Scout Notes

Lukaku on target as Chelsea assets prosper at Arsenal

We continue our more detailed Scout Notes of the Gameweek 2 action with a look at Arsenal v Chelsea.

ARSENAL 0-2 CHELSEA

  • Goals: Romelu Lukaku (£11.5m), Reece James (£5.5m)
  • Assists: James, Mason Mount (£7.5m)
  • Bonus: James x3, Lukaku x2, Edouard Mendy x1 (£6.0m)

Romelu Lukaku (£11.5m) scored and put in a dominant display as Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-0 on Sunday.

The Belgian’s man-of-the-match performance earnt rave reviews, while Reece James (£5.5m) – who got the second goal – also impressed as a wing-back in Thomas Tuchel’s 3-4-2-1 formation.

LUKAKU OFF THE MARK

Lukaku took just 15 minutes to get off the mark with the opening goal, sweeping home James’ delivery, and was unlucky not to add a second after a superb save from Bernd Leno (£5.0m).

The 28-year-old bullied Arsenal’s defence all afternoon, as he gave Chelsea a focal point up top and the clinical finisher that they have missed.

As a result, he collected two bonus points to return an eight-point Fantasy Premier League (FPL) haul in Gameweek 2.

After just one appearance, Lukaku already features amongst the top forwards for goal attempts, having attempted eight against the Gunners alone:

“What a start for Lukaku. In the beginning he struggled to touch the ball a little bit. Then he was very well integrated. He proved his value for the squad already. He linked really well with Mason Mount and Kai Havertz up front and gave something to the game that we did not have already.” – Thomas Tuchel

Lukaku deservedly grabbed the headlines, but this was a dominant team performance where others impressed, too.

JAMES IMPRESSES

James’ 18-point FPL haul – via a goal, assist, clean sheet and maximum bonus – was the biggest of his career to date.

Overall, he registered 42 final-third touches, more than any other player on the pitch, four goal attempts and two shots in the box, while his advanced role (no. 24 below) stood out, too:

Chelsea’s average position map v Arsenal

It’s now two clean sheets in two matches for Chelsea, though most FPL managers will surely be content to wait until Gameweek 7 before investing, given that their next four fixtures are Liverpool (a), Aston Villa (h), Tottenham Hotspur (a) and Manchester City (h).

ISSUES AT ARSENAL

While Arsenal’s opening day defeat at newly-promoted Brentford was perhaps unexpected, it has to be said that this result was on the cards.

Despite improving after the break, the Gunners 4-2-3-1 set-up looked devoid of width and left too much space for the likes of James to exploit.

However, it’s worth noting that the squad has been hit by Covid and injuries in the opening two weeks.

After the match, Mikel Arteta said:

“I don’t think the club in their history have faced something like this. We have to face the challenge. The league or table is not decided in August. The worst thing you can do is throw in the towel. We certainly are not going to do that. You have to understand the situation we have. We are missing nine players, and it is difficult. It is not just nine players – they are some big, big players.”

Worringly, Kieran Tierney (£5.0m) also limped off after 66 minutes with his side losing.

“They had to limp off. KT had an issue with his quad and Gabi (Martinelli) was cramping.”

It doesn’t get any easier for Arsenal, as their next Premier League game sees them make the trip to reigning champions Manchester City, though their fixtures do improve from Gameweek 4 onwards.

Arsenal XI: Leno, Cedric, Holding, Mari, Tierney (Tavares 66), Lokonga, Xhaka, Smith Rowe, Saka (Aubameyang 61), Pepe, Martinelli (Balogun 79)

Chelsea XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, James, Jorginho, Kovacic (Kante 72), Alonso, Mount (Ziyech 82), Havertz (Werner 90), Lukaku

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM GAMEWEEK 2

FPL Gameweek 2 round-up: Sunday goals, assists, bonus and injuries 4
2,220 Comments Post a Comment
  1. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Quick update on the Top 10K Finally League

    Frighteningly there appear to be two teams in the top 1000. Take a bow Abra Dubravka (FFS id unclaimed) and Andy Social. A couple of mighty BBs played by Andy and Holmes for centuries. Andy wins team of the week by the inspired transfer in of Duffy.

    Pukki House gets a gold star for Trent captaincy. My Heart goes Salaah is leading the non chip teams with 199 points and just outside top 10k. Neat.

    Just 21 transfers made in the week and only 3 hits taken. But I imagine there'll be plenty of moves next week and I'm guessing the 60% ownership of both Antonio and Benny will be close to 100%

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      What about me? Meee

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        So near yet so far

        I managed to pop Lloris in my Sky team 🙂 Had you followed my lead you'd be nearly top 1k. I assume Leno was a joke 🙂

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Lol, I really hope Arsenal keep those cleanies from GW4-8

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            Gritting my teeth here and holding White

            Fed up by being Antonio less which would also have put me up around you. At that stage where one wrong call capsizes everything.

            1. FPL Brains
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 7 months ago

              So true.

            2. Qaiss
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 7 months ago

              Jimenez will start scoring very soon. What's your plan with Barnes? Keeping for Norwich?

              1. pingissimus
                • 5 Years
                2 years, 7 months ago

                Holding Barnes for now. Think the game was skewed by 10 men and I'm prepared to give him Norwich anyway.

                Actually planning to lose Jim for Kane via Mo!

                Kane Watford H Palace A (or City)
                Antonio Palace H Southampton A

                Risk involved of course but reversible post IB is the way I see it and don't see Mo as a captain until GW5 where I might switch Bruno into him.

    2. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks man. I'm Abra Dubravka.

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Damn.. what a start

        1. FPL Brains
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          What do you reckon;

          I've got 2mil ITB (just culled Buendia for a 4.5)

          A) Keep Ings + Toney
          B) Ings + DCL
          C) Toney + DCL

          Toney has better fixtures than Ings but I deem him off-form, stats wise he's apparently been decent but I've not been in the country to see the games so can't say for sure.

          DCL I feel is a must against Brighton due to their aerial issues. It leaves me with 1ITB for the IB but I'm okay with that.

          1. Qaiss
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            That is a tricky one... It depends how long you see yourself keeping Ings and Toney. Maybe you could go for DCL in for Toney and then sell Ings for Bamford/Jimenez in a few weeks. But it's your call. Feel like Toney may score soon.

          2. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            Personally don't see DCL for Brighton when Toney has Brighton at home the next week.

            Palace defence was pretty solid as it happens and centrally anyway they are not pushovers any more so wouldn't be judging him on that one - an the did get chances.

            Generally reckon going into IB with a FT in hand is worth more.

    3. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I need Andy online so we can talk about our Buendia situation.

  2. Groot the Leveller
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Barnes -> 7.5 max?
    I've have Benhrama & Raphina, Son and Salah.

    A - keep?
    B - Mount for -4
    C - Ali? For -4
    D - other?
    Im thinking keep this week, take the price hit and move for someone next week

    1. chelseabrad
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I’m thinking the same thing, will probably hold for now, don’t panic

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Keep, Sarr in gw4

  3. RamboRN
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Looks like Barnes could drop tonight. Think its 100% tsimikas will rise before next deadline? Need the 0.1 from selling him to do Barnes and toney to gray and dcl

  4. Flair
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Never knew I'd feel this much love for West Ham football club.

  5. Totti
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Who to get benrahma instead?

    TAA digne shaw coufal amartey
    Salah bruno jota greenwood
    Antonio ings

    2FT and 0 itb

    1. chelseabrad
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Downgrade a def

      1. Totti
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Who to make the way?

        Jota or greenwood

        1. chelseabrad
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          The 5th? Benrahma is only 6.1

          1. Totti
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            4.5
            Then i need 1.6
            The only way is to downgrade TAA
            Which is the thing i won’t do, he’s a season keeper for me

  6. DR0GBA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Sanchez / Foster
    Digne / Shaw / Tsimikas (White, Manquillo)
    Salah / Bruno / Mount / Havertz (Gilmour)
    Ings / Wilson / Antonio

    2FT (WC'ing GW4)

    A) Havertz + White > Benrahma + Reguilon
    B) Havertz + Mount + White > Son (c), Benrahma, 4.3m defender (-4)
    C) Salah + White > Son + Reguilon

    1. Totti
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      A

  7. chelseabrad
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Barnes > Raphinha for free now, or give him 1 more game vs Nor and have 2 going into the IB?

    1. Totti
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Barnes to greenwood

  8. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Raphinha to Benrahma silly?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

    2. chelseabrad
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

    4. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      yes

  9. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Mahrez to Benrahma is a no brainer then ?

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I dunno. Mahrez Vs worst defence in the league.

    2. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Benrahma might be added to the list of players that could have to quarantine for 10 days after int. break

  10. Too Mane Men
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    No beating about the bush.

    Barnes > Benrahma

    Ye or Nay?

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      yes

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Same dilemma...the potential price drop / rise swaying my decision.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I've just done this.....

        1. Balls of Steel
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Think I've decided now as well... Hammers medium term fixtures look enticing enough.

          1. Too Mane Men
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            That makes three of us then...

  11. QueefParkRangers
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Best 4.5m Spurs Defender?

    1) Dier - I would say least chance of being dropped? but less goal threat than Dier?
    2) Sanchez - possibly dropped / rotated for Cristian Romero? does give some good goal threat?
    3) Tanganga - Threat of Aurirer or Doherty playing?

    I'm swaying with a boring 1 or a daring 2, 3 too much rotation risk?

  12. gonzalocampos
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Mahrez to Raphina and save 4M to go Ings to Lukaku on GW4 or get Son, no Lukaku until GW7?

  13. BeWater
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone actually going to keep Barnes?

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Lol everyone has already sold

    2. chelseabrad
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Think I might

    3. dshv
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      No … raphinha and benrahma are so much better and even cheaper..

    4. Flair
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I don't think that's the worst idea, Norwich have conceded 8 goals already.

    5. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      We all know how this goes. Barnes 2x goals vs Norwich.

    6. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Could potentially be bench too v Norwich and Nacho / Daka starts!

    7. Davros
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      For this gw yes

    8. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Currently leaning that way.

      He hasn't been good and his price is gonna drop. But he does play Norwich this week and of all the times to have 2fts for an international break, this still Covid-uncertain one makes sense.

    9. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I will, already moved White out and said I'd hold him until Norwich. Just need to keep reminding myself of that

    10. dando89
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Keeping for one more game

    11. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah, it’s not like he’s looked terrible… and it’s Norwich!

  14. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Barnes will never be in my team ever again… every season this i believe in him more than his coach..

    1. FPL Bond @ Twitter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Whom r u getting instead of him?

      1. dshv
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Benrahma .. don’t care about norwich.. form over fixtures!

        1. FPL Bond @ Twitter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Yes. I'm also doing it. Big mistake selecting Barnes. Pull the trigger tonight. Barnes dropping and Beneahma rising..

  15. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Best punt for 5.5?

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      You've got a few to decent ones to choose from in Doucoure, Mbeumo & Gray

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Gray or Odegaard

    3. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Gray

  16. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    A) Son & Toney > Benrahma & DCL

    B) Son & ESR > Benrahma & Greenwood/Pogba

    C) Meh..

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Selling Son!?

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Thinking about it. Went off with a small injury, no pens and cheaper options returning more points and better form.

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Add price rises

    2. AleksaMaster
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Son has watford and palace next, worth keeping probably.

  17. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Barnes to Raphinha too risky before confirmation on covid restrictions related to international break?

  18. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Sanchez
    Trent Tsimikas Shaw Ayling Duffy
    Raphinha Mahrez Salah Bruno Benrahma
    Toney Ings Obafemi

    0 transfers 1m itb..

    Mahrez to Son (c)?

  19. Cicada
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    I've got Mahrez and Barnes stinking up my midfield. Struggling to decide which one to shift for Benrahma

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Barnes

  20. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Ings to Antonio (c) ?

    Really have no other way to get him, also leaves me 0.4 to get tsimi to a 0.5 during the IB

    Already have benrahma

  21. YEAH PITCH!
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Is Coufal, Benrahma and Antonio too much West Ham?

    1. chelseabrad
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I have all 3

      1. YEAH PITCH!
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks

    2. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      No

      1. YEAH PITCH!
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks

    3. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Has been working out fine so far

  22. FPL Brains
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Guys, how is everyone anticipating price swings? FPLStats or something else?

    Separately, what's the likelihood of Buendia dropping in price tonight? He's at -100.5 on FPLStats now.

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      He will drop

    2. HTL
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      It’s all over the place at the moment, White looked certain for a drop last night but didn’t.

      I feel I’ve got to have 2FT for the international break, particularly with the unknowns around quarantine. Going to be behind the sofa stuff watching Benrahma

  23. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Best option:

    Barnes to ?

    A) Raphinha
    B) Benrahma

    Cheers.

    1. RamboRN
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      B

    3. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      B

  24. RamboRN
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Livramento or Amartey?

    1. chelseabrad
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Liv

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Amartey's days look numbered

  25. MikeLowrey
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Veltman replacement:
    A) Reguilon
    B) Duffy
    C) Livramento

    Mahrez replacement:
    1) Grealish (more nailed)
    2) Greenwood
    3) Son

    1. chelseabrad
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Veltman should be back for gw4, right?

  26. chelseabrad
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Is barnes dropping:

    A) Tonight
    B) This week
    C) wont drop

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      a

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      If he doesn't drop tonight he very likely will before GW3 kicks off.

      1. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I hope not tonight (same with White), want IB news first. I would like to do Barnes to Raph long term, but not right now

    3. Mr Tin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      B if people go to bed now.

  27. LM00091
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    WC team...g2g? Need to make moves before getting priced out.

    Sanchez (Foster)
    Dier, James, Tsimikas, (Duffy, Livramento)
    Jota, Benrahma, Salah, Pogba, Fernandes
    Lukaku, Antonio (Zeqiri)

    James - Lukaku (great link-up)
    Dier (great fixtures)
    Benrahma - Antonio (great link-up)
    Jota - Salah (great link-up)
    Pogba - Fernandes (great link-up)

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Dier - don't know if he's first choice once new CB starts
      James - rotation risk
      Tsimikas - Robbo already back
      Duffy - also unsure whether he's first choice
      Livramento - good 5th defender

    2. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I like how you justify your picks by saying they have good link up lol

  28. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Which is better for GW 3 and after ?
    A- Gündo
    B- Gündo > Pogba -4 pts
    C- Gündo > Greenwood -4 pts

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      a

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      A

  29. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Would you prioritize Buendia to Benny or Wilson/Ings to Antonio?
    Can do both actually for free but don’t really want to make 2 moves so early in the week!

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Buendia

  30. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Martinez and Toney to Raya and Antonio is not worth a hit is it?