Gameweek 8 would kick off with Brighton and Hove Albion hosting a Spurs side desperately in need of a win after a bad week. Later we would see Burnley host Everton at Turf Moor while Liverpool faced Leicester City at Anfield. Watford faced Sheffield United at Vicarage Road with Aston Villa making the journey to Norwich to face Daniel Farke’s side. On Sunday, Southampton hosted Chelsea, with Wolves travelling to face Manchester City. Arsenal battled AFC Bournemouth at the Emirates, and Newcastle faced Manchester United. Anyway, here’s the FPL Updates gameweek review…
Goalkeeper
Ben Foster – It’s safe to say that Watford have had an abysmal start to the season. Already on their second manager of the campaign, they were yet to win as they went into a massive game against Sheffield United. In a tight game the Hornets had the better chances, and the home faithful couldn’t believe it when Andre Gray shot over the bar from just a couple of yards out. Danny Welbeck then failed to beat Dean Henderson when he went through in the second period. The 0-0 draw left the home side frustrated while the Blades continue to get points on the board.
Defenders
David Luiz – There were mixed responses when Arsenal signed David Luiz from Chelsea, even for a relatively modest fee. It’s fair to say his performances have been a mixed bag as well, however he rose to the fore to secure all three points as Arsenal faced AFC Bournemouth at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon. The former Paris Saint-Germain defender rose highest to meet Nicolas Pepe’s corner, netting the only goal of the game in the process. Bournemouth will be encouraged by their performance on the day, even though they return home empty handed.
Jetro Willems – Netherlands international Jetro Willems seems to be making quite the impression at St. James’ Park since his move from Eintracht Frankfurt in summer. Despite his defensive capabilities being called into question early on this season, his attacking abilities are clear for all to see. This became clear with his stunner at Anfield against Liverpool a couple of matches ago, cutting onto his weaker right foot to smash into the corner. He secured an assist on Sunday as Newcastle stunned Manchester United with a late winner.
Lewis Dunk – Eyebrows were raised when Brighton and Hove Albion opted to sack Chris Hughton after enjoying some great successes with the club. They decided to hire former Swansea boss Graeme Potter, and have seen mixed results since. They had struggled somewhat since the opening day of the season but turned up on Saturday. They hosted a Spurs side still reeling from their hammering at the hands of Bayern Munich last week. The Seagulls put the away side to the sword, running out 3-0 winners to embarrass the North London side.
Midfielders
Adama Traoré – After a poor start to the season, Wolverhampton Wanderers are up and running in some style. They secured their first win of the season against Watford last weekend. However, they started against Manchester City as firm underdogs. What happened next would stun fans across the country. As the game whore on at 0-0 Wolves began to sense there was a result to be had, then Raul Jimenez threaded Adama Traoré through to strike an opener ten minutes from time. He then struck again in injury time to secure one of the results of the season.
James Milner & Sadio Mané – Liverpool knew they would face a stern test as Leicester City arrived at Anfield on Saturday. In a good contest between the sides Liverpool struck first when James Milner threaded Sadio Mané through on goal, with the Senegal international finishing brilliantly. However, they were dealt a sucker punch when James Maddison levelled the scores with just ten minutes remaining. Liverpool would find a winner, though, when Sadio Mané won a controversial penalty which James Milner scored deep into stoppage time.
Conor Hourihane – Aston Villa made the journey to Norwich knowing that they need to start picking up wins if they are to avoid a relegation battle come May. Many would have made the Canaries favourites for the clash between the two newly promoted sides. However, what transpired will live long in the memories of the Villa faithful, while the home fans will be trying to forget this one. Villa secured a 5-1 win on the day, which saw a wonderful atmosphere in the away end while Norwich could only watch on as their side conceded goal after goal.
Matthew Longstaff – Newcastle United started a pair of brothers in midfield on Sunday as both Sean and Matty Longstaff featured for the Magpies. It was a debut for the latter, and he turned in a brilliant display against the Red Devils. He saw a brilliant volley strike the crossbar, which got the home crowd off their seats. As the game wore on it looked set to be a 0-0 draw. However, the debutant enjoyed a moment he would have dreamed of, as he drilled home from range to spark wild scenes among a crowd that haven’t had a lot to cheer so far.
Forwards
Wesley – Since signing from Club Brugge in summer, Aston Villa fans seem somewhat undecided on their big-money forward Wesley. He’d netted twice in his opening seven games, in which Villa had struggled. However, he proved his ability against Norwich on Saturday afternoon, netting a brace. Wesley was a handful from start to finish and will be left to lament a missed penalty which would have seen him secure a memorable treble. Villa will be hoping to retain their top flight status after a three-year spell in the Championship.
Aaron Connolly – Saturday would see a full debut for Irish youngster Aaron Connolly up front for Brighton and Hove Albion against Spurs. The home side would take the lead when an error from Hugo Lloris would allow Neal Maupay to put into the open net. In the process Lloris dislocated his elbow, which will see the France international out until the new year. Aaron Connolly netted a second as he reacted when his effort was saved. His third was a brilliant solo effort, as he ran from deep before smashing into the bottom corner to seal a 3-0 triumph for the Seagulls.
Written by Ryan Nevin (@RNevin7)
