We would see a full programme of Premier League action during gameweek 15, with all 20 sides playing as we edge into the packed schedule of Christmas football. Arsenal would face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday after a derby between Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace at the AMEX on Tuesday night. Manchester City would travel to Watford while West Ham United hosted Cardiff City. Liverpool faced Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday night looking to keep up the pressure on Manchester City. Anyway, here’s the FPL Updates Gameweek 15 Review…
Goalkeeper
Lukasz Fabianski – Surely one of the bargains on the season has been West Ham United’s capture of former Arsenal and Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. The Polish stopper has really grown since making the move back to London, and the Hammers faithful will be delighted to have secured his signature for just £4 million, a minor fee when you consider the likes of Alisson and Kepa, who have each gone for in excess of £50 million. Fabianski was on form yet again as his side rallied to see off Cardiff City.
Defenders
Vincent Kompany – Manchester City rallied to see off a spirited Watford side at Vicarage Road on Tuesday, but the away side will have been thrilled not only to see skipper Vincent Komapny in the side, but to see the Belgian international put in such a strong performance. The past few years have seen Kompany blighted by injury despite a very successful spell with the club. Having captained the side to their first ever Premier League titles he will be keen to add to that tally come May. City showed yet again their credentials as they grinded out a win.
Leon Balogun – Brighton and Hove Albion hosted rivals Crystal Palace in a heated affair at the AMEX on Tuesday night, and it was the home side who ran out comfortable winners despite being a man down for the majority of the match. Shane Duffy was dismissed for violent conduct when he clashed with the opposition. However, goals from Glenn Murray, Leon Balogun and Florin Andone would render a Luka Milivojevic strike a consolation, much to the despair of the Palace fans. The home side take the bragging rights.
Terence Kongolo – It looks like it’s going to be a long old season for Huddersfield Town as they look to secure survival yet again in the Premier League. They were narrow losers against Bournemouth on Tuesday, as the Cherries struck twice early to sink the Terriers, with Terence Kongolo’s strike turning out to be nothing more than consolation. Town may feel that there are three worse sides in the Premier League this year, which may calm the nerves of the Yorkshire side as they head into a vital period of the season.
Midfielders
Riyad Mahrez – Riyad Mahrez has a strong record against Watford and tormented the Hertfordshire side yet again as Manchester City ran out 2-1 winners at Vicarage Road. Goals either side of the interval through Leroy Sane and then Mahrez saw the away side comfortable until an Abdoulaye Doucoure five minutes from time saw the home side onto the front foot late on. Ben Foster turned in a fantastic performance for the home side.
Ryan Fraser – AFC Bournemouth have been one of the standout sides in the Premier League this season and continued their fine form by picking up all three points against Huddersfield Town on Tuesday evening. Ryan Fraser was once again in fine form, and the Scotland international is making a real impression this season, turning from bit-part player into one of the first names on the team sheet, and nobody will be happier than Eddie Howe, who has been yet again touted to some other jobs in the Premier League.
Robert Snodgrass – One player who has come back into the frame this season at West Ham United is Scotland international Robert Snodgrass, who linked back up with the Hammers following a spell at Aston Villa last campaign. He picked up a couple of assists as West Ham secured a victory over Cardiff City at the London Stadium. A missed penalty at 0-0 would cost the away side, as they were put to the sword with goals from Lucas Perez and Michail Antonio.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – Wolverhampton Wanderers were on form to come back and beat Mauricio Sarri’s Chelsea side on Tuesday night. Ruben Loftus-Cheek continued his fine form as he put the Blues in front early on. However, Wolves would bite back and equalised when Raul Jimenez netted an equaliser on the hour. They weren’t done there, and Diogo Jota fired home his first Premier League goal minutes later to give the newly-promoted side a massive win after a poor run of form of late.
Forwards
Lucas Perez – Former Arsenal forward Lucas Perez has struggled since signing for West Ham United in summer, failing to nail down a starting place. However, he was given the nod against Cardiff City, and repaid his manager’s faith by netting twice in a 3-1 win for the Hammers. However, the home side will be concerned after Marko Arnautovic limped off after struggling for fitness in recent weeks. Some fans have bemoaned his inclusion recently, clearly unfit.
Callum Wilson – Callum Wilson is one of the Premier League’s top marksmen this season, and yet again proved why as he netted against Huddersfield Town at Dean Court midweek. Still buzzing from his England debut, and debut goal, he’s continued his early season form, and some of the league’s top sides are starting to take notice. With January fast approaching, Eddie Howe’s side may face a battle to keep hold of the former Coventry City man.
Harry Kane – After firing England to a World Cup semi-final in summer Harry Kane has stayed on the goal trail for Spurs yet again, and he scored as his side beat Southampton 3-1 at Wembley on Wednesday night. A late Charlie Austin goal would prove little consolation for Saints, who may face a real battle for survival this season after a terrible start that saw manager Mark Hughes dismissed last week on the back of a draw with Manchester United.
Written by Ryan Nevin (@RNevin7)
