Scout Notes

Kane and Son expose Saints as Ings cements first-choice penalty-taker status

SOUTHAMPTON 2-5 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

  • Goals: Danny Ings (£8.4m) x2; Son Heung-min (£8.9m) x4, Harry Kane (£10.5m)
  • Assists: Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.5m), Moussa Djenepo (£5.5m) | Kane x4, Erik Lamela (£5.9m)
  • Bonus: Kane x3, Son x2, Ings x1

Son Heung-min (£8.9m) responded to his price drop by scoring four goals in a remarkable display against Southampton’s high defensive line, all assisted by Harry Kane (£10.5m), as Spurs came from behind to beat the Saints 5-2.

Jose Mourinho’s side can’t stop making headlines right now. Their All or Nothing series is sparking constant discussion, whilst they announced the spectacular return of Gareth Bale alongside Sergio Reguilon over the weekend.

Yet the current stars concluded an uncomfortable week of matches by operating a second-half demolition job, rounded off by a goal from Kane. He injured his hamstring in last season’s equivalent meeting but, this time, became the first man in Premier League history to assist the same goalscorer four times in one match – each one looking eerily similar.

In first-half stoppage-time, some brilliant midfield work by Tanguy Ndombele (£6.0m) ended up at Kane’s feet and his first-time pass set Son clear through. The South Korean international blasted his right-footed finish inside Alex McCarthy’s (£4.5m) far post.

“I know that everyone will say Sonny is man of the match because it’s an incredible achievement to score four goals in the Premier League, but I am a team coach, I am all about my team and what Harry did for us is an example of the guy who is not going to have the highlights on him, but is fundamental for the team.” – Jose Mourinho

Early in the second half, Son’s next two goals were almost identical. Both were Kane through balls from deep, both put Son one-on-one with the goalkeeper and both were clinical finishes that exploited a poorly applied high defensive line. Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl will be raging.

They combined a fourth time after 73 minutes, with Kane fetching the ball out wide and curving a wonderful cross for Son to chest then prod home with his left foot. It was a truly magnificent display by Son, who is well-positioned to score over ten times for a fifth consecutive season. Kane finally got his goal nine minutes later, tapping in after substitute Erik Lamela’s (£5.9m) shot hit the post.

“We had a strong first half with some very good scenes, with a lot of chances from our side. We were compact and disciplined but had one silly mistake before half time to bring them back to 1-1. Our heads went a little bit down, their heads a little bit up.” – Ralph Hasenhuttl

However, it doesn’t explain a first half which saw three disallowed goals and some Southampton domination. In fact, Son’s opening goal was the only first half shot mustered by Spurs and the only touch in their opponent’s box.

Danny Ings (£8.4m) had a strike ruled out after Hugo Lloris (£5.5m) surged out of his box to head the ball against Ings’ arm. The striker put the ball into the net but it was correctly disallowed.

It was a good day for Ings’ FPL managers, though. He scored twice himself to punish the 240,000 sellers who had lost faith after an opening-day blank at Crystal Palace. His 22 goals of last season made him an almost must-have asset but he became a victim of the devastating number of price changes going on right now.

Ings put Southampton ahead in the 32nd minute, after being put through by a long Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.5m) ball. Fairly wide, a good first touch was followed by a crisp finish into Lloris’ bottom corner. He scored in three of the four matches against Spurs last season, adding a second here via a late penalty given for Matt Doherty’s (£6.0m) handball.

It was interesting that Ings still took the spot-kick, despite set-piece specialist James Ward-Prowse (£6.0m) being on the pitch. With upcoming games against Burnley (a) and West Brom (h), it’s certainly worth considering keeping hold of the reliable Ings for the foreseeable future.

His strike partner Che Adams (£6.0m) had some online love heading into Gameweek 1. Priced much cheaper than Ings, he scored four times in the nine Project Restart matches and is seemingly ahead of Shane Long (£5.5m) in the pecking order. He had the chances here but couldn’t quite get on the scoresheet.

After ten minutes, a free-kick landed at Adams’ feet by the penalty spot but his powerful shot was saved well by Lloris. He may have scored shortly after, if it wasn’t for a great Ben Davies (£5.0m) block. Later given a yellow card, Adams began the second half with an on-target effort to finish a free-flowing attack. It was comfortable for Lloris.

On the one hand, it may encourage managers that Adams has started both league games and got himself into the right positions from which to cause trouble. But seeing Ings bag a brace will hurt, especially when fellow cheap striker Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.0m) registered 12 points on Saturday.

Despite Southampton ranking third amongst the nine Project Restart games – five wins and three draws – Hasenhuttl has given off some negative vibes in press conferences recently. He believes that “with the team we have, it will be very difficult to win games”, even though they followed October’s humiliating 9-0 defeat to Leicester by being the league’s seventh-best team during the subsequent 28 matches.

“When you have no pressure on the ball you cannot play such a high line. We still did it, and this is not possible. We must come back, close the gaps and defend our own box with everything we have.” – Ralph Hasenhuttl

Perhaps he is a visionary, judging by how badly they defended this time. It was far too easy for Son to stroll through and for Kane to be a creative maestro. Walker-Peters assisted against his former side but owners of goalkeeper McCarthy may start to worry that his place is under threat.

Elsewhere, Stuart Armstrong (£5.5m) made a quiet return to midfield after picking up a thigh injury on Scotland duty, whilst Moussa Djenepo (£5.5m) looked bright and hit the post.

For Spurs, Doherty assisted the first disallowed goal, nodding Son’s cross into a Kane volley that was ruled out for an earlier offside. It was encouraging to see him so far forward but the Irishman ended up without any attacking returns, before being booked and conceding a late penalty with his handball.

It will be fascinating to see what is next for Tottenham. The big team news involved Dele Alli (£7.9m) being completely left out, following last week’s half-time withdrawal against Everton. His appeal as an FPL asset will be extinguished once Bale has built up match fitness. With Reguilon’s addition, they now possess attacking full-backs on both flanks and perhaps this will lead to a formation change.

Successfully negotiating a brutal fixture list is their first priority. They play 48 hours later against Leyton Orient in the Carabao Cup, then 48 hours after that in North Macedonia against Shkendija in the Europa League. Beat those sides and it’s the same schedule next week, starting with their home game against Newcastle. It is a horrific diary and Mourinho’s squad management could throw up some shocks for the Fantasy managers who have invested in the Lilywhites.


Southampton XI (4-4-2): McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Stephens, Bednarek, Bertrand; Armstrong (Tella 68’), Romeu (Smallbone 55’), Ward-Prowse, Djenepo; Ings, Adams (Long 80’)

Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-3-3): Lloris; Doherty, Dier, Sanchez, Davies; Hojbjerg, Winks, Ndombele (Lo Celso 46’); Lucas (Lamela 61’), Son, Kane (Bergwijn 84’)


MEMBERS ANALYSIS

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 2

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2,110 Comments Post a Comment
  1. LucasMoregametime
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Kepa (Ryan)
    Saiss, VVD, Justin (Mitchell, 4.0)
    KDB, Barnes, Zaha, Hamez (4.5 Mid)
    Jiminez, Werner, Kane

    ON WC any changes? what 4.5 mid to get?

    1. focaccia
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kepa is a terrible pick.

      1. LucasMoregametime
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Frank's already said he is going to back Kepa in, not a great GK ATM but hopefully Chelsea can keep some CS with upcoming fixtures.

        1. diabydoesgallas
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Wouldn’t be surprised to see mendy start the next game

      2. focaccia
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Wouldn't be surprised if he gets dropped soon. Ryan / Guaita better options.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good stuff.
      Reed - nailed, doesn't get booked that often

      1. HODGE
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Kepa lol

      2. Ze_Austin
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'm gonna guess you overlooked the keeper out of sheer disbelief

      3. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Sorry, assumed Kepa was ironic

    3. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pretty sure Chelsea have signed or a close to signing a keeper from the French league

    4. LucasMoregametime
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      maybe Pickford instead?

    5. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Stopped reading at Kepa

  2. HNI
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would you rather have Robertson or Zaha long term? Both 7mn(almost now after zaha rise) and not captaim material and will play every match. I was actually looking to go 4-4-2 as last season liv just got 13CS still robbon managed 180+pts which is more than Zaha best season as well

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'll raise you:

      Mart Steer
      TAA Robbo Digne Saiss Justin
      Sterling Bruno Son James Zaha
      DCL Brewster Davis

      1. HNI
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Any news on Brewster Sheffield move? Even if he does move you reckon he is nailed? I cant get him really as Salah has third Liverpool spot for now as he is permacaptain for next 10gws till Mcity match

        1. Ze_Austin
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          If he moves, he's nailed

          I haven't seen news. It's either not seen as a big move by journalists (so they aren't covering the process) or there's genuinely no activity yet

          I might be the only one here who's fine with two inactive subs, but that's okay for me. Brewster can be Wickham anyway

      2. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        At first glance I thought, how he has he got such amazing TV only two weeks in.
        If Brewster moves amazing, even if not, pretty good.

        1. Ze_Austin
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks 🙂

    2. LucasMoregametime
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Probably Robbo, Zaha can easily go a month doing absolutely nothing. In saying that, I started with Zaha

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Robbo - you have answered your own question (and saves a transfer down the line)

    4. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Robbo, easy

      Zaha is still looking for a transfer (apparently) and Robbo has been getting more chances than TAA because Pool favoring the left side for attack progression, so yep for a long term, Robbo Trumps

    5. HNI
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks for your replies guy. 4-4-2 its is!

    6. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Robbo.

      Zaha does this every season. He'll blank for the next month now haha.

    7. diabydoesgallas
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      For the season, Robertson. Zaha is a very nice pick though

  3. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy, 4.0
    Taa, lascelles, saiss, Taylor, Mitchell
    Auba, son, havertz, ASM, bissouma
    Werner, martial, Adams

    2.0itb.
    To wc this lot? Or should I look at -4/-8 (want kdb + Jesus)?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd hold on, you should have hit WC on Saturday afternoon if that was your plan.
      Auba to City looks simple enough. Jesus not worth a hit (probably)

    2. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Auba to KDB this week.
      Then move Havertz after the WBA game.

      Unless ASM is injured?

  4. Shatner's Bassoon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Utterly bizarre and frustrating FPL watch on Sunday.

    Got Che Adams at one end deciding he'll just whack the ball straight at the goalkeeper every time he gets a presentable chance (just stick it low, Lloris can't save anything on the floor!)

    Then there's McCarthy who appeared to take sleeping tablets before the match started & was therefore unable to either come off his line adequately or save anything which was fired at him with any pace, draining all KWP's points.

    Spurs assets now absolutely essential as long as they play zombie Southampton every week. Embarrassing from saints considering THFC were in Bulgaria last week.

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      but they won't play Saints everyweek sadly

  5. NULL-X-VOID
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    the one thing about not starting with a template is that you don't have to waste transfers to avoid price drops

  6. HNI
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which option better long term
    1) Digne + Son + Bamford
    2) One of R James/Saiss + Robertson+ Jrodriguez
    Costs almost same money

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      First one maybe, just

      1. Where dahoud at
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        2 for me

    2. Where dahoud at
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Saiss and Robertson along with Rodriguez all day

    3. Ibacchus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bamford massively over performing (xPts 7.5) so id say 2

  7. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What a gameweek that was and wer still naw finished, can see nothing but a huge city win the nyt, I'm glad I went with my gut and captained James Rodriguez, Everton playing great stuff, to come back how they did was crazy, united wer so poor, hopefully now Woodward gets his finger out and gets what we need, ideally a striker, a midfielder, a left back, and a center half, and off course a rw, haha how much off a shock wer spurs? Just when nearly everyone transfered son or Kane out lol

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nice captaincy decision, kudos

      1. Where dahoud at
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'm just buzzing it paid off lol, was more feared cause I didn't have Abumayang in my team and everybody in my league more or less as him, and most captained him lol that turned out well haha

    2. diabydoesgallas
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      United badly need a proper striker imo

      1. Where dahoud at
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yea I'd agree wa that, Kane would be the perfect signing but thatl not happen, Woodward would likely wana pay in installments take out a direct debit on him

  8. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) VVD & Klich/Costa (Taylor Lamptey 4.5 fwd bench)
    B) TAA & 4.5 mid on the bench alongside Taylor and 4.5 fwd

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

    Chelsea fans, what are the chances of Pulisic making it for the Westbrom game?

    1. HODGE
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Midweek game may tell you if he has a chance, but I'd guess bench at best

  10. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    Taa-Dier-Egan-(Taylor)-(Mitchell)
    Auba-Harvetz-Bruno-Soucek-(Bissouma)
    Martial-Werner -Adams

    Will wait for all fixtures to be played but my team needs some drastic changes.

    A) Auba > KDB/Sterling
    B) Auba+harvetz > KDB/sterling + Zaha (-4)
    C) Auba+harvetz+Adams >KDB+Zaha+Jimi (-8)
    D) Any recommendations?
    E) wildcard

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A, plenty of time to go yet Gregg

  11. AJ24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Saturday night I did..
    Son -> James Rod
    Adams -> DCL

    Am I an absolute lemon for doing this now that Son hauled...

    1. HODGE
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Did you think Son was a bad pick?

      1. AJ24
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I thought and do still think James & DCL stronger than Son & Adams, however may of tried to keep Son longer and shipped another players out..

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You covered your hit..

      Son 24 Adams 1
      DCL 17 James 12

      Would you have Cpt son??

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He made them after the deadline.

        So he got Son out before he played...

        1. AJ24
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yes, have got the points for this week luckily..

        2. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Oh yeah I see!!

      2. AJ24
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        No hit either. I still think DCL and James going forward is better than Son & Adams. And no, wouldnt have captained Son..

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          All good then.

      3. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He did it after the deadline though so got the Son,Adams points.

  12. The Finnisher
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which of the 5.5 mids are we liking now?

    Klich, Costa, Podence?

    Looking to rotate with Soucek who is looking good at 4.9 soon enough

    1. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Like soucek + Lamptey personally.
      With Justin to cover the next few

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If Podence starts again tonight and looks ok he's in.

    3. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’ll get Soucek back in next week looks good on the set piece, hopefully goes down in price

    4. diabydoesgallas
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Waiting to see if podence starts tonight. If he does he’s coming in

  13. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Auba Vinagre ASM to Sterling/KDB Saiss Podence/Klich -8 or WC ??

    McCarthy/Steer
    TAA/Davies/Vinagre/Justin/Mitchell
    Auba/Salah/Bruno/ASM/Bissouma
    Werner/DCL/Brewster

    1. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      -8

  14. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do we have any standout mids under 7m?

    Can't afford Zaha so probably only looking at Podence or one from the Leeds midfield

    1. KGFC
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Klich... On pens

    2. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd take a punt on one of the Leeds mids.

  15. HODGE
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Podence Wolves fixtures are better

  16. balint84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What about TAA? Losing his spot in MU?

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

      Huh?

      1. Live Lad
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He meant AWB I guess

  17. Lebowski85
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi. 2.6 million OR. Triple Captain chip gone. Here's my wildcard. Any thoughts. I'm actually quite happy

    3-4-3

    Guaita
    TAA Digne Saiss Mitchell 4.0
    Salah Sterling JRod Zaha
    Jiminez Mitrovic DCL

    I used my TC on Aubamayang against West Ham. Hasty, but I genuinely thought they'd put them to the sword and I'd get an early haul. I usually save for doubles but threw caution to the wind.

    Am I over thinking it with Sterling? I feel he has huge upside potential, especially with Leeds GW4. I guess tonight will tell all.

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      5 points on TC, that's 4 more than mine last season

      1. Lebowski85
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I once got 3 from Sane on a Double Game Week. With KdB vice. Played 10 minutes or something.

        I don't have a good history with that chip

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm drawn to Sterling with no Kun especially

    3. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling is a good one to watch.

      1. Lebowski85
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        So you reckon start with KdB and then see how Sterling goes. Those pens for KdB are appealing

  18. reason17
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Robertson + KDB + Mitrovic
    B) Lamptey + Salah + Jesus

    1. balint84
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A, if Lamptey injuried - but rather prefer B because of Salah

  19. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Werner(wba) then Werner -> Ings(WBA) looks good.. before the IB

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      captain both?

      1. Over Midwicket
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yes

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Operation target Baggies.

      1. Over Midwicket
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        They are the worst team in the league by far. Barring Diangana and Pereira the team is sub-Championship quality

    3. diabydoesgallas
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If Werner does the business then you aren’t gonna want to swap him out for Danny ings

  20. Bring back Rafa
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Living on the other side of the world you miss out on alot of the transfer news....What's the latest on Brewster? Apologies for already been answered

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don't think there is anything new, we're all sitting here with fingers crossed still

  21. NULL-X-VOID
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Spurs v Saints review

    After seeing every single minute of the match, I have to say, I was disappointed in Spurs to say the least. The first weak was dominated by the Saints, and If not with Hugo's brilliant saves, they for sure would've conceded and not had the instant morale boost.

    For the first attacks, you could see the last line of Def for saints was to set Son in a offside trap, and he got caught in it at first, all Kane did is make sure he was in coordination with Son, and that did the trick, the Sou centerbacks don't have enough pace to match Son's acceleration, and McCarthy was an idiot to say the least.

    Leaving that out, the ings goal was probably one of the most impressive finishes I've seen in the past GWs, and KWP placed the cross beautifully, that essentially comments on Spurs Def in the box, similar to that Che was given enough chances to whip shots in the box only to be countered by Hugo. I hope this would decrease once the Real Madrid Def starts.

    All in all, I believe Che is going to score a lot in the next GWs and Spurs are going to struggle in Def against sides with better finishers.

    1. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Son to pulisic might end up being popular soon

      1. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Defo, I think, gut feeling, Puli is going to be the main attacking threat and Werner/Havertz/James are going to get a load of assists. The minute he's fit, he's in my team.

        1. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I would still wait on eye test before getting pulisic in, March fitness will be key..

      2. Ze_Austin
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        My possible (distant) future move while on 4-5-1

        Probably Zaha to Greenwood with the funds, or Justin + Zaha to 4.0 + Ziyech with that 0.5

        So many options

        But Son C vs Newcastle 🙂

    2. HODGE
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      So from a spurs 5-2 win you think Saints looked better? Lol

      1. Dr. Rog
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Result isn’t everything. Looks like sot got swindled by a one trick pony

      2. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        They were on top in the first half. Spurs literally scored the same goal 4 times. That won't work against Newcastle next week with 8 defenders camped inside the box

        1. Van der Faart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Spurs exposed the high line brilliantly and did so a couple of times in the first half too, with two disallowed goals. It could have been an absolute massacre if they weren't offside.

          1. Long ago I drew a walrus
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Yes but iirc Ings had one disallowed too, and Adams had some good chances.

            1. Van der Faart
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              He did but Lloris barely had to make a save second half.

        2. NULL-X-VOID
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Exactly, teams that can keep a tight backline are going to be very tough for Spurs to deal with.

      3. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I definitely think Soton were better.

        People really understate the importance of a morale drop of a 45th minute goal to take a lead away. Morale drops and boosts during the game tell a lot about the outcome, when Son scored his second I knew for sure this was going to be a massacre

        1. Van der Faart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          How can a team who lost 5-2 have been the better team? Do you watch football often?

          1. NULL-X-VOID
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Yep, and that's why I know underlying plays actually dictate team performance in a season long league compared to a knockout league.

            1. Van der Faart
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              You've obviously got an agenda. Otherwise you wouldnt he saying all this nonsense. Spurs won 5-2 and should have won by more by exposing the weaknesses in the opposition. Jose fixed what he had to at Half time. Saints didnt and it weasel exploited. Any team that loses 5-2 at home cant have been the better team for the whole game. For a portion yes. But not the whole game.

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks. Helpful post.

    4. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      However in the second half when Hojbjerg dropped deeper Saints chances were more limited so I'd also like to think that he will continue to settle in front of the back four and they will begin to defend better like after the restart.

      1. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        For sure, Saints Def was weak and the reason for their lost, the issue is that Spurs still don't have a solid team with players locked in a specific position, I believe teams in which players have locked into their position and they don't change a lot are better defensively, like Pool last season.

        I believe Spurs Def is weak and teams with good finishers can exploit them.

        1. Van der Faart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          We've got a crazy amount of games coming up so there will be rotation guaranteed until at least the international break.

    5. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      All fair but in the end, Spurs only conceded to an Ings worldie and a penalty from a super dubious handball.

      Agreed on their attack looking much better on paper than in practice. But Son is still world class. He will outperform his xG even if they don't create many chances.

      He has elite PPG and if he plays, he will score. He also has favorable fixtures too.

      1. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Son is someone I absolutely like, along with Lo Celso, I think he's their best player atm and can only increase in his ability.

        But I think the holes in their strategy outweigh the pros of Son's game, that's why I believe they would experience a lot of difficulty with a tight backline

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          You don't have to like Spurs as a whole in order to benefit from Son's points.

          All it takes is a slight lapse in concentration and Son is in and he will score. He's worth it for that alone.

          1. NULL-X-VOID
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Agree with that, in isolation from an FPL perspective, Son is good.

            Still don't think that this type of attacking return would be repeated against good Def teams even with Peak Son.

          2. PartyPooper
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            This. I don't like Spurs as a whole. Don't like their defense very much (Doherty is in my team now, but not for long probably - bigger fires etc).

            But... Son is really fast and looks sharp. Kane and him seems to understand each other well. Good fixtures from an attacking point of view. So: Welcome to my team, Sonny-boy!

      2. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        In my experience Son is like Aubameyang - hold them for long and they deliver the goods, bring them in for 1-2 GWs and be sure to get trolled. They are simultaneously really consistent and not consistent enough for their price, in that their hauls simply aren't predictable enough to be good captaincy options compared to the likes of salah, kdb or even sterling

    6. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Soton literally conceded 4 goals in a row to Son in the exact same way... they are beyond foolish for continuing to play such a high line after that first Son goal.

  22. Dr. Rog
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Most sensible wildcard teams will need to drop one of Werner, taa or son to work. Plenty of discussion about that but not much discussion of the counterparts to the decision - that being the Budget striker, James or the budget mid of choice. It’s this part of the equation that I’m trying to focus on in terms of guiding my decision.

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Son the one to drop the.

      The issue with the budget option is the sheer abundance of them, and the reason for that is the dearth of data, you can't expect data from two GWs to have consistent upward trend. Now is the time to experiment and get a sound team that can

      1. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        be good in the long term.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Both ways I'd clearly drop Son

    3. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I dropped Werner. I'm very uncomfortable about it due to WBA up next but I haven't been impressed with Chelsea and I've replaced him with Jiminez

      1. Dr. Rog
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He basicallly has two attacking returns from 2 so far if u count the missed pen

        1. Lebowski85
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Not having him is a concern, for sure

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

            Reckon Puli will be the one to own when he is back.

    4. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Dropped Son, no issues with it. He'll still get the returns but that Southampton result was a freak occurrence. Once Pulisic drops to 8.3 he'll be in the team.

    5. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      This follows on nicely from the Son discussion above, I actually already dropped him for a 0.1 loss on Saturday night (rookie error) before bringing him straight back yesterday. Question is whether yesterdays display changes anything for Spurs going forwards. My ideal WC team would be

      4.5 4.0
      TAA Saiss James Lamptey 4.0
      Salah kdb/sterling Son JamRod Podence
      Werner Jimenez DCL

      This comes in at 105m so clearly sonething's gotta give and so far it's looking like salah as the fall guy

  23. klopptimusprime
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Problems across the board that would have taken multiple hits to get back on track.
    Hit the WC button

    My thoughts:

    Martinez
    TAA / Saiss / Justin
    Salah / KDB / James / Costa or Podence
    DCL / Martial / Jimenez

    Steer / Lamptey / Mitchell / Anguissa

    Keen for bench depth to be able to rotate, obvs will change through the week but thoughts on this draft?

  24. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What are the chances McCarthy is dropped for next match? Forster patiently waiting on the bench...

  25. reason17
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is jesus nailed on until aguero returns?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You'd think he plays most games, nailed is not a term we use under Pep

    2. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Will start most I presume. Sterling and foden have both played false 9 before though

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ba dum tish!

  26. Dacra
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I would like a Brewster move to be finalised or atleast near certain before the weekend, can then make a beast of a WC team..

    Just on all the risers for now, (not so) patiently waiting for tFriday to make decisions.

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A decent 4.5m striker against Fulham GW5, yes please.

  27. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 5.5 replacement for ASM?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Leeds or Pod

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Soucek or Podence

    3. ClassiX
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Praet has looked pretty good these last 2 GW's - in pretty good positions too. Not sure about how nailed on he is, though - but after ManC Leicester have some reasonable fixtures.

    4. diabydoesgallas
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Waiting to see if podence starts tonight. If he does then him imo

  28. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    On -4.Gtg? 3.4itb.

    --McCarthy
    --TAA--Davies--WalkerPeters
    --Salah--Zaha--JRod--Son
    --Werner--Mitro--DCL.

    --Nyland--Mitchell--Justin--Bissouma.

    Thanks guys.

    1. diabydoesgallas
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very solid

  29. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What to do here?

    McCarthy
    TAA-Davies-Mitchell
    Salah-Auba-Bruno-Soucek
    Werner-Adams-Wilson
    Steer, Reed, Justin, Saliba

    1ft 0,0 ITB

    Maybe WC? Auba -> Kdb? And ?

  30. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Sterling due 4 tonight at this rate!!

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      KDB has been due to rise for the past week...