Theo Walcott is quick off the mark as Arsenal climb back into third after a narrow 1-0 win at Loftus Road. Another resilient Gunners rearguard display keeps Harry Redknapp’s side rooted to the bottom, after Reading climbed above the R’s earlier this afternoon:
On the Up
Theo Walcott
We retained the Gunners winger in this week’s Scout Picks and he justified our faith once again. Last week, Walcott needed two minutes to open the scoring against United – this time round, all of 24 seconds were required as he helped steer the visitors to a crucial away win. With Michu owners looking for a replacement after today’s hamstring withdrawal, Walcott – with a mere 10% ownership in Fantasy Premier League – is sure to earn new investors ahead of his upcoming home clash with Wigan.
Arsenal Defence
While Arsene Wenger’s side produced a single goal for the third successive Gameweek, their defence once again came up trumps at Loftus Road this evening. Arsenal have now conceded just one goal in their last four and with Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny now firmly established as the first-choice central defence pairing, they have racked up a total of 13 clean sheets this term.
Going Down
Kieran Gibbs
Having edged ahead of Nacho Monreal in the left-back pecking order, Gibbs was ruled out of this evening’s encounter after picking up a thigh problem. Certainly, with the Gunners game against Wigan 10 days away, Gibbs may well be recovered in time but would-be suitors will now stay well clear, with Bacary Sagna offering a cheaper, more secure route into Wenger’s backline.
Lukas Podolski
Handed the chance to lead the line as a result of Olivier Giroud’s suspension, the German has failed to impress. While Giroud is still banned for next week’s match with the Latics, Podolski could be given one last chance before dropping back to the bench but with Walcott again producing, Wenger may decide to hand the latter his opportunity in the central role before Giroud returns in Gameweek 38.
Adel Taarabt
Earlier this week, Harry Redknapp had spoken of planning for next season after seeing his side’s relegation confirmed last Sunday. With Bobby Zamora back from suspension, the R’s boss opted for a 4-4-2 and with on loan Andros Townsend recovering from a hamstring injury, the Moroccan failed to make the starting XI, with his time at Loftus Road under Redknapp looking more than questionable.
