Gameweek 4 would see the welcome return of Premier League action after a less than inspiring international break. What better way to kick the weekend off than with Liverpool making the short trip to Eastlands to face Manchester City. Other notable clashes would see Arsenal host Bournemouth at the Emirates, as well as Manchester United’s trip to Stoke City. Sunday saw a potential relegation six-pointer as Swansea faced Newcastle at the Liberty Stadium, after Palace had first faced Burnley. Monday night would see a Huddersfield side yet to concede a goal face a struggling West Ham. Anyway, here’s the gameweek FPL Review…
Goalkeeper
Rob Elliott – Newcastle travelled to face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium in the second of two matches played on Sunday afternoon. Having struggled early in the campaign Newcastle looked to be on the up after their thumping of West Ham in gameweek 3. They made much of the early running against the Swans, with only a superb save from Lukasz Fabianski denying new-signing Joselu from breaking the deadlock. His opposite number Rob Elliott found himself relatively untested by the Swans, despite the introduction of the returning Wilfried Bony.
Defenders
Jamal Lascelles – With the game seemingly headed for a draw, a massive moment from Newcastle skipper Jamal Lascelles would prove decisive. With time running out, Leroy Fer threaded the ball through to Tammy Abraham, who skipped past Elliott, leaving an open goal. However, the striker couldn’t believe his luck when his goal bound effort was stopped brilliantly by Lascelles, with the former Forest man sliding at full stretch to keep it out. This proved all the more important, when he met a Matt Ritchie corner to thunder a header into the back of the net as the clock ticked down, to the delight of the Magpies faithful. A great result for Newcastle, as Lascelles starred.
Ben Davies – Spurs secured a superb result as they recorded a 3-0 win against Everton at Goodison Park. One unexpected star has undoubtedly been stand-in left-back Ben Davies, who has more than filled in for Danny Rose, who may struggle to regain his place in the side at the moment. The full-back has recorded an impressive goal and two assists in the first 4 matches of this campaign. Meanwhile his side need to find a way to pick up wins at their temporary home in Wembley Stadium. Next up, Spurs host Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on Tuesday evening.
Kiko Femenia – Spanish wing-back Kiko Femenia has enjoyed a strong start to life in the Premier League to Watford, and he was in strong form as his side showed class to upstage Southampton at St. Mary’s, as the Hornets ran out 2-0 winners on Saturday afternoon. The victory sees Marco Silva’s new side into fourth position in the Premier League. This would be in no small part down to their impressive summer recruitment, bringing in the likes of Femenia, Chalobah, Carillo, Richarlison and Andre Gray. Next, they host Manchester City, and will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
Midfielders
Pascal Gross – It’s fair to say that Chris Hughton’s newly-promoted Brighton and Hove Albion have taken their time to get going this season, having failed to hit the net in each of their opening three matches this campaign. However, they recorded a huge three points as they comfortably brushed aside Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion side 3-1 at the AMEX Stadium. The star of the show was undoubtedly former Germany youth international Pascal Gross, who hit a quickfire brace to down the Baggies. West Brom were able to pull a goal back, but not before Tomer Hemed had killed the game off with a third for the Seagulls.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting – One man who really announced himself to the Premier League this weekend was Eric Choupo-Moting, who joined Stoke City on a free transfer from Schalke in summer. He was key to his side’s 2-2 draw against the league’s only 100 percenters in José Mourinho’s Manchester United. The Cameroonian got across the near post late in the first half to give his side the lead, before Marcus Rashford was accredited with a controversial equaliser in stoppage time. Romelu Lukaku looked to have turned the game when he made it 2-1, but Choupo-Moting netted just five minutes later to secure a precious point for his side.
Leroy Sané – It was a day to forget for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side as Manchester City made light work of the reds at Eastlands, recording an impressive 5-0 victory in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off. The match would be swayed on a decision from referee John Moss to send off Sadio Mané for a high challenge on City keeper Ederson. As the ball came over the top Mané looked to take it down, only for his raised studs to connect with the face of the goalkeeper, causing some damage, as photos of the Brazilian’s injuries surfaced on social media after the match. City had several standouts, including German winger Leroy Sané, who provided two excellent goals for City.
Pedro Obiang – This week’s Monday night fixture would see two sides clash who have had contrasting starts to the season. Huddersfield found themselves with seven points, having yet to even concede a goal. Meanwhile, West Ham found themselves rooted to the foot of the table without picking up a point. It was a fairly cagey affair, with both sides struggling to create chances, apart from the odd long-ball up to the returning Andy Carroll, and a chance for Javier Hernandez which he hammered against the bar. They would make the breakthrough in the second half, when a Pedro Obiang shot looped high after deflecting off Zanka, before dropping in off the post. The Hammers would put the game to bed when Andre Ayew tapped in from close range late on.
Forwards
Danny Welbeck – Arsenal enjoyed a comfortable afternoon as they hosted Bournemouth at the Emirates on Saturday. The star of the show was undoubtedly England international forward Danny Welbeck, who potentially only started as a result of Alexis Sanchez’ relegation to the substitute bench by Arsene Wenger. He scored his first just six minutes in as he nodded home a header past Asmir Begovic in the Bournemouth net. Alexander Lacazette would double the lead when he curled in from the edge of the box. Welbeck would put the game to bend around the hour mark when he netted from a tight angle. Just what Arsenal needed after a tough start.
Harry Kane – Since we are now well out of August it seems appropriate for Harry Kane to once again rediscover his goal scoring touch. Interestingly, the England forward netted for his national side on September 1st. Anyway, he was on fine form as his side made the long journey north to face Everton at Goodison Park. He would also net his 100th spurs goal, albeit fortunately as his right-sided cross looped over the head of Pickford and into the net. His 101st on the other hand, was no fluke, as he netted less than a minute into the second half. This came after Christian Eriksen had netted from close range to make it 2-0. It’s a superb win for Spurs, who need to rediscover their home form soon.
Gabriel Jesus – The other player to net a brace against Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime was Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus. Having arrived in the league in January from Palmeiras he has become one of the league’s most feared forwards, and his partnership with Argentine Sergio Aguero leaves even the best of defences on edge. Having had one header denied by the offside flag, Jesus would make his second count, giving his side a 2-0 lead. His second came when he was set on goal by his strike partner Aguero to make it 3. A late Sané brace would add gloss to the score line, and send Liverpool home wondering what went so wrong.
Written by Ryan Nevin (@RNevin7)
