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

    Mahrez+Veltman-->Raphinha+Reguilon? Leaves me without City boys tho

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

      I’m going no City

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

      Like it. City roulette is awful

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

      Think Mahrez has to go this week. Would keep him if I knew he was going to start but Jesus being so good on the right and Pep being Pep means I think it’s time to go!

      1. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Yup. Thx lads

  2. Kay317
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Best White replacement? Have 4.5mil.

    1. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Probably Luke Ayling just as he's the most nailed of the lot IMO.

    2. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Dier or Sanchez? I might get one of those. I can get up to 5.0 thou

      1. Kay317
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Not sure if either are nailed though. Thanks

  3. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Mahrez to son for free?

    1. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I don't think you'll find anyone who doesn't think that's a good move for next week.

  4. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Who is the best Spurs defender to own?

    1. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Reguillon, by quite a way.

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

      Reguilon

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

      Reguilón

  5. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Defence is headache. Maybe Targett+Tsimi to Tanganga +Ayling/Livramento? Also should I keep Madders for Nor since I already lost 0.1 on him?

    Sanchez Steele
    TAA Shaw Targett Tsimi White
    Salah Bruno Mahrez Maddison Bisso
    Ings Antonio Scarlett

    2FT, 0ITB

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

      Keep for sure on mads.

      Definitely need to ship Targett, shame you've missed the price drop already but chances he goes again

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

      I think you have to make the 2x defensive transfers.... or you only really have 10 decent players next week....

  6. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Could Fornals be an option for us who have missed Benrahma's points?

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

      I've literally just looked at the same thing haha differential

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

      I don't want to be rude and it isn't meant that way...however for 0.1m that would seem an absolutely crackers decision.

  7. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Sanchez
    Taa-Shaw-Tasimikas-(White)-(Veltman)
    Bruno-Mahrez-ESR-Benrahma-salah
    Antonio-Ings-(perica)

    0.5 2FT

    Non-playing Bench is a concern.

    Any suggestions appreciated.

    A) Mahrez > Raph
    B) Mahrez > Greenwood
    C) Tsimikas > Livramento
    D) White > spurs
    E) suggestions?

  8. Bart82
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Pepe and Scarlet ---> DCL+4.5 mid worth -4?

    Other team:

    Sanchez
    TAA-Tsimi-Shaw (Livramento - Amartey)
    Salah - Bruno - Benrahma - Gundo - Pepe
    Ings - Antonio (Scarlett)

    1. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Wouldn't usually advocate a hit, but I think Gilmour and DCL is so, so much better than Pepe and Scarlet that'd I'd do it immediately.

      1. Bart82
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        thnx!

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

      yeah probably, i have Pepe too (and ESR) and i plan to keep 😆

      1. Bart82
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        cheers!

  9. Eastman
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Any chance Targett starts v Brentford

  10. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    89k atm. Best start for ages. Only downside has been owning Shaw & Barnes so far..

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Shaw just got 2 bonus with no CS or GI... thats pretty good

  11. cuppatea78
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Quick fire. Mahrez to Banrahma.

    Yes or no.

    1. chaser123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Maybe

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

      Yes ive done it

    3. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      It is tempting, but if I knew Mahrez would start there’s no way I’d do it

      1. cuppatea78
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        That's the dilemma!! Pep is a ball ache

    4. FPL Notebook (John)
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      If you've got another transfer in mind to make use of the money, then yeah

  12. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Switching to 3-5-2. Boring question but which 4.5 m forward best to bring in Scarlett?

  13. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Can’t help but feel Antonio, Cresswell and Coufal are the best West Ham picks

    1. chaser123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Not liking the look of benhrama?

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Looks good, just think Coufal and Cresswell are two of the better defensive picks and there’s a load of Benrahma alternatives

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      You’re probably right long term

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

      Casually ignoring the current 2nd highest scoring player in the game who costs only 6.1m(!)

      Not knocking Cresswell/Coufal. Worth mentioning that Cresswell has basically no set pieces tonight (wasn't on corners), whist Coufal was seriously involved and also cheaper.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Not casually ignoring anyone - Coufal is probably the best 5.0 defender and Cresswell is on corners from the left isn’t he?

    4. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I disagree regarding Cresswell.... I love him (Tranmere fan) but with him not taking set pieces, Coufal is more appealing and Benrahma is cheap enough to get on the wagon with and see where it lands.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Didn’t he take half the corners? Who is on free kicks?

        1. kevchenko
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Bowen took the corners I saw....

          I don't like West Ham for clean sheets....they're too hard to predict and as a side they invite pressure and like to counter. At 5.5m you could have a Chelsea or City defender.... so I don't want Cresswell when he's not 'all over' the set pieces. Similar to Digne really.

          1. SADIO SANÉ
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            Pretty certain it’s Cresswell from left, Bowen from right and then assuming he’s on direct free kicks but no idea - yeah fair, but it wouldn’t surprise me if a new 6-7 midfielder is all the rage in two weeks time is all

            1. kevchenko
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 7 months ago

              Yes that's fair...I think 5 in mid is the way to go though just for that reason... although I am currently 3-4-3 lol

    5. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      West Ham defence deteriorated late last season and they are still conceding. Wouldn't put me off Coufal (5M) for attacking returns.

    6. Milk Milk Lemonade
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I have Antonio and Coufal but not owning Benrahma is making me seriously nervous

  14. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Lloris Raja
    VVD TAA Dier Duffy Livramento
    Mo Bruno Greenwood Benrahma Bissouma
    Antonio Ings Dennis

    West Ham double attack looking pretty decent at this point...

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

    Son looks like he’s on the rise tonight, so just pulled the trigger on Mahrez to Son (c) (-4) actually feels decent..

  16. Mooster©️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Buenda to Pogba or Greenwood?

  17. HVT
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Is benrama affected by GW4?

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

      Algeria is on the "Amber list" so i think it depends if he is vaccinated or not HVT?

      Here is a list of country's and their status and the rules pertaining to them.....
      https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-which-countries-can-you-go-to-without-quarantining-government-publishes-green-covid-travel-list-12299553

      It's a right pain in the hole.

      1. HVT
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks mate, this is my dilemma
        2fts o.o itb
        A - Barnes > Benny
        B - Brownhill/Toney > Benny/Obafemi
        B = keep barnes/play 3-5-2

        Thanks

    2. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Algeria and their two opponents are all amber listed, so hopefully none join the red list...

      1. HVT
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks for update

  18. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    How nailed is Mr Tanganga?

    1. ExpressoMySonny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      As a spurs fan i dont see him leaving for Aurier or Doherty

      1. ExpressoMySonny
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I am considering however he nearly got a yellow in both games played.

  19. ExpressoMySonny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Is anyone giving barnes one last chance? Barnes to Benny does sound appealing.

    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah I am mate, I’ve used my 2 frees to switch to Benrahma in a 3-5-2 and give Barnes the Norwich game!!

      1. ExpressoMySonny
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Im already in a 3-5-2, so its either him or benny.. Fingers crossed he pays back my faith I really thought he would of hauled last few games.

  20. The Mastermind
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    A - Barnes > Benrahma
    B - White > Ayling
    C - Bissouma + Toney > Benrahma + 4.5
    D - Bissouma + Toney + White > Benrahma + 4.5 + Ayling (-4)

    Please help! Have 2 FT

  21. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Help me. I want to buy Lukaku but I hesitate. Tomorrow he will be more expensive. Theoretically, I can only buy him in 7 GW. But then he can cost over 12m! Choose a calm version like: Veltman to Dier, or aggressive: Salah + Toney to 7.5mid + Lukaku ?? I feel this is a good choice. I want to buy him in two hours. What to do?

    Sanchez , Foster
    TAA Cash Ayling , Veltman Tsimikas
    Salah Bruno Son Barnes Benrahma
    Antonio Toney , Perica

    2FT. 0.0 ITB

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Will Lukaku outscore Salah?

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I would rather Salah over Lukaku.

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

      I personally wouldn't want to lose Salah with his fixtures. They're loads better than Chelsea's over the next 4 games.

      I think scrambing to get Lukaku away at Liverpool is bananas... when someone like DCL could easily get as many goals in the next 4 weeks.

      I'm not saying Lukaku can't do well in the next 4, but will he do better than Bruno, Salah or Son? That's the main question...and if it's not an emphatic yes, then I don't see why the rush to get him, price rise or not.

  22. Carlton P
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    How I would go if I wanted Salah, Bruno, Lukaku
    Sanchez l 4.0
    Reguillon l Semedo l Rudiger l 4.5 l 4.0
    Salah l Bruno l Benrahma l Dallas l 4.5
    Lukaku l DCL l Antonio

    1. chaser123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Looks very good!

    2. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      But surely 4.5 defender > 4.0
      Dallas > Son
      Lukaku > Jimenez is significantly better???

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

      Just go without Bruno gw8 onwards, I will and I'm sure many others will join me

      1. Carlton P
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        That’s what I am doing. Lukaku doesn’t interest me until gw7

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

      Bloody good job Sir!

    5. Fero1905
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I changed my Team to

      Raya
      TAA Shaw Ayling
      Salah Fernandes Benrahma mbeumo
      Armstrong lukaku antonio

      Foster bissouma livramerte duffy

      1. Carlton P
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        On wildcard?

        1. Fero1905
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Yes on Wc

    6. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I think it's easy to make a team look good without TAA though.... but it won't do as well 😉

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

    Please reply fam!

    A. Gray
    B. Mbuemo

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Gray imo

    2. Taegugk Warrior
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      B

    3. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      A

    4. dmcnam12
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      A

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

      Cheers all

  24. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Mins per XGI

    So far this season:
    Mahrez ranks 4th
    Benhrama ranks 19th

    Maybe Mahrez out isn’t a good idea? Will he start against Arsenal?

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Im sitting on keep right now

      1. chaser123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Yeh benhrama is good but his returns must be unsustainable!? 4 goals/assists but just 1 expected…

  25. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    To go first :
    A. Tsimi
    B. Amartey
    C. White

    1. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      C

  26. dmcnam12
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Who do you think is dropped when Romero comes in to the Spurs defence?

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Whichever one makes a mistake first probably

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

    Feel like I’ve had a good start and it’s easily my best start since I started playing and I’m not even in the top 100k

    This game is hard!

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

      All the highly picked players (on FFS) have done well, more so than I've seen in any other year of playing

  28. noahzark22
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Like a charm, Vardy to Lukaku for one FT, bank the other!

    1. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Like a charm would have been if Vardy did well wouldn't it?

  29. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on Mahrez and Ings out for Gray, Lukaku (2ft)?

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

    Toney plummeting

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Was always going to happen

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

      Is he?
      Still at -66% - quite a way to go....