Gameweek one of the FPL season saw a great mix between the traditional top hitters and some surprise packages making the team of the week, here we review the success stories of the opening Premier League weekend.
GK – Hugo Lloris – Tottenham – 10pts
Hugo Lloris earned a clean sheet by making four saves to keep out the Premier League champions Manchester City. Spurs weren’t fancied ahead of the tie but looked a different beast under Nuno Espirito Santo than they have in the recent past. If Spurs can carry on with the same level of desire and the pragmatic approach Lloris may be one of the top goalkeepers in this year’s game.
(Hugo Lloris claims the ball for Tottenham: Getty Images)
DEF – Marcos ALONSO – cHELSEA – 15pts
The Chelsea wing-back played instead of Ben Chilwell who in the long-term is expected to be Tuchel’s number one choice in the position. However, for now Alonso is a great pick. Chelsea looked comfortable as last season at the back while Alonso is also allowed to get forward relentlessly. The Spaniard kept a clean sheet as well as scoring a wonderful free-kick to open the scoring in their 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.
(Marcos Alonso scores from a free-kick against Crystal Palace: Getty Images)
DEF – TREVOR CHALOBAH – CHELSEA – 14PTS
Trevor Chalobah made his Premier League debut for Chelsea and took to the top division like a duck to water. The youngster scored a great strike from 20 yards into the bottom corner and accompanied that with a clean sheet in a solid defensive performance. Don’t expect Chalobah to be a mainstay for the season but at a lowly £5m he may be worth having in your team for the coming weeks.
(Chalobah celebrates his first Chelsea goal: Getty Images)
DEF – Ricardo Pereira – Leicester City – 12pts
Ricardo Pereira has struggled with injuries in the past and is part of a Leicester City team with great depth in the full back positions, hency why many may have not had him in their FPL team. Pereira kept Wolves out in City’s 1-0 win and assisted Jamie Vardy with a great cross. The Portuguese international has always been great going forwards and has shown that early on this season.
(Ricardo Pereira takes on Adama Traore: Getty Images)
DEF – Ethan Pinnock – Brentford – 11pts
Ethan Pinnock is new to the Premier League as part of a Brentford team that was promoted to the division last season. He was a rock at the back as The Bees beat Arsenal 2-0 in the opening game of the season, the defensive performance very impressive from the home team and maybe their defenders are potential cheap purchases for your team. Unbelievable in the air, Pinnock added to his display with a great cushioned header to assist Sergi Canos to score.
(Ethan Pinnock (right) in action against Arsenal: Getty Images)
MID – Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United – 20pts
Bruno Fernandes is the player of the week with his 20 points. The attacking midfielder was a threat all game as Manchester United thrashed Leeds 5-1 at Old Trafford, Fernandes scoring a hat-trick. Last season he was the top point scorer in the whole game and has got off to the perfect start this term.
(Bruno Fernandes with the match ball: Getty Images)
MID – Mohamed Salah – Liverpool – 17pts
Mohamed Salah as we said in our preview is FPL royalty and kept to that reputation as Liverpool eased past Norwich City at Carrow Road. Salah assisted the opening two goals for Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino before rounding off the scoring himself while also being part of a clean sheet performance. Up next for Salah and Liverpool, Burnley at Anfield.
(Mohamed Salah celebrates his goal at Carrow Road: Getty Images)
MID – Paul Pogba – Manchester United – 16pts
Paul Pogba showed why Manchester United paid a fee of £89m for the midfielder. The Frenchman was on fine form as he was essential to all of United’s great play, Pogba assisted four of his side’s five goals in their rampant display. If Pogba is to add consistency to his game there is no doubt he is among the best players in the league and capable of accumulating plenty of points.
(Paul Pogba with the ball against Leeds United: Getty Images)
MID – Said Benrahama – West Ham United – 12 pts
West Ham united came from behind to win 4-2 at Newcastle, a key part of that the revival was creative midfielder Said Benrahma who scored after heading home an Michail Antonio cross before turning provider for the striker as he played him through to finish off the scoring. We touched on the potential link up between Benrahma and Antonio in our Premier League gameweek one preview.
(Benrahma scores a header to bring the score level: Getty Images)
FWD – Michail Antonio – West Ham United – 13pts
The other half of West Ham United’s deadly duo Antonio was also integral to their win with a goal and two assists to his name in their win over Newcastle United. He missed a penalty which although frustrating is positive as it shows he will be taking them for The Hammers this season, should Moyes allow him to keep taking them.
(Michail Antonio celebrates with West Ham teammates: Getty Images)
fwd – emmanuel Dennis – Watford – 12pts
Nigerian Emmanuel Dennis helped secure Watford a win on their return to the top flight on his Premier League debut. The Super Eagle scored early on before assisting another goal in his side’s victory over Aston Villa and looked lively throughout. Potentially a great cheap striker option for your FPL team.
(Emmanuel Dennis celebrates: Getty Images)
