Gameweek 14 would see a day of derbies on Sunday as Fulham travelled to Chelsea, before Arsenal faced Spurs and Liverpool hosted Everton in the Premier League. Cardiff had played against Wolves as the two newly-promoted sides faced one another Friday. Watford travelled to face Leicester City, while West Ham United made the long journey to face Newcastle United at ST. James’ Park. Huddersfield and Brighton and Hove Albion faced off at the John Smith’s before Manchester United travelled to Southampton. Anyway, here’s the FPL Updates Gameweek 14 Review…
Goalkeeper
Lukasz Fabianski – West Ham United made the long journey North to face Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon, wary of the fact that the Magpies were on a three-game winning streak heading into the match. However, their run would stop here as the Hammers ran riot, netting three excellent goals on the way to a resounding victory. Yet, stopper Lukasz Fabianski deserves a mention as he made saves to deny Salomon Rondon and Matt Ritchie. In the end, West Ham had a bit more class in their side, and it made the difference.
Defenders
Shane Duffy – Brighton travelled to Huddersfield Town on Saturday, as two sides entering their second Premier League seasons faced off in a gritty affair. The Seagulls came from behind to snatch all three points against David Wagner’s side, but the Terriers boss was angered by the decision to send off Steve Mounie for a high challenge in the first half. The home side were a goal up at this stage, however a goal on half-time followed by a late winner from Florin Andone saw the South-coast club pick up the win.
Ricardo Pereira – Leicester City hosted Watford at the King Power on Saturday afternoon, and were boosted by the return of now-England international James Maddison. However, the Hornets have started the season well, fresh from the news of a new contract for Javi Gracia. In the end it would be the Foxes however who would take all three points. They opened the scoring through Jamie Vardy from the spot, before Maddison added a brilliant second, taking the ball down before volleying home to kill of the challenge of the Hertfordshire club.
Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool hosted Everton at Anfield on Sunday evening in a fairly even clash between the Merseyside clubs. With a poor record at Anfield, Everton looked to be set to secure a good point, before disaster struck to send the Goodison faithful home heartbroken. With the referee playing two minutes over the indicated injury time, a wild swing at the ball from Virgil van Dijk saw it come down and strike the crossbar as Jordan Pickford tried to catch. As a result, the ball dropped to Divock Origi to nod home the most fortunate of Derby winners.
Midfielders
Andros Townsend & James McArthur – Crystal Palace hosted Burney on Saturday in hopes of ending their horrendous start to the season on their own turf, with the Eagles having only managed two points at Selhurst Park this season. They opened the scoring in a dominant first half through James McArthur, as his cross evaded everyone to bounce home. Late on, Andros Townsend cut inside to blast home brilliantly into the top corner, making the points safe for Roy Hodgson’s side. It a big win for the South London side.
Solly March – The squad role of Solly March seems to vary from time to time with Brighton and Hove Albion, however he always seems to catch the eye and excite the Seagulls fans, and he was at it again as he crossed late against Huddersfield Town for Florin And one to flick the ball home. The goal sparked great celebrations in the away end. It’s a good result for Chris Hughton’s side, who are famed for their poor away record in the Premier League. Nonetheless, it’s three points closer to survival for Brighton.
Aron Gunnarsson – Cardiff hosted Wolves on Friday Night at the Cardiff City stadium in somewhat of a must win match for both sides. Wolves opened the scoring early on, when Matt Doherty escaped attention to slot home from a corner. However, after a second half onslaught Cardiff were level as Aron Gunnarsson brought down and volleyed home from close range. The Welsh side sensed a winner, and they got it in stunning fashion as the ball ricocheted back to Junior Hoilett to thunder a struck in off the crossbar late on.
Ilkay Gundogan – Manchester City rested several players as they faced high-flying AFC Bournemouth on Saturday. They started strongly and had a few openings; however, they wouldn’t take the lead until Bernardo Silva finished. However, Callum Wilson stunned the champions as he equalised, but the home side woke up. Raheem Sterling then netted his seventh goal in as many games against the Cherries, before they added a third through Ilkay Gundogan late on. Pep Guardiola appeared to be far from happy with his side’s performance.
Forwards
Javier Hernandez – West Ham United travelled to Newcastle United hoping to pick up a good three points as they look to improve following their poor start. They opened the scoring when Robert Snodgrass worked a yard before crossing to Javier Hernandez to side-foot home. They doubled the advantage when Hernandez was flicked through on goal, and the Mexican slotted in past a helpless Martin Dubravka. The third came when Felipe Anderson powered through before smashing home through the keeper’s legs.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Arsenal faced Spurs in a massive North-London derby on Sunday, and Arsenal hit the front early as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang passed home from the penalty spot. However, a quickfire double from Spurs via Eric Dier and Harry Kane turned the game on its head. Little did they expect that brilliant finishes from Aubameyang and Alex Lacazette would turn the game back in the home side’s favour. Lucas Torreira finished the contest as he slotted home, sparking wild scenes among the Gunners faithful.
Written by Ryan Nevin (@RNevin7)
