Dramatic late goals won the day at the Etihad and Goodison Park as Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney fetched returns once more. With Liverpool scoring three times without Luis Suarez, Sunday brought us plenty of goals as defences faltered yet again. Here’s the Stock Check on Sunday’s events…
On the Up
Wayne Rooney
Back in Monday’s digest we mentioned that Rooney’s role in today’s game would be of major interest. Having prompted his striker to score more goals, Sir Alex Ferguson kept him free of midfield duties and allowed Rooney to push up with Robin Van Persie with devastating effect. Two superbly executed goals followed – Rooney’s second consecutive brace which seemed all set to revive the Rooney vs Van Persie debate again, only for the Dutchman to deliver a telling blow at the death to calm the argument.
Nikica Jelavic
The Croatian has been a major disappointment so far this term, having shown encouraging form early on. Today’s dramatic late winner was only his second goal in nine league starts but David Moyes will be hopeful that it sparks a revival in Jelavic’s form. Like fellow goalscorer, Steven Pienaar, interest in Jelavic has been dented severely by the incredible returns of Marouane Felliani from midfield.
Clint Dempsey
The American is perhaps scant replacement for Gareth Bale but his deflected goal today gives Dempsey returns in four consecutive league matches, having fetched assists in his last three. Even so, Dempsey’s starting role will be under threat once Bale returns now that Emmanuel Adebayor is fit and in contention.
Glen Johnson
He’d offered plenty threat all season without quite producing but Johnson took the opportunity to break his scoring duck with a sensational long-range effort against his former club. With three strong home games in the next five, Johnson could be set for investment in light of the Reds’ superb Anfield record in recent games. Jose Enrique’s injury could also help his cause.
Mark Noble
While Kevin Nolan continues to stumble, Noble’s spot-kick duties came to the rescue to help him to his first Fantasy returns since Gameweek 8. His 5.0 price heightens his appeal as a cheap fifth midfielder for those eyeing up the Hammers assets when their schedule finally improves.
Going Down
Carlos Tevez
With Mario Balotelli partnering Sergio Aguero, Tevez started the match on the bench for the third time in the last four Gameweeks. While City are out of Europe, it’s clear that Roberto Mancini is set to rotate his strikers as he searches for a cutting edge – Tevez looks to be down the pecking order, although his owners will hope that an impressive appearance from the bench may have convinced Roberto Mancini and improved Tevez’s security of starts.
Vincent Kompany
Replaced on 20 minutes with a reported groin injury, while Kompany’s stock takes a dent, his potential absence could now further cement the starting role of Matija Nastisic in the City back four, whilst bringing Joleon Lescott and even Kolo Toure into the frame. City will be disappointed by conceding the two Rooney strikes in the first half but, before today, Mancini’s side had conceded just three goals in their last nine league matches. Any absence for Kompany will doubtless reduce City’s potential for clean sheets, however. Mancini hinted post match that it could be a setback for his skipper, whilst stating that Yaya Toure’s injury was “just a kick”.
Jonny Evans
Another defensive casualty, Evans departed early on in the second-half having picked up a first half hamstring problem according to his manager. Regardless of the prognosis, with Nemanja Vidic close to a return to league action, Evans’ start is now under threat and his Fantasy owners may well be forced to consider an exit plan. Vidic’s return can’t come soon enough for Sir Alex Ferguson – his defence has now kept just a single clean sheet in nine league matches.
Kevin Mirallas
The Belgian made a welcome return to the fray for Everton, lending his lively attacking runs to the right flank, only to aggravate the hamstring injury that had kept him out for several weeks to be forced off at half-time.
Jose Enrique
Subbed off after just 26 minutes due to a hamstring injury, the Spaniard’s owners will be sweating over his fitness ahead of an enticing schedule. With Enrique once again fielded at left-back, a straight swap for Johnson could be on the cards if he is ruled out for any length of time for those who have the funds.
Kevin Nolan
Today’s blank continued a poor run of form for the Hammers skipper after a superb start to the campaign. With just one goal in his last eight matches, many Fantasy managers will be looking elsewhere for mid-price options, though the Hammers have admittedly had a difficult schedule of late and Nolan has too much top-flight savvy to be written off entirely.
West Ham’s Defence
Having kept out City and conceded just one to United and Chelsea in recent matches, the odds looked good of a clean sheet, with Luis Suarez banned for the visitors. Sam Allardyce will be more than disappointed after Jussi Jaaskelainen conceded three times – with two clean sheets in their last 12 now, the Hammers look far from convincing at the back.
