Gameweek 16 would start with Liverpool making the long trip South to face AFC Bournemouth at Dean Court, before Arsenal hosted Huddersfield Town and Burnley faced Brighton and Hove Albion. There was a massive clash at the bottom between Southampton and Cardiff City in Wales, while Fulham travelled to face Manchester United. Chelsea hosted Manchester City in a massive clash at the top, before Wolves travelled to Newcastle United on Sunday. The gameweek ended with Watford facing Everton at Goodison. Anyway, here’s the FPL Updates gameweek review…
Goalkeeper
Ben Foster – Watford travelled to Goodison Park to face off against former manager Marco Silva, so it was only fitting that they would find themselves a goal down courtesy of former forward Richarlison. After being the better side for much of the match, the Hornets turned the match on it’s head when Seamus Coleman put through his own net and Abdoulaye Doucoure headed home within the space of two minutes. Ben Foster would then save from Gylfi Sigurdsson’s spot kick to hold on to the away side’s lead. However, it would be late heartbreak for Javi Gracia’s side when Lucas Digne curled home a free kick six minutes into second half injury time to salvage a point.
Defenders
David Luiz – Chelsea weren’t given much of a chance by most as they welcomed Manchester City to Stamford Bridge. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the first half; however, Chelsea would edge in front when N’Golo Kante slotted home from the penalty spot from Eden Hazard’s comeback. They grew in the second period and netted a second to kill the match off when David Luiz headed home brilliantly with ten minutes remaining. The math however was somewhat marred by the racial abuse suffered by City winger Raheem Sterling, who spoke out about the incident on social media.
James Tarkowski – Burnley have made a poor start to the season following a superb campaign last tine out that saw the Clarets enter the Europa League at the qualifying stage. However, that feels like a long time ago now, and many fans now fear a return to the Championship after three successful seasons now. However, they managed to grind out a gritty win over Chris Hughton’s Brighton and Hove Albion side to sneak out of the bottom three thanks to a solitary goal from centre-half James Tarkowski.
Ashley Young – Manchester United have endured a horrendous start to the Premier League season, and as the pressure continues to mount on José Mourinho, the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter boss knew that his side had to produce against Fulham on Saturday at Old Trafford. Despite their league woes, the Red Devils are set to head through to the next round of the Champions League after a miraculous win over Juventus at the Allianz stadium a few weeks ago. Europe may be the saviour for a side that have underachieved for some years now.
Andrew Robertson – Liverpool began the gameweek with a chance to ramp up the pressure on league leaders Manchester City with a trip to AFC Bournemouth. The Cherries, who have themselves been impressive this season, are no strangers to upsetting the big boys, and would have relished the chance to do so with the Reds. What transpired was a resounding victory for the Merseyside club, running out 4-0 winners on the day. There was a clear gulf in class between the sides and Jurgen Klopp will be delighted to see his side remain unbeaten.
Midfielders
Mo Salah – After a stunning return to England for Mo Salah last season, few expected him to match his feats of brilliance. However, he became the league’s joint top goalscorer on Saturday when he netted a hat-trick to sink Bournemouth at Dean Court. His first came when Asmir Begovic spilled a long-range Roberto Firmino effort for the Egyptian to slot home. His second came when he drove at the defence before slotting home. Steve Cook put through his own net somewhat comically for the Reds’ third, before Salah completed his treble by rounding the afore mentioned Begovic and rolling into the empty net.
Heung-Min Son – Spurs travelled to Leicester knowing that the former Premier League champions would be no pushovers on their own turf, and in a relatively drab first half, Heung-Min Son broke the deadlock when he cut inside before curling a stunner into the far corner. This came right on half-time, and Spurs would kill the game off when Son yet again caused problems, this time dinking an excellent cross to the back post for Dele Alli to head home a simple finish. Leicester never really recovered and were left to rue missed chances early on.
Juan Mata – The Manchester United side has changed on a regular basis of late and returning to the side was Spanish playmaker Juan Mata. He made a real impression and staked his claim for a more regular place as the Red Devils dismantled Fulham at Old Trafford. The home faithful were delighted to see attacking football return, and they created many chances, four of which were converted. These included Mata’s 50th goal in English football, which have come between his time at Chelsea and the Red Devils.
Felipe Anderson – West Ham United faced Crystal Palace in a London derby at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with the home crowd expecting the Hammers to record a third successive league win. They weren’t disappointed; however, they went a goal down when James McArthur struck after six minutes. Goals from Robert Snodgrass and Javier Hernandez would turn the game before Felipe Anderson curled home a world-class strike to give a two-goal advantage. A Jeff Schlupp strike would prove to be a consolation for the away side, who continue to struggle.
Lucas Torreira – One player making a real impression in the Premier League is Arsenal’s new combative midfielder Lucas Torreira. He was once again man of the match as the Gunners left it late to beat Huddersfield Town at the Emirates on Saturday. In a gritty affair, Jonas Lossl had made a wonder save to deny the Uruguay international, however Torreira would have the last laugh, netting with just seven minutes remaining to spark relieved celebrations among the home supporters. Arsenal will be happy to secure the three points, which had looked in doubt at one stage.
Forwards
Marcus Rashford – One player who may have stalled in the past year or so is Manchester United wonderkid Marcus Rashford. He started on the left for the Red Devils on Saturday and made a case to make the position his own as he ran the show, assisting twice while also getting on the scoresheet himself. Fulham made it difficult for themselves, with Franck Anguissa being sent off with twenty minutes remaining, and Rashford scored the late fourth to add gloss to the score line. Mourinho will be delighted to see his forwards shining.
Written by Ryan Nevin (@RNevin7)
