Gameweek 5 FPL Review – Fantasy Premier League Tips

Gameweek 5 saw a return to the Premier League for former England boss Roy Hodgson, as his struggling Palace side looked to register their first points of the season as they hosted a Southampton side that were looking to bounce back from a home loss to Watford. Spurs would look to record their first home league win of the season after a magnificent display in the Champions League. Sunday saw Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge, looking to right the wrongs of some previous visits to the ground. Later, Sunday, Manchester United hosted Everton with several faces returning to face their former clubs, most notably Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku.

Anyway, here’s the FPL Updates Gameweek 5 FPL Review…

FPL Review

Goalkeeper

Lukasz Fabianski – Many would have feared for Swansea as they travelled to Wembley to face Spurs, despite the home side’s failure to record a win there so far in the league. However, for anyone who witnessed Mauricio Pochettino’s side dismantle Borussia Dortmund midweek, one could have been forgiven for anticipating a hammering for the Swans. However, what followed was another disappointing result for Spurs. Having bagged a brace in midweek, Harry Kane was only to be denied by the cross bar. Paul Clement’s Swansea side did manage to escape with a point, despite replays suggesting that Serge Aurier should have won a penalty for his side late on.

Defenders

Antonio Valencia – Manchester United returned to form in the Premier League with a dismantling of Ronald Koeman’s Everton, who were embarrassed midweek by an Atlanta side that could have scored more than the three they mustered. One of the standout men for United was marauding full-back Antonio Valencia, who scored an early goal of the season contender within five minutes. As the ball was sprayed wide to the Ecuadorian by Nemanja Matic, the former Wigan man decided to have a go. What followed was a ferocious volley that caught Old Trafford by surprise. It would only get better for United, despite Koeman’s side holding their own for much of the game.

Nicolas Otamendi & Kyle Walker – Manchester City sent a warning shot out to their crosstown title rivals as they inflicted a 6-0 drubbing on an unbeaten Watford side at Vicarage Road on Saturday. Marco Silva’s side had recorded a superb 2-0 away win at Southampton last weekend, and certainly looked to be no mugs as City arrived in town. City proceeded to blow the Hornets away, flying into a three-goal lead in the first half. City had recorded a 5-0 victory at this ground on the final day of last season, albeit with Watford having little to play for, and they went one better this time out, with even Nicolas Otamendi netting for City.

Midfielders

Steven Davis – Crystal Palace were the first club to dismiss a manager this season, as they parted company with former Ajax boss Frank De Boer. They moved quickly to replace him with former England boss Roy Hodgson, who spoke of his readiness for the challenge of keeping the Eagles in the Premier League. However, it would be an unhappy return to the Premier League for Hodgson, as his side went down 1-0 at home to Southampton, with Steven Davis’ goal after just six minutes proving decisive. Ruben Loftus-Cheek proved a threat for the hosts, but the Saints looked comfortable, with Cedric having a late chance to end the contest. It means no points for Palace after five matches, with their next three fixtures consisting of Manchester(s) City and United as well as Chelsea.

Matt Ritchie – Newcastle propelled themselves into the lofty heights of fourth place in the Premier League after they secured a good home victory at the hands of Mark Hughes’ Stoke City side. Christian Atsu got the hosts off to a great start when he put them ahead after just nineteen minutes of the match. This came courtesy of a superb ball in from Matt Ritchie, would also supply the second and his side’s eventual winner. Shaqiri equalised for the visitors, scoring from range, but it wouldn’t last for long, as Jamal Lascelles netted his second in as many games to give his side yet another win. It came as he met Matt Ritchie’s corner to head in off the crossbar.

David Silva – It was always going to be interesting to see the playing time afforded to particular individuals within the Manchester City side this season, especially after the summer acquisitions made by Manchester City. With it obvious that Pep Guardiola was looking to play both Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus, many wondered whether this combined with the signing of Bernado Silva may have seen the end of David Silva as a starter. However, the Spaniard reminded the Premier League why he has started every league game this season as he played his part in City’s magnificent dismantling of Watford. His two assists very much proved that he has a lot to offer.

Andrew Surman – Having failed to register a point in their opening four matches, people were beginning to suspect that Bournemouth may be involved in a relegation scrap this season. These thoughts will have been made worse when Solly March headed Brighton into the lead after nearly an hour at Dean Court on Friday night. However, they would level just twelve minutes later, when Andrew Surman danced through the Seagulls defence before sliding into the far corner. The hosts, now with their tails up, sensed that there may be more than just the point there for the taking. Jordan Ibe would record his second assist in six minutes as he prodded through to Jermain Defoe, who slammed the ball into the bottom corner to seal a precious three points. The England international has now scored against 36 different sides in the Premier League.

Scott Arfield – Burnley travelled to Anfield to face Liverpool with their tails up, after taking four points from away trips to both Stamford Bridge and Wembley. Sean Dyche will have taken note of the Reds’ defensive frailties, as they missed a penalty against Sevilla to make it 3-1, only to see their Spanish opposition level the score on a frustrating night for Jurgen Klopp’s side. They were once again exposed when Scott Arfield pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the area to drill the Clarets in front. However, they were pegged back just two minutes later as Mo Salah continued his fine form in front of goal when he swivelled and finished. Despite 35 attempts on the Burnley goal, Liverpool nearly lost it when Joel Matip cleared Ben Mee’s header off the line late on.

Forwards

Sergio Aguero – What can you say about a player like Sergio Aguero. When on form you’d struggle to find a better forward in world football. He was at his brilliant best as he netted a hat-trick in a footballing masterclass from Manchester City at Vicarage Road. He opened the scoring when he powerfully headed in from De Bruyne’s cross, before tapping home for a second just four minutes later. He then laid on a third for City when Gabriel Jesus converted from the Argentine’s cut-back. He would complete his hat-trick late on when he breezed past several Watford defenders before squeezing the ball in off the post. It was all too much for one City fan, who ran onto the pitch for a hug and a selfie with his side’s hero at full time.

Romelu Lukaku – Manchester United and Romelu Lukaku showed Everton what they were missing, as former Toffee Romelu Lukaku was on form against his former club. Having taken the lead courtesy of an Antonio Valencia wonder strike, Everton held on until the 83rd minute, when Lukaku teed up Henrikh Mkhitaryan to double United’s lead. This came after Lukaku had spurned a magnificent chance with just Pickford to beat. However, he wouldn’t be kept out, as he pounced at the back post with just seconds of normal time remaining. Anthony Martial completed the scoring from the spot after Morgan Schneiderlin had handled in the area, to complete a fantastic day and leave United tied for points with leaders City at the top of the Premier League.

Written by Ryan Nevin (@RNevin7)

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