north London derby here

FPL LESSONS LEARNED FROM GAMEWEEK 35+

544 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Are either or both of these moves worth hits?

    KDB to Dilva? -4
    Salah to Sterling -4?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not for a hit I don't think

      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        KDB my only city asset so just play him and Salah?

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      There's a phrase in Afrikaans " Ja Nee" simply translated as yes no

      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        haha yes no to the order of those proposed above or 50/50 call on both?

      2. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        In other words - maybe

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Probably not

    4. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'm doing the first one. The hit is for the remaining 3 games! Not just this week.

  2. Debauchy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Probably old news , but just seen Man City won appeal. Good news we need Pep in PL.

    1. GE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Good news, are you crazy?!

  3. Scratch
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    People selling KDB this week. Gotta assume he starts one of either Bournemouth 36 or Watford 37. If he starts the Bournemouth game won't you be absolutely bricking it

  4. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Ederson (3.9)
    TAA Doherty Saiss (C.Taylor, Ngakia)
    Salah Mahre Kdb Bruno Martial
    Greenwood Jimenez (Connolly)

    Which one is best?

    A) Martial to Pulisic
    B) Salah to Pulisic
    C) A/B + Jimenez to Ings -4

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Why not sell Mahrez, the most likely player in your team to be rested?

      1. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        This

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

        Suppose so.. but I’m set on getting Pulisic so would have to be a -4 to only have one city attacker which I’d be looking at making 2 again next week.

  5. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hey all, don't usually do this but I am looking for any ideas, or maybe everything is good here? I have 1FT and 2.7m ITB. FH on GW38.

    Would you change anything here or roll the transfer for GW37? Perhaps could do Vardy > Jesus then drop someone, but will Jesus even play next GW?

    Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

    Pope
    Alexander-Arnold / Aurier / Saïss
    De Bruyne / Fernandes / Salah / Willian / Foden
    Greenwood / Rashford

    Martin / Vardy / Lascelles / Jack Robinson

    1. Scratch
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sell Aurier

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'd be tempted to FH tbh.

      1. Goonsquad245
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        and bring who in?

      2. OneDennisBergkamp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Really?? Why?!

    3. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'd bench Greenwood for Vardy, and then likely take out Aurier after the terrible news this morning. Maybe punt on a Cheslea defender or a 2nd wolves def.

  6. JakeTheRed
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Afternoon all!

    Opted to free-hit this week, team is currently:

    Kepa - (Martinez)
    Azp - Wan Bissaka - Digne - (Fredericks - Simpson)
    Pulisic - Richarlison - Fernandes - D.Silva - Sterling
    Ings - Jesus - (Greenwood)

    2.4 ITB incase I want to change anything before deadline.

    Slightly worried sterling may not start, gone for Richarlison as a slight differential, although could change that to Antonio.

    Thoughts? Possibilities for me to improve anywhere?

    Cheers!

    1. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good.

      Antonio (or Willian and change Kepa) over Richarlison.

    2. pablo discobar
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Id be worried about any of the city players starting.

      Hasn't pep said he's making 5/6 changes?

  7. golden skulltula 69
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sad news, probably Aurier will not play vs Newcastle..

    R.I.P his brother

    1. Meme2011
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      why are we all assuming hes not going to play? whats happened is a absolutly awful but weve seen before with players choosing to try and use football to play through the pain during times of personal tragedy

      1. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Definitely worth waiting for the press conference before doing anything rash.

  8. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Alonso has to start this one right???

    Surely he starts after their last performance.

    Trying to convince myself on Alonso over Azpi

    1. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think so. But also there's no point speculating when we get team news pre deadline.

      1. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        If we get team news, I'd be tempted by Azpi and Alonso on FH.

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

      You should get early team news to decide

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Why do we get early team news? Please and thanks

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

          First game tomorrow so good chance that lineup leaked 15 minutes or less before deadline

      2. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        really stuck what to mate this week. A lot now gone off Jesus starting!

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

          I am not sure matters- they will all get game time. Think Jesus is decent option and will certainly get enough time to do well

    3. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I did Urier to Alonso for a hit

  9. Hect.OR 98th
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any chance one of Bruno, Martial or Greenwood doesn't feature tonight? My rival and I both have them but I'd get 6 more bench points.

    1. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      no

    2. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Only if late injury...

    3. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not for me.

      Ole's system of getting the goals early on then subbing the key men off seems to be working so far.

  10. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA Doherty Aurier
    Sterling KDB Mahrez Bruno Martial
    Rashford Jimenez

    (3.9 Holgate Cathcart Nketiah)
    1Ft & 0.8m

    A) Jimenez ➡ Ings
    B) Jimenez & Mahrez ➡ Jesus & Pulisic -4
    C) Jimenez & Mahrez ➡ Ings & D.Silva -4

    Aurier is a worry but Ancelotti expects Holgate to be fit for Villa and Mina is injured again so I should be okay there.

    Appreciate your thoughts!

    1. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A.

      B if you're confident enough to captain Pulisic (I'm not)

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Hmm kind of agree with that. Got a mull over captaincy. Cheers!

    2. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Looks well set - all of those guys are dangerous sells - I'd steer away from anything involving a hit there personally, rightly or wrongly

      FWIW, I have Jimmy and reckon I'll bench him for a city mid (Foden) this week, play him next week vs palace, & bench him again in GW38... He's not really the type of player who can totally destroy you anyways, more of a 6 to 9 point kind of guy (cue the hattrick lol)

      Ings is a great shout though, (was always my original plan - but I've had my head turned by this chelsea fixture & Giroud) and absolutely nothing wrong with picking him for the last 3

      Its probably the smart option in fairness, and everyone that isn't Ings is just trying to be too clever (i.e. the Girouds etc of this world)

    4. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Just one transfer. I'd be tempted by just Mahrez -> Pulisic

  11. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope (1FT, 0.8ITB)
    TAA Doherty Aurier (Taylor, Lasc)
    KDB Mane Pulisic Martial Bruno
    Greenwood Vardy Jimenez

    Worth doing a free hit this week? Or save until last GW?

    Aurier could be out due to the bad news and could be a good opportunity to bring in Chelsea defence and City attack?

    1. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yea save fht

    2. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      FH imo. Need more City and CFC 🙂

  12. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Vardy to ings worth a hit?

    1. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wait until after tonight to decide I think.

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Over three gameweeks prolly yes

    3. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nah

    4. GE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

    5. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

  13. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hey guys,

    Any advices for my team?

    Pope
    Alexander-Arnold / Doherty / Saiss
    Salah / De Bruyne / Martial / Bruno Fernandes
    Vardy (c) / Jimenez / Ings

    Button / Hanley / Williams / Saka

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Definetely not Vardy (C). I fid Vardy to Jesus

      1. GE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Vardy (C) good shout

    2. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Salah captain

  14. Spartac Mac
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Price not a concern, who do you prefer out of Dilva & Foden?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Dil a

  15. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Salah to Sterling for a hit? If I don't do it this week I will need to do it next gameweek for a hit as well.

    Thoughts?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's a risky one. I'd probably try to get Sterling alongside Salah if possible.

      This is isn't the best week to get Sterling as even if he starts he could be subbed off at 60'.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hold

  16. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What % of posts on here are for validation or interaction compared to people actually open to changing their mind?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A) 25%
      B) 50%
      C) 95%

  17. MagicMessi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who to captain from this ?
    Also bench who to play Bruno?

    Pope
    Digne cresswell. Alonso
    Sterling DSilva Antonio pulisic
    Jesus Ings Vardy
    Subs
    Fernandez Tylor lamptey

    1. GE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Vardy (C)
      Bench Antonio

      1. MagicMessi
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Noway I can bench Antonio !!
        Was thinking of benching Vardy,!

    2. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Massive first sub haul incoming

  18. Could Have Ben Mee
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which one to bench..?

    a) Greenwood
    b) Foden

    Also keep Vardy for one more game or switch to Jesus?

    1. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Green

    2. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Switch to Jesus

    3. GE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    4. GE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Keep Vardy

    5. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A and keep

  19. Debauchy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Ok whats your thinking fellas for starting MC players , mine -

    Dilva 90 %
    Foden 80 %
    Jesus 40 %
    Sterling 30 %
    KDB 25 %
    Marhez 15 %

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Top 2 100%
      The rest add 30% with Mahrez 40%

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers TM

    2. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      no idea yesterday was all set on getting Jesus as most thought he was going to start. Today most saying Sterling starts and Jesus benched. Am confused

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Also thought Jesus more likely, hmmm

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling 5%
      KDB 2%
      David Silva and B Silva 95%
      Jesus 22%
      Mahrez 20%
      Foden 99%
      Ederson 100%
      Aguero 0%

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Lol I like

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          We will find out.

          I think many fpl in for a surprise home to Bournemouth AND away at Watford.

          The league is done.

          It's all about winning 2 cups for a treble of silverware now!

          1. Debauchy
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Aye but Pep will want to keep them firing

          2. Goonsquad245
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Sterling non-owner?

      2. Annie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I'd love to see your predicted lineup

        1. Goonsquad245
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Laporte Cancelo and Zinchenko front 3

        2. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          David Silva and B Silva in my free hit.

          Currently on Ederson in goal because I can't trust Everton defence at home to Villa.

          So Antonio over Foden is a dilemma.

          Giroud, Pulisic and Azi for Chelsea.

          Man Utd and Liverpool assets plus Digne and sub defense.

          Ings is line for rest too.

          1. Annie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Not yours......

  20. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Why are people selling Salah?

    1. He plays Arsenal & Chelsea defence and then Newcastle.

    2. He is chasing the Golden Boot which is very evident by now.

    3. He is very selfish and hungry for goals.

    4. He is nailed on to start all the remaining games. Good amount of rest for Liverpool players as there is nothing else to play for.

    5. Liverpool are aiming for the highest points record.

    6. He is Mo Salah.

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling for me anyway. Fear of Sterling

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        No other way to get him?

    2. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'm sticking to him but not on FH this week. Think he might get limited minutes, looked a bit off and tired last game.

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Might get limited minutes. But surely starts imo.

  21. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Going Sterling and Foden, third spot to?

    A. KDB
    B. Jesus

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jesus

    2. E25
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

  22. E25
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) Vardy -> Ings
    B) Mane -> Sterling
    C) both for a hit

    Martinez
    TAA Doherty Magure
    KDB Mane Mahrez Willian Fernandes
    Vardy Greenwood

    Martin Saiss Robinson NKetiah
    1FT 0.8ITB

  23. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH this week or final week? Feel like it could be more beneficial to do this week and take advantage of the FA cup rotation?

  24. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    1FT
    A) Mane -> Sterling?
    B) Vardy -> Jesus?

    Worried Sterling may get rested and Jesus more likely to start? So swaying towards B...

  25. liboo
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    Arnold aurier saiss bissaka tanganga
    Mane bruno KDB son saka
    Greenwood vardy ings

    What u think guys about that team ?
    I have two free transfers

    Advise plz