RADIO
GK – Costel Pantilimon – Sunderland - $2,900
W 2-0 vs. Stoke City
18 Points – 1 Clean Sheet, 4 Saves, Win
The victory was Sunderland’s second of the season, and thus only the second time Pantilimon has been awarded the five victory points. With four saves to boot, Pantilimon is breathing rare air as this week’s top goalkeeper.
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DF – Aleksandar Kolorav – Manchester City - $5,300
W 3-1 vs. Southampton
25 Points – 7 crosses, 2 Shots on Goal, 3 Shots, 1 Foul Committed, 1 Foul Drawn
Kolarov showed exactly what makes him Draft King’s most expensive defender in his performance on Saturday. Continuing to play more like an extra midfielder than a defender, the fullback pressed the offensive half throughout the entire ninety, sending in seven crosses and icing the match with his second goal of the season.
DF – Patrick van Aanholt – Sunderland - $2,400
W 2-0 vs. Stoke City
23 Points – 1 Shot on Goal, 3 Crosses, 3 Tackles Won, 2 Shots, 2 Passes Intercepted, 1 Goal, 1 Cross
The self-proclaimed weak-link of Sunderland’s backline earlier in the season has received a second chance under new manager Sam Allardyce. The journeyman fullback earned his first ever EPL score on what was one of the top goals of the week. Tied nil-nil going into the last 10 minutes, Sunderland attempted a beautifully drawn up free-kick play, climaxing with van Aanholt sending a roaring strike past the outstretched arms of the hopeless Jack Butland.
DF – Kieran Richardson – Aston Villa - $2,300
L 2-3 vs. Watford
17 Points – 6 Crosses, 1 Assist, 4 Tackles Won, 2 Passes Intercepted
In just his sixth league appearance of the season, this was Richardson's best performance. The veteran earned his first assist of the season when his aimless-cross landed at the feet of Jordan Ayew late in the match. The Ghanaian winger subsequently struck the ball with a marked ferocity, sending a conciliatory goal past backup keeper Giedrius Arlauskis, awarding Richardson the resultant five points.
MF – Junior Stanislas – Bournemouth - $3,600
D 3-3 vs. Everton
31.5 Points – 2 Shots on Goal, 6 Crosses, 4 Shots, 2 Goals, 1 Foul Committed
In just his fifth appearance of the season, Stanislas scored his first career EPL brace in what was a surprisingly impressive performance. If not for Ross Barkley’s last second heroics, Junior’s second score in the 95th minute would have solidified all three points for the impassioned, yet bottom dwelling Cherries.
MF – Yannick Bolasie – Crystal Palace - $5,200
W 5-1 vs. Newcastle United
39 Points – 3 Shots on Goal, 8 Crosses, 2 Fouls Drawn, 5 Shots, 1 Tackles Won, 2 Goals
Its was an all out rampage against Newcastle this weekend. Palace had not trouble at all carving through the haphazard backline in counter attacks that could have been better defended by training dummies. Bolasie had the best luck against the inept Magpies, earning two goals, both off of rebound.
MF – Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City - $7,500
W 3-1 vs. Southampton
30.5 Points – 1 Shot on Goal, 4 Crosses, 2 Assists, 1 Shot, 1 Tackle Won, 3 Passes Intercepted, 1 Goal
De Bruyne was involved in all of City’s goals this weekend, registering two assists to coincide with his fourth goal of the year. De Bruyne continues to justify the ¢80 million the Sky Blues shelled out for him in August.
FW – Mauro Zarate – West Ham United - $3,105
D 1-1 vs. West Bromwich Albion
32.5 Points – 3 Shots on Goal, 5 Crosses, 4 Fouls Drawn, 5 Tackles Won, 6 Shots, 1 Goal, 1 Foul Committed
Last week, the Hammers attempted to replace Dimitri Payet with Manuel Lanzini against Tottenham - with mixed results. This week the Hammer’s received a slightly better output running their offense through Zarate. The attacking midfielder's finest moment came when he laced a stunning free kick past a bewildered Boaz Myhill to give West Ham the lead.
FW – Connor Wickham – Crystal Palace - $3,600
W 5-1 vs. Newcastle United
18 Points – 1 Cross, 2 Assists, 1 Foul Drawn, 1 Tackle Won, 3 Shots, 1 Pass Intercepted, 1 Foul Drawn
Wickham looked calm and confident this weekend against Newcastle, a side of himself he’s rarely displayed this season. Wickham and his fellow Eagles made a day of carving of the Magpie defense, or lack thereof.
UT – Ross Barkley – Everton - $6,700
D 3-3 vs. Bournemouth
24 Points – 1 Shot on Goal, 3 Crosses, 1 Assist, 1 Foul Drawn, 2 Shots, 1 Tackle Won, 1 Goal
Barkley was an unlikely hero this weekend against Bournemouth, not so much due to his ability or reputation, but rather due to the unlikely scenario that played out in the match’s closing moments. His 95th minute goal was not only his sixth of the season but also rescued a point for the Toffees during a wild ending at Goodison Park.
UT – James Milner – Liverpool - $4,700
W 1-0 vs. Swansea City
23.5 Points – 1 Yellow Card, 1 Shot on Goal, 7 Crosses, 1 Foul Drawn, 4 Tackles Won, 2 Shots, 1 Pass Intercepted, 1 Goal, 2 Fouls Committed
The skipper’s converted penalty was the difference maker in the Reds’ narrow victory over the Swans on Sunday. With Liverpool dominating possession, Milner was more active on the offensive side of the ball than usual, sending in seven crosses and putting the ball on net on a pair of occasions.
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