Gameweek 4 would see an end to August and a chance for Premier League sides to assess their starts to the season over the international break. Southampton would host Manchester United before Sheffield United made the journey to Chelsea. Elsewhere, Newcastle faced Watford before Liverpool travelled to Turf Moor to face Burnley. Sunday would see the pick of the games, with Arsenal hosting Spurs at the Emirates, after Everton faced Wolves at Goodison. Anyway, here’s the FPL Updates gameweek review…
Goalkeeper
Lukasz Fabianski – West Ham United have had a mixed start to the season but seem to be getting their act together after making some impressive signings during the off-season. One of their standout performers early on this season has been Lukasz Fabianski, whose performances for both West Ham and Swansea City over recent years have seen him rightfully take his place among the elite ‘keepers in the Premier League. He was once again in good form as his side recorded a comfortable home win over Norwich.
Defenders
Arthur Masuaku – There is always much debate among West Ham United fans about the left-back position and who should be starting there for the Hammers. This week Arthur Masuaku would have a chance to stake his claim and took his chance. He recorded an assist on his way to the strongest performance of any left-back in Europe’s top five leagues this weekend, which will have done his prospects no harm in the eyes of manager Manuel Pellegrini. The Hammers will be looking to build on an impressive display.
Jannik Vestergaard – Southampton sensed there was a result to be had when Manchester United arrived at St. Mary’s, having been less than convincing since their day one demolition of Chelsea. However, when Daniel James smashed home brilliantly from range the Saints fans feared the worst. They did bounce back however, and when Jannik Vestergaard levelled on the hour they sensed the chance for a winner. Unfortunately for them a silly challenge from full-back Kevin Danso saw their chances of finding a winner extinguished.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool comfortably found a way past Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday evening, securing a 3-0 victory. Trent Alexander-Arnold looked to have opened the scoring, however, his cross ended up being given as an own goal as it found its way into the net. Sadio Mané doubled the advantage just minutes later before Roberto Firmino sealed the victory late on. Reds fans may be concerned after Sadio Mané left the field seething after Mo Salah had decided against passing to the Senegal international when better positioned.
Midfielders
Richarlison – Everton secured a big victory over Wolves at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon. Brazil international Richarlison opened the scoring for the Toffees after just five minutes. However, Wolves hit back immediately through Romain Saiss, before Alex Iwobi restored the Toffees’ lead, all this happening within the opening twelve minutes. Raul Jimenez looked like he might have secured a point for Wolves when he levelled, however Richarlison struck again ten minutes from time to secure a big win for the home side.
Kevin De Bruyne – You couldn’t be blamed for giving Brighton little chance away at Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, and you would have been right, as City turned in a typically comfortable home display to secure a 4-0 victory against the Seagulls. Kevin De Bruyne has been immense since returning from an injury that saw him miss most of last season, and he scored and assisted on the way to three points for Pep Guardiola’s side. Should he remain fit City will take some stopping this season.
Youri Tielemans – Following a brilliant loan spell, Leicester opted to sign Youri Tielemans from AS Monaco for a fee of approximately £40 million, and they don’t seem to regret it one bit as he continued his good form as Leicester ran out 3-1 winners against AFC Bournemouth. He scored and assisted as Leicester City find themselves third in the Premier League table, with only Manchester City and Liverpool enjoying a better start to the season. The Foxes may well have their sights set on European football come May.
Callum Robinson – Sheffield United will be relatively happy with their start to the season on their return to the Premier League after over a decade away. They travelled to Chelsea on Saturday as big underdogs and after Chelsea raced into a two-goal lead you could see why. However, Callum Robinson pulled a goal back for the visitors right after half time. The Blues were rattled, and their worst fears were realised when just minutes from time, Robinson’s cross was helped into the net by an unfortunate Kurt Zouma to spark wild scenes in the away end.
Forwards
Jamie Vardy – The evergreen Jamie Vardy was in fine form as Leicester City recorded a 3-1 home victory to Bournemouth on Saturday. The former England international netted twice on the day, and soaked up the appreciation from the home fans at the full time whistle. You wonder how far Leicester could go this season, especially given the depth they seem to have in forward and midfield areas these days. They will have their eyes set on a European place, especially after poor starts to the season from Manchester United and Chelsea.
Sergio Aguero – There’s not a lot you can say about Manchester City frontman Sergio Aguero that hasn’t already been said. Despite City and Pep’s heavy rotation policy over the course of the season he always seems to end the season around the top of the scoring charts. He was in excellent form on Saturday as City eased to a 4-0 home win over Brighton and Hove Albion at Eastlands. Neutrals will be intrigued to see whether the battle between Liverpool and City will be as enthralling as last season, which saw the title go all the way to the final day.
Tammy Abraham – One positive that may come from Chelsea’s transfer ban is the opportunity for the likes of Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount to cement a first team place. After a tough start to the season, Abraham bagged a brace away at Norwich, and once again he was at the double as the Blues took a two-goal lead at home to Sheffield United. Once again, defensive frailties proved to be Frank Lampard’s side’s undoing, but at least they seem to have someone who can put the ball in the net at the other end.
Written by Ryan Nevin (@RNevin7)
