Gameweek 25 would see the end of the January transfer window, with managers having their last chance to perfect their squads or suffer the consequences. As matches were played, several big signings were confirmed, to the delight and disgust of fans everywhere. On Tuesday, Swansea hosted Arsenal, while Palace travelled to West Ham for a London derby. Liverpool also faced Huddersfield. On Wednesday, the big game of the gameweek would take place as Manchester United travelled to Wembley to face Spurs. Anyway, here’s the FPL Updates Gameweek 25 FPL Review…
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope – One of the stories of the season in the Premier League has been the emergence of former Charlton Athletic ‘keeper Nick Pope at Burnley. In Tom Heaton’s prolonged absence, Pope really took hold of that number one shirt, and performed more heroics on Wednesday night as his side faced Newcastle. At 0-0 Pope made a massive save to keep out Joselu from the penalty spot. In a big match for both sides, it hung in the balance. Newcastle confirmed the loan signing of Islam Slimani on loan after the match, which may give Magpies fans hope ahead of the latter stages of the season.
Defenders
Nathan Ake – Bournemouth travelled to Chelsea knowing they would be massive underdogs against the defending champions. What followed was one to stun Premier League fans, none more so than the Cherries fans who made the trip to London. Chelsea confirmed the signing of Olivier Giroud from Arsenal prior to kick-off, which has been met with mixed receptions from fans. This came after they confirmed the signing of Emerson Palmieri from Roma, who will look to provide competition for Marcos Alonso in that left wing-back slot.
Kieran Trippier – Spurs were in fine form as they faced Manchester United at Wembley. To say they started well would be an understatement, as they went ahead within 11 seconds. After a long ball forward, Harry Kane won a header in the box before the ball fell to Eriksen six yards from goal, and the Dane swept home with ease. They doubled their lead 20 minutes later when Phil Jones comically fired into the roof of his own net from a Kieran Trippier cross. Spurs fans will have been delighted to seal the signing of Lucas Moura from PSG the same evening.
Jamal Lascelles – Newcastle United skipper Jamal Lascelles led by example for his side as they faced the stern test of Sean Dyche’s Burnley at St. James’ Park on Wednesday night. After Joselu had missed a chance from the spot to give the Magpies the lead, Lascelles put Rafa Benitez’s side in front when he met a corner from recent loan signing Kenedy to power home. However, they would not hold on for a massive three points, as with five minutes remaining Sam Vokes levelled the scores, much to the disappointment of the Toon faithful.
Jack Stephens – Southampton were unable to capitalise on missed chances as they ground to a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion at St. Mary’s on Wednesday night. After a cagey start the Seagulls were awarded a penalty when Solly March was brought down by Wesley Hoedt. Glenn Murray converted his ninth of the season. It would take Saints until the 64th minute to level when Jack Stephens scored his second goals in 4 days to secure a point. Guido Carillo also made his Premier League debut, coming on at half-time for Dusan Tadic.
Midfielders
Sam Clucas – Swansea pulled of a shock result as they romped to victory against an Arsenal side buoyed by two big signings. Henrikh Mkhitaryan made his Arsenal debut and looked dangerous in spells. They even took the lead as Nacho Monreal stabbed home from Mesut Ozil’s pass. However, Sam Clucas levelled just seconds later. With an hour gone, Jordan Ayew completed the turnaround, before Clucas’ second sealed a priceless three points. Both sides completed bog deals the following day, with Arsenal signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while the Swans re-signed Andre Ayew.
Theo Walcott – Onto a former Arsenal man in Theo Walcott, who completed his move to Everton last week after 12 years with the North London side. He was on top form as the Toffees secured a good victory at home to Leicester City. Walcott opened the scoring when Gylfi Sigurdsson robbed Ben Chilwell and squared for Walcott to slot home. His second came when a ricochet in the box saw the ball drop for the England international to volley home. Jamie Vardy pulled a goal back from the spot, but it was too little, too late for the Foxes.
Emre Can – Liverpool were cautious of a potential banana-skin as they travelled to the John Smith’s to face Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night. German midfielder Emre Can has been linked with a move to Juventus in summer, but opened the scoring for the Reds as he took aim from range, only to see his effort deflect into the corner. Roberto Firmino doubled the lead when he poked in at the near post past Jonas Lossl. They would net a third and end the game as a contest when Mo Salah netted from the spot.
Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City took another step towards an almost-inevitable Premier League title as they comfortably dispatched with West Brom at Eastlands on Wednesday night. They opened the scoring when Fernandinho scored from De Bruyne’s ball through. They doubled the advantage when De Bruyne tapped in the second himself. The third killed the match off and came through Sergio Aguero as he converted from Sterling’s clever pass. It was comfortable for City, who decided to let Eliquiem Mangala leave on loan to Everton late in the window.
Junior Stanislas – Bournemouth had a day to remember as they hammered a strong Chelsea side 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. Having started the season poorly, Bournemouth continued their record of having defeated the reigning Premier League Champions in each of their three seasons in the top flight. New signings for the Blues, Emerson and Olivier Giroud watched on and must have been wondering what they were watching from their new team mates. The victory, and the comprehension of it will likely go down in history as a famous result for the Cherries.
Forwards
Callum Wilson – Bournemouth’s win over Chelsea stunned the home faithful at Stamford Bridge and leaves Chelsea verging on a crisis where their league form is concerned. The Cherries opened the scoring shortly in to the second half, as Callum Wilson slotted past Thibaut Courtois after some poor defending. Junior Stanislas added a second when he slammed home. It would be his shot at goal that would be turned in by former Chelsea man, Nathan Ake to seal a tremendous three points for Eddie Howe and his side.
Written by Ryan Nevin (@RNevin7)
