Gameweek 35 would see several times fail to feature as teams look to draw level on matches played ahead of the final gameweek. West Brom faced Liverpool as they looked to at least delay their seemingly inevitable relegation. Arsenal would host West Ham United in Sunday’s early kick-off, before Stoke faced Burnley and Manchester City look to break records as they hosted relegation-threatened Swansea City. The gameweek ended with Everton hosting Newcastle at Goodison Park. Anyway, here’s the FPL Updates Gameweek 35 FPL Review…
Goalkeeper
Wayne Hennessey – Crystal Palace made the short journey to Hertfordshire to face Watford in Saturdays only 3 o’clock kick-off. The Hornets could have been forgiven for thinking they were safe, however, sitting on just 38 points they will be concerned that they may be dragged into a relegation battle. That said, one would question whether or not the sides at the bottom would be able to secure the nine-odd points required to catch Javi Gracia’s side. They knew that a win against Crystal Palace would see them safe.
Defenders
Danilo – Manchester City entered their match against Swansea City looking to break several records come the end of the season. They are currently on course to break several records including Chelsea’s record points tally in a single season. Pep Guardiola has defied critics and stormed to a league title that was never in doubt. At one stage it even looked like an invincible season may have been possible. However, their Champions League campaign was put to bed by a Liverpool side that have been impressive this season, leaving a bitter taste in some fans’ mouths.
Nacho Monreal – A real standout over the past couple of seasons has been Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal, who has added to the attacking side of his game tremendously. The Gunners season looked to have been a poor one, however they have a Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Thursday night. A win in the competition would see Arsene Wenger go out on a high, by securing Champions League football for the new boss. However, the Spanish side will pose a threat, and it will take a real effort to record the London side’s first ever European triumph.
Mamadou Sakho – Crystal Palace, like opponents Watford, were aware that a win would probably put pay to any lingering fears of relegation. However, the sides played out a 0-0 stalemate at Vicarage Road, with the match hinging on the turning point of Wilfried Zaha being booked for diving. The Ivorian looked to have been brought down by Adrian Mariappa, however the referee pointed the other way and booked the winger. The away fans were livid, while the home faithful jeered the man who won a play-off final penalty against them some years ago.
Midfielders
Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal took a while to get going against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon. Nacho Monreal opened the scoring from a corner as he volleyed home first time in impressive fashion. However, Marko Arnautovic smashed home an equaliser just thirteen minutes later, and the Hammers seemed on top for a spell. However, a miscommunication between Declan Rice and Joe Hart saw an Aaron Ramsey cross sail into the far corner. It was a shame for the Hammers, who had played well for the half hour before.
Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling & David Silva – Manchester City’s midfield was on fire as they hammered Swansea City 5-0 at Eastlands on Sunday. They went in front through David Silva, before Raheem Sterling doubled the advantage just four minutes later. Into the second period, and a superb Kevin De Bruyne strike added a third. Bernardo Silva got in on the action around the hour after Jesus had missed a penalty. However, the Brazilian wouldn’t be denied, and looped a header over Fabianski into the far corner.
Jake Livermore – West Bromwich Albion looked to delay their inevitable relegation, however would face the test of Liverpool at the Hawthorns on Saturday. It looked the be the same old story when Danny Ings scored his first goal of the season after just four minutes, to the delight of the former Burnley and Bournemouth man. Late on Mo Salah netted his 31st of the season in brilliant fashion to double the lead. The Egyptian is the leading European scorer in all competitions this season. However, it wasn’t done there.
Forwards
Alexandre Lacazette – It has been a season of ups and downs for Alexandre Lacazette at Arsenal. Due to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being cup-tied in Europe, the Frenchman has been afforded a run in the side, and has found some strong form. He netted twice in the final minutes of Arsenal’s 4-1 home win against West Ham United. He will be desperate to secure a place on the plane to Russia. Having struggled for confidence for much of this season, it’s good to see the big-money signing producing some returns.
Salomon Rondon – At 2-0 down against Liverpool on Saturday, things were looking bad for West Brom in their struggle for survival. As it stood, they would have been relegated this weekend, however it wasn’t done yet. Jake Livermore pulled a goal back, and Darren Moore’s side continued to show the character that they had been the past few weeks. Late on, a brilliant cross into the box would be turned home by Salomon Rondon, with Loris Karius in no-mans land. The result is a good one, however doesn’t do a lot for the Baggies’ faint survival fight.
Written by Ryan Nevin (@RNevin7)
