Burnley vs. Tottenham
Tottenham were once again excellent as they thrashed Burnley 5-2 at Turf Moor on Saturday.
Heung Min Son was the star of the show, scoring a superb hat-trick, with his three goals coming from just 1.13XG. Son has also been one of the more clinical finishers in the Premier League and looked back to his best, leading the line in Richarlison’s absence.
A week ago James Maddison was the go to Spurs asset, but should Son continue up front then the South Korea international definitely moves to top of the pecking order.
Maddison was also among the goals and is on four returns in as many games this season. Despite only joining in the summer, Maddison has been named among the leadership group and is thriving under Ange Postecoglou.
There wasn’t a third consecutive clean sheet for Tottenham; however three of the four defensive options picked up attacking returns. Destiny Udogie assisted for a second consecutive fixture and looks the best budget defensive option this season.
Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest
We all fell for the Chelsea trap right? Who’d have thought an easy win over Luton Town wasn’t the catalyst to getting their season up and running!
Offensively they were incredibly wasteful, with just two of their 21 shots managing to the hit the target. Nicolas Jackson was the worst culprit, missing an absolute sitter late on. Jackson failed to convert from 1.37XG in the game, registering a higher number than Nottingham Forest himself.
Ben Chilwell remains a good option considering how far forward he is being deployed; however he was once again dragged early, a cause for concern.
As for Forest they continue to look good this season and a return of six points from arguably the toughest start to a season of any side is very impressive.
Taiwo Awoniyi’s consecutive scoring run came to an end, but he did lay on the winner for substitute Antony Elanga and he’s a definite option now Forest’s fixtures look healthier.
Manchester City vs. Fulham
After a disappointing couple of returns for Erling Haaland in recent weeks, normal service was resumed in GW4.
Haaland took home the match ball to go with a first half assist and returned a massive 20 points for FPL owners. Those that opted not to captain the big man were in a world of pain this gameweek.
Julian Alvarez is another who has made an impressive start to the season and he recorded a season high of 14 points in the win. At £6.7m he represents an excellent route into the Manchester City side; although it might be worth waiting until GW6 as his selection is questionable on return from South America after the international break.
Phil Foden continues to contribute with a third consecutive assist, but owners will have wanted more with City hitting five on Saturday.
Despite the scoreline, Fulham actually did alright for long periods and were only beaten by 0.54 in the XG; however just faced City at their ruthless best.
Liverpool vs. Aston Villa
Liverpool produced their best performance of the season in a surprisingly comfortable win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
Despite missing their first choice central defensive options, they didn’t look like conceding, shutting down a Villa side that had scored eight in their first three league matches.
Dominik Szoboszlai hasn’t taken long to settle to life in England and scored his first Liverpool goal in the win, a stunning volleyed effort from the edge of the box.
Darwin Nunez was a consistent menace, hitting the woodwork twice, although one did go in off Matty Cash, earning the striker an assist.
Mohamed Salah’s future remains uncertain and Liverpool supporters can’t wait for the Saudi Arabian transfer window to slam shut. Despite the doubts, he has returned in every match this season and finished the scoring with a close range effort.
Olly Watkins is yet to score this season and owners will be disappointed with his returns as well as the early withdrawal in most matches.
Arsenal vs. Manchester United
Arsenal probably deserved to win, but boy was it dramatic at the Emirates on Sunday.
All of Arsenal’s three popular midfield options returned, with Martin Odegaard scoring a superb first half equaliser for the hosts.
Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka both provided assists; however the latter missed a glorious chance late on. Martinelli is another who will fly to South America during the international break, meaning there is some doubt whether he will start for Arsenal in GW5.
Marcus Rashford opened his account for the season and is another who probably could have had a couple of returns.
Owning both Rashford and Bruno Fernandes is not worth it for the long-term and I’d definitely offload one of them when the Premier League returns.
Elsewhere
Relatively well owned FPL assets Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse both returned in West Ham’s 2-1 win at Luton Town on Friday evening.
After the break West Ham face Manchester City and Liverpool though, so both are on the chopping block should you own.
The best £4.5m striker option on the game returned 12 points on his Sheffield United debut, with Cameron Archer scoring one and “assisting” another.
Frustratingly he was on my bench, but at least I don’t own Jordan Pickford!
Only Haaland has more FPL points this season than Bryan Mbeumo, who scored his fourth in as many games to rescue a late point for Brentford against Bournemouth.
Bournemouth had taken a late lead themselves and can consider themselves unlucky to have claimed just two points from four matches.
FPL managers are starting to move off Brighton assets despite their third win in four as they embark on a difficult fixture run.
Kaoru Mitoma departed my team in GW4 and has numerous others, but he was among the points, assisting one of Evan Ferguson’s three goals in 3-1 win over Newcastle United.
Eberchi Eze earned his first return of the campaign, scoring for Crystal Palace in a 3-2 win over Wolves.
Odsonne Edouard scored twice in the victory and his 24 points has him among the top scoring strikers this season.
