Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey deliver again as Arsenal hammer Norwich at the Emirates. Sergio Aguero continues on the goal trail as City overwhelm West Ham. Liverpool’s “SAS” are amongst the points as Liverpool are held at Newcastle. Eden Hazard steers Chelsea to victory over Cardiff, while a Robin Van Persie strike isn’t enough for United, as a resolute Southampton earn a point at Old Trafford.

Suarez and Sturridge in the Points Again
The Liverpool front two were once again pivotal as they continued their consistent run of goals and assists. Suarez’ pair of assists and bonus points saw him not only outscore Sturridge for the first time in three Gameweeks since his return from suspension, but also has him overtake his partner in terms of points accrued over those trio of fixtures. Nevertheless, Sturridge’s strike means he has now scored in seven of the first eight league games – an astonishing level of consistency that is afforded plenty opportunity to continue when you analyse the fixtures ahead. Liverpool’s next five home games welcome West Brom, Fulham, Norwich, West Ham and Cardiff to Anfield and with a trip to Hull also amongst the next nine, having at least one of Brendan Rodgers’ two strikers in our squads looks vital.

Johnson Back for Reds
Glen Johnson made a welcome return for the Reds at St James’ Park yesterday and, with Rodgers’ deciding to retain a 3-4-1-2 system, he’s already arrived on our radars as a serious consideration. It was uncertain whether the Reds boss would revert to a back-four when Johnson recovered from injury but the 5.7 priced defender was handed a role on the right of the midfield four. Given the above-mentioned run of fixtures, Johnson looks a real prospect. Indeed, with Jose Enrique omitted on the opposite flank due to a knee problem, his security of starts looks key when assessing Liverpool’s full-backs. The returning Aly Cissokho, available at 5.0 in the FPL, was drafted in for yesterday’s match and Rodgers gave us this update on the left-back role in his post-match comments:

“Jose was injured. He’s had a problem all season with his knee and he’s struggled. In fairness to him, he’s put himself out for the team to go out and play. But he was suffering with it and we just felt it was best for him to come out and make it right. And that coincided with Aly Cissokho coming back. With Cissokho and Glen Johnson, the running and the work that they put in today was brilliant, considering they had literally just re-joined training. The role they played [wing-back] demands that they have to get up the pitch and they’ve got to get back. So it’s a great credit to them.”

Even when fielded as a conventional full-back, Johnson offers a serious attacking threat – that potential could be increased should Rodgers persevere with his current tactic. It remains to be seen if that’s the case once Philippe Coutinho makes his return from injury.

Ben Arfa Benefits From Pardew’s False Nine
The Newcastle boss had hinted at bringing Hatem Ben Arfa back in from the cold having dropped him for the win at Cardiff and so it proved. Indeed, the Frenchman returned to unfamiliar lone striker role, with Yoan Gouffran and Loic Remy deployed on either flank. Ben Arfa adopted this “false nine” position, dropping back to flood the midfield in order to frustrate Liverpool. It remains to be seen if Ben Arfa will continue to be handed a central berth. Clearly it’s a role which allows him to relinquish defensive duties – the major concern voiced by Pardew when speaking out on Ben Arfa’s recent performances. The tactical tweak did not stave off the recent flood of FPL sales, however. Ben Arfa was the most transferred out midfielder overnight with another 11,000 deciding it’s time to sacrifice the Magpies man.

Hazard Finds his Form
Back in the starting XI after fully recovering from an ankle problem in the previous Gameweek, the Belgian finally seems to be rediscovering the form which made him such a force in his debut campaign. While Oscar’s owners were dealt a blow after the Brazilian was rested from the starting line-up ahead of the midweek Champions League tie, Hazard took the chance to carry on from where he left off against Norwich, with two goals and an assist helping the Blues dominate Cardiff. Hazard has been sold on more than any other player in the FPL and has subsequently dropped to 9.0 from a 9.5 initial value. However, consistent selection has seen him start every game when fully fit – an indication, perhaps, that he is still the one attacking midfield option who seems immune to Jose Mourinho’s rotational whims.

Elsewhere in Chelsea’s attacking midfield, Willian’s first start of the season is further indication of the multitude of options in this area, though Juan Mata will be a little worried in spite of his starting berth – it was the introduction of Oscar at the Spaniard’s expense, with the game tied 1-1, which swung the encounter in Chelsea’s favour. Mourinho’s decision to hand Samuel Eto’o a start once again highlights the rotation issues up top – Demba Ba got the nod against the Canaries but failed to even make the bench this time around. With Eto’o emerging with a first Chelsea goal from yesterday’s clash, he would appear to be in the box seat for the Gameweek 9 clash with City.

Mutch Another Budget Option
After climbing off the bench to produce a goal and assist in Cardiff’s last two matches, the former Birmingham man was handed his first start of the season as Malky Mackay ousted Kim Bo-Kyung from his starting XI. Mutch needed just 10 minutes to vindicate his manager’s decision by firing the opener at Stamford Bridge and has now played a part in three of his side’s last four goals – coming in at just 4.4 in FPL, he could be another cut-price midfield “enabler” to consider if he can retain his start.

Ozil and A “Rested” Ramsey Run Riot
Arsenal’s in-form midfield duo look unstoppable after the pair produced double figure returns in an emphatic 4-1 win over Norwich. Many feared that Ozil would start the game on the bench after he picked up a knock on international duty in midweek but, while the German was handed a start by Arsene Wenger, it was Ramsey who dropped to the bench ahead of the midweek Champions League fixture. Ozil’s brace saw him open his league account for the Gunners and with the maximum bonus also in the bag, he has now scored an incredible 29 points in just two appearances at the Emirates.

Ramsey replaced Mathieu Flamini in the first half after the Frenchman picked up a head knock and quickly settled into his stride with a goal and assist taking him to the top of the FPL midfield standings: the Welshman is now second overall to Sturridge. There’s no denying the role Ozil arrival has played in Ramsey’s season – he picked up nine points in the first three Gameweeks but has since produced 49 points in the following five as a result of the German’s introduction and influence.

After the match, Wenger gave an update on Flamini’s situation and explained the reasoning behind his decision to bench Ramsey, whilst hinting that further rotation is on the horizon:

“He (Flamini) had concussion. He had double vision, so on the advice of the doctor I took him off because I did not want to take any gamble. I don’t know if he’ll be available for Dortmund, it depends now what the doctors will decide. Sometimes they are not allowed to play for five days, it depends how big the concussion was….We play seven games in 23 days, and that means we will need everybody. I could rest Ramsey a little bit because he has basically played every minute of the season and also the two international games for Wales. It gives me an opportunity as well to give the players a little breather before they will get injured. I will juggle. Everybody will play. At the moment, don’t forget we still do not have Walcott, Chamberlain or Podolski.”

Mirallas Breaks His Duck
Romelu Lukaku dominated our thoughts in the build up to yesterday’s Goodison game but the loan forward’s owners were left frustrated after he was withdrawn on 68 minutes with a blank. Instead, it was another Belgian who stole the show as the Toffees returned to winning ways. Kevin Mirallas’ underlying stats had offered plenty to suggest that he would soon find the net after a frustrating start to the season and, having produced a couple of assists in the previous three, he finally got amongst the goals. Now down to just 7.2 in FPL, with an ownership under 3%, Mirallas is just three points behind Ross Barkley in the Toffees midfield and has Villa, Palace and Stoke in the next five to maintain his upturn in form.

After the game, though, it was another Everton wide man who earned his manager’s praise. Steven Pienaar had been expected to sit this one out but was deemed fit enough to be named amongst the subs – the South African netted the winner just one minute after replacing Leon Osman before the hour mark:

“We were all delighted that Stevie was able to play today. It’s been a frustrating time for everyone because the injury kept him sidelined. He seemed desperate to play a part, desperate to be involved and his first touch was a reflection of what he is – someone who can give you that little bit of magic that you sometimes need to win. It was pleasing to see him do that and it’s great to have him available to help the team again.”

Van Persie Returns to the Scoresheet
Robin Van Persie went in to Saturday’s meeting with Southampton as a doubt but the Dutchman shrugged off a calf concern to fire his first league goal since Gameweek 5.Wayne Rooney rewarded his owners with the assist for his strike partner’s goal but United’s stuttering attack is failing to replicate the form that saw them sweep aside Swansea in the season opener at the Liberty. It’s just seven goals in the last seven league games for David Moyes’ side and with no sign of improvement, an exodus looks set to continue as the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and City continue to their prolific form.

Moyes wasreportedly without Nemanja Vidic due to injury but despite making a handful of alterations kept faith in Adnan Januzaj on the left. After the game, the United boss admitted the youngster more than merits his starting berth right now:

“He is a really talented player, it’s great that we’ve got him signed up, and he’s only 18. We’ll try to use him at the right moments as the season goes on, but the way he’s been playing he’s worthy of being in the side.”

Januzaj enjoyed another FPL price rise overnight but still sits at just 4.9. Clearly a superb short-term option ahead of meetings with Stoke and Fulham, United’s goalscoring form appears the only reason to show caution.

Lallana’s Form Continues
The Saints rearguard may have been beaten for the first time in five Gameweeks but their skipper maintained his recent rise to Fantasy prominence with yet another stand-out display. Lallana’s consistency has been hugely impressive in recent games – yesterday’s late leveller means he has now scored or assisted in each of the Saints last four, yet he still remains firmly off Fantasy radars, with a mere 3% ownership. The 6.1 priced midfielder now has home games against Fulham and Hull, with a trip to Stoke in between, before the schedule starts to stiffen for Mauricio Pochettino’s side. In spite of the promising trio of fixtures, Rickie Lambert owners will be more than a little concerned – he was dropped to the bench for the first time this term, with the installation of Jay Rodriguez on the flank seeing a reshuffle which allowed Pablo Osvaldo to lead the line. Lambert will be expected to return for the Gameweek 9 home clash with Fulham, however.

Bony on the Spot
While Michu owners were left frustrated by the Spaniard’s blank in the 4-0 hammering of Sunderland, Wilfried Bony benefitted from spot-kick duties by notching for the first time since the opener at home to United. Last season there was uncertainty surrounding Swansea’s main penalty taker, with Jonathan de Guzman eventually emerging as the main protagonist, but the Ivorian seems to have leapt to the head of the queue – his converted effort came when the Dutchman was still on the pitch. Yesterday’s strike brings him back on the radar ahead of a highly enticing schedule over the next four (WH, car, STO, ful) and with Michael Laudrup’s side finding their stride after back-to-back defeats, Bony – at 7.5, with a 4% ownership – may well appeal for those looking to shake up their three-man frontlines and break from the current template.

Davies A Concern Once Again
Having just returned from a hamstring injury which made him a doubt for Saturday’s game, Ben Davies sustained an ankle problem which saw him forced off on 58 minutes. Michael Laudrup confirmed post-match that Davies will undergo scans early next week, whilst casting doubt over his availability for the coming matches:

“It is a twisted ankle, he fell in the first half so we agreed to let him start the second half but after two or three minutes you could see it wasn’t good. He will probably go for an X-ray, but I am not a doctor and we have to wait for the X-ray. But I think he may be out for the next two games [against Kuban Krasnodar and West Ham] at least.”

Neil Taylor replaced Davies and could now present an option at just 4.4 should Davies face an extended spell on the sidelines. Swansea face West Ham, Cardiff, Stoke and Fulham over their next four matches.

Aguero and Silva Steer City to Victory
Manuel Pellegrini’s men registered their first away win of the season, with Aguero’s link up with David Silva proving too hot for West Ham. The Argentinian’s brace took his tally to five in the last three appearances, with six goals in seven league games under the new manager a clear indication of his renewed Fantasy appeal.

Already, Aguero has harvested three sets of double figure returns – Pellegrini is clearly prepared to play with the handbrake off this season after City toiled under Roberto Mancini and Aguero’s irresistible form is becoming harder to ignore by the Gameweek. City have scored at least two goals in all but one of their eight games – the only exception being a Gameweek 4 trip to Stoke, where Aguero was dropped to the bench due to a slight injury doubt.

With the goals flowing under the new manager, David Silva is also benefitting. Kept firmly under the radar due to both injuries and the form of Yaya Toure in the City midfield, there’s no denying the Spaniard’s growing influence on his side’s attacking forays. A goal and assist in yesterday’s triumph continued a run of consistent displays which have seen him produce attacking returns in four of his five appearances under Pellegrini – a real eye-catching statistic which could well persuade Fantasy managers to consider his services. With many perhaps reluctant to change their frontlines, finding a place for Silva in our five-man midfields could be a little more palatable – at 9.3, he remains a differential, with less than 5% ownership. Certainly, if City continue in the same swashbuckling manner over the next few matches, finding a route into their attacking options looks a highly profitable move.

Post-match, Pellegrini discussed his tactical approach and admitted he is determined to go on the offensive in order to pick up the points:

“I spoke with the players before the game. We lost two games away 3-2… to score two away is a good average. Today we scored three again, so we will continue trying to be an offensive team. Having players of the quality of Silva, Aguero, Nasri, Dzeko, I think this team must always play on the attack. It is never a problem to have good players on the bench. It’s more important when you don’t have players who can change a result. That’s why for us it’s very important to have players of good quality because we have a lot of games to play this year. The quality of players is what makes the difference.”

Midfield Changes Fail To Fire Potters
Mark Hughes made two tweaks to his midfield for the clash with West Brom in an attempt to end a goal drought that had seen them score just once in four outings. That record was extended to five, however, as Stoke were fortunate to escape with a point against the Baggies. Hughes brought in both Charile Adam and on-loan winger Oussama Assaidi, with Matt Etherington and Marc Wilson making way.

Wilson’s omission looks set to end his recent run as a 4.5 defensive prospect, leaving us contemplating expenditure of at least 5.0 should we wish to consider the Stoke rearguard. The Potters have conceded just five goals in their last six outings, whilst struggling in attacking areas. Midfield prospect, Marko Arnautovic, started the game up front but spent much of the match on the right flank, swapping roles with Jon Walters. The Austrian switched to the flank with the introduction of Kenwyne Jones on the hour mark. Stoke travel to Old Trafford in Gameweek 9.