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In this piece, Dan provides a detailed analysis & recap of each English Premier League fixture from gameweek 3 action in the EPL as well as concurrent fantasy analysis.
Editor's Note: be sure to check out all of our articles, and read more of our English Premier League analysis, match recaps & predictions throughout the season.
Manchester City Remains Undefeated, Untarnished
Everton 0 – 2 Manchester City
Sunday, August 23rd @ Goodison Park
Manchester City just keeps on rolling. On a humid Sunday in England, the hottest thing in the country continues to be the "Sky Blues" of Manchester. Despite an admirable defensive display by the home side, City’s star-studded lineup was just too much to handle, breaking the scoreless stalemate midway through the second half. In the 45 minutes, City controlled the pace, all things flowing through the dynamic trio of Yaya Toure, David Silva, and Sergio Aguero.
If not for two contorting saves from Tim Howard, Aguero would have been on the scoreboard a lot earlier. Even with the absence of skipper Leighton Baines, the Everton defense matched up well against a Blitzkrieg of City attacks. John Stones, amidst the plethora of transfer rumors, displayed the top-class skill that has him perpetually linked to Chelsea. Time and time again, the young Stones aggressively won well-timed tackles and repelled the aerial assaults on his rearguard. Offensively, Everton had limited chances, only ever really getting close to testing Joe Hart when a Romelu Lukaku free kick skimmed the top of the crossbar.
In the 60th minute Aleksander Kolorav, the recipient of a galloping Raheem Sterling run, beat Tim Howard on an acute near post angle to break the deadlock. Substitute Samir Nasri put the game out of reach in the 88th minute, easily sending a Yaya Toure delivery past the hapless American goalkeeper. Through three games Manchester City have scored eight goals and conceded none. Manuel Pellegrini’s men are motivated to, seriously, challenge for the title this year.
Fantasy Focus: David Silva
Despite several more than impressive years in the Premier League, David Silva has rarely been considered a "Player of the Year" candidate. This year, the Spaniard is getting the long-overdue credit he deserves. As the engine that drives the efficient City attack, Silva can be directly attributed to the Sky Blues’ hitherto success this season with the winger already accruing three assists in the first three games. With the gifted Sergio Aguero at his disposal up front, count on Silva to remain on this breakneck pace as the season progresses. For owners with a lucrative 10.1m in the bank, Silva is a sound option for midfield points.
Riyad Mahrez Continues His Hot Start
Leicester 1 – 1 Tottenham
Saturday, August 22nd @ King Power Stadium
King Power stadium had to endure the insipid 77 uninspired minutes of a lackluster stalemate to finally find some excitement in this less than classic encounter. In a 90 second span, lightning struck twice. Spurs were without their playmaking turbine, Christian Eriksen as the Dane, to the surprise of many, was left out of the starting XI due to a lower body injury, although the cause and specifics of the injury are still largely unknown. Replacing Eriksen in the starting lineup was Erik Lamela, whose poor performance resulted in a halftime substitution. Coming on for the Argentine was 19-year old Dele Alli, who, thankfully, gave the game its first goal. However, the Tottenham celebration was short lived.
Immediately from the restart, Riyad Mahred streaked down the flank, used his trademark swerve to cut inside, placed the ball on his preferred left foot and, with a masterful strike, sent the ball past Hugo Lloris into the far side of the net, leveling the score only moments after Alli’s goal.
Leicester has surpassed even their own wildest expectations with seven points from the first three games. Tottenham, on the other hand, have exposed their immense need for offensive depth in their own first three matches. With Eriksen on the shelf and Erik Lamela on his way to Inter on loan, the Spurs need to lock down one or two of their summer transfer targets. Saido Berahino, Javier Hernandez, and Yannick Bolasie are all still very much on Mauricio Pochettino’s radar going into the last week of the transfer window.
Fantasy Focus: Riyad Mahrez
Once is an anomaly, twice is a pattern, and three times is a trend. In three matches the Algerian winger simply hasn't been stopped. Against Tottenham, Mahrez extended his streak, beginning last season, to six goals in six consecutive Premier League games. In a game defined by a lack of offensive creativity, Mahrez was the clear star. The brazen Fox repeatedly abused the Spurs fullbacks with pressing runs and his quick twitch juke technique, which was reminiscent of Chris Paul. With a supporting staff worthy of likeminded defensive attention, there is no doubt that Mahrez can continue his current superb form. Rarely can a league leader in points scored be acquired at such a low cost (5.9m). Pick him up while your bank account is still accommodating.
The Cherries Get Their First Premier League Victory In Club History
West Ham 3 – 4 Bournemouth
Saturday, August 22nd @ Boleyn Ground
You never forget your first and this was a historic day for the Bournemouth faithful. In its first season in the top-flight, the 100-plus year old club not only scored its first Premier League goal, but registered its first hat trick, and victory as well. The Cherries found themselves on the right side of the weekend’s most exciting fixture.
On the shoulders of Callum Wilson, Bournemouth put four goals past the beleaguered Hammers defense, three of which coming from the feet of the aforementioned striker. Darren Randolph got the start in net for West Ham, replacing Adrian, who was serving his one game red card suspension. Despite allowing four goals, the reserve played well, a testament to how pitiful the Hammers defense performed all day.
West Ham went down to ten men when centerback Carl Jenkinson’s boneheaded tug in the box earned him a second yellow, becoming the second Hammer in as many weeks to be sent off. After converting the subsequent penalty, the Cherries maintained their lead and when the six minutes of extra time (which certainly must have felt like six hours), concluded, Bournemouth finally emerged victorious.
Fantasy Focus: Callum Wilson
It’s hard not to put some fantasy faith in a guy who netted his club’s first ever Premier League hat trick. The 23-year-old Coventry boy is not only Bournemouth’s most desirable offensive option, but also its only one. With desirable matchups upcoming against Leicester, Norwich and Sunderland, Bournemouth could continue its offensive awakening, making Wilson a suitable transfer option.
Chelsea Finally Win, But Continue To Look Sluggish
West Bromwich Albion 2 – 3 Chelsea
Sunday, August 23rd @ The Hawthorns
Despite the victory, Chelsea look to be a squad far removed from their league winning form of last season. On a soggy afternoon in the West Midlands, the Blues continued to reveal their newly acquired defensive flaws. Early in the match, Nemanja Matic made a sloppy tackle in the box, which led to a penalty kick, taken by James Morrison. On his first game back from suspension, Chelsea keeper Thibault Courtois stifled the West Brom midfielder from the spot, obliterating an early opportunity for West Brom’s first goal of the season.
Six minutes later, new Chelsea signee, Pedro scored his first goal as a Blue to give Chelsea the lead. Two more goals before the half gave Chelsea a comfortable two-goal cushion, despite a revengeful Morrison strike on the half hour mark. Late in the second half John Terry became the second Chelsea player in three weeks to earn a straight red. Despite converting the subsequent penalty kick, West Brom couldn’t find an equalizer and the Blues , eventually, limped over the line.
Both squads have clear issues that need to be addressed. Chelsea’s conceivable answer looks to be the Everton center back John Stones, who as of Tuesday handed in his transfer request.
Fantasy Focus: Cesc Fabregas
The star midfielder is a shadow of the midfield maestro that he was last season. Through the first three matches, the Spanish international has no assists, no goals scored and has been a defensive liability, tallying a meager six points on PL.com. With a high price tag, Fabregas, and any Chelsea player who gets credited with defensive statistics, should be avoided in all fantasy formats.
Close But No Cigar, Coutinho Hits Post Twice In The Reds’ Scoreless Draw
Arsenal 0 - 0 Liverpool
Monday, August 24th @ Emirates Stadium
This highly entertaining fare had pretty much everything, except goals. On a soaking wet Monday evening, both teams continually pressed their respective opposing keepers, but neither could, ultimately, find the net.
Liverpool’s Phillip Coutinho was the clear-cut star of this matchup, maintaining his A-plus form during the infancy of this new campaign. The Brazilian looked dangerous on the ball and hit the post on two separate occasions. If not for a brilliant fingertip save by Petr Cech, his latter strike would have been the match’s difference maker. Cech and his counterpart Simon Mignolet, each put forth their best performance of the season as both made a slew of world class saves.
Arsenal skipper Aaron Ramsey missed out on putting his own stamp on the event, when his go-ahead goal was controversially disallowed by a blatantly incorrect offside call. It seems the "Off-side Gods" are on Liverpool's side so far this season. Very seldom does a match this invigorating result in a goalless draw and for the neutral this was a game of splendid entertainment.
Fantasy Focus: Phillip Coutinho
The petite Brazilian midfielder has been in fine form through the first three matches, proving to be a potent threat and a distinctive defensive nuisance with every touch. On paper, Coutinho’s stats may be uninspiring, but the opportunities he has repeatedly created on his own make him a promising fantasy threat as the season evolves.
Man United Can't Break Out Of Offensive Slump
Manchester United 0 – 0 Newcastle
Saturday, August 22nd @ Old Trafford
Despite having 70% possession and outshooting their opponent 20 to 7, Manchester United could not do better than a scoreless draw against Newcastle. Even with a star studded offensive assembly, the Red Devils have struggled to find goals, netting just one in its first three matches.
The offensive slump was nearly lifted in the 8th minute, when a Wayne Rooney goal was disallowed by a putrid offside call. The English skipper’s goalless streak now stretches to an incredible 10 games. Led by Fabio Coloccini and keeper Tim Krul, the Newcastle defense hung tight, and never capitulated to their opponent’s superior offensive attack. It took late heroics by the Dutch goalie to keep the game even, beautifully parrying away a clear goal scoring opportunity by Javier Hernandez. This was Newcastle’s first quality defensive performance of the season, begging the question, has Newcastle turned a corner, or is Man U’s offense just that bad?
Fantasy Focus: Wayne Rooney
Fans and fantasy owners alike were excited to see Rooney revert back to his natural striker role after spending the past two seasons playing as a withdrawn midfielder. To the chagrin of the aforementioned parties, and surely his manager, Rooney has displayed little-to-no offensive threat. Wingers Memphis and Juan Mata are by far and away the more dangerous offensive weapons at the disposal of Louis Van Gaal. With a week remaining in the transfer window look for the Dutch boss to add a premier striker, in an attempt to joust Rooney from the torpor that currently defines his play.
Sunderland Stifles Surging Swansea And Earns First Point
Sunderland 1 -1 Swansea
Saturday, August 22nd @ The Stadium of Light
Echoing the call of their boss Dick Advocaat, Sunderland was patient this weekend, not allowing the previous weeks’ poor performances and an early deficit to destroy their will.
After allowing in Bafetimbi Gomis’ third goal of the season, Jermaine Defoe countered, equalizing the match in the 62nd minute. The draw, Sunderland’s first point of the year, gets credited to the much-improved Black Cat rearguard. On his return from injury, John O’Shea led a defense that had allowed seven goals in two weeks. The skipper’s presence neutralized the surging Swans, holding them to just one goal, and virtually removing Jefferson Montero from the game.
Fantasy Focus: Bafetimbi Gomis
The French striker is beginning to establish himself as one of the most reliable players in all of fantasy football. In three weeks, Gomis has scored three goals, nearly netting a fourth in week one against Chelsea. His prowess on attack is complimented by a Swansea midfield that has developed into one of the league’s best. With Andre Ayew and Jefferson Montero commanding the flanks, Jonjo Shelvey has been the lieutenant of the central midfield. Shelvey has thus far commanded the middle space whenever he touches the ball, using his time and touch to maneuver his offensive weapons like a chess master on a board. His ever-improving game vision will continue to be instrumental to Gomis’ goal accumulation.
Watford Stay Undefeated, But Winless
Watford 0 – 0 Southampton
Sunday, August 23rd @ Vicarage Road
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has a unique connection to Watford boss Quique Flores. The former replaced the Watford manager at Valencia in 2007, before getting axed himself just one year later.
Southampton shut out an opponent for the first time this season, due more to Watford’s inability to finish than the Saints’ defensive efforts as Odion Ighalo and Etienne Capoue both squandered goal-scoring abilities that would have made the difference for Watford. Despite having five shots on goal, the Saints couldn’t convert either. Both Shane Long and Graziano Pelle blustered solid chances by skyrocketing shots that flew over the crossbar.
Both sides should feel unfortunate to leave with just one point, as each team had its chances. Southampton, especially, should feel disappointed, as Watford very seldom looked to have the desire to create any clear goal scoring opportunities. If the Hornets hope to remain in the top flight, they will need to start playing football with a bolder braver attitude.
Fantasy Focus: Graziano Pelle
The Italian striker continues to find himself getting goal scoring opportunities even though his efforts have been stifled in consecutive weeks. Pelle is regularly a promising option to receive at least one golden opportunity to score per game.
Eagles Look Sharp Rebounding From Loss, Grab Three Points Against Villa
Crystal Palace 2 – 1 Aston Villa
Saturday, August 22nd @ Selhurst Park
After a disappointing loss to Arsenal, Crystal Palace rebounded well with a convincing win against a stumbling Villa squad. Early in the match the Eagles established their offensive prowess, and it was only yet another controversial call which disallowed a James McArthur goal in the opening quarter hour that kept the game scoreless.
Before the break Scott Dann got the go ahead goal, before assisting on Bakary Sako’s game winner just three minutes from full time. Notwithstanding the narrow result, Palace was clearly the better team. Villa rarely testing the Eagles, have seemingly employed a “Park the Bus” approach from Tim Sherwood as they continue to search for a suitable replacement for Christian Benteke.
Fantasy Focus: Bakary Sako
With Glenn Murray struggling and Yannick Bolasie seemingly on his way to Tottenham, Sako is next in line to inherit Palace’s offensive duties. Sako played all 90 minutes on Saturday in what was his first game of the new campaign and ended up scoring the deciding goal. After earning Alan Pardew’s confidence, look for Sako to remain in the starting XI when Palace travel to Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Xherdan Shaqiri Makes Premier League Debut, Earns Assist
Norwich 1 – 1 Stoke
Saturday, August 22nd @ Carrow Road
Jack Butland is coming of age and looks to be the English 'keeper of the future. The 22 year old was a no-brainer of a selection for man of the match, as his five saves stonewalled Norwich’s second half blitz.
The scoring got started in the 11th minute when Mame Biram Diouf connected on a precise free kick from Stoke debutant Xherdan Shaqiri. It was all Norwich from that point on, after Russell Martin’s second goal in as many weeks, the Canaries were buzzing with energy. If not for the aforementioned Butland, Wes Hoolahan, Nathan Redmond, and Robbie Brady would have all, undoubtedly, found the net. Despite the draw, Norwich looks to be a squad very comfortable playing in the Premier League after one year removed from the top flight.
Fantasy Focus: Xherdan Shaqiri
It didn’t take long for the Swiss International to make his mark for Stoke. A record signing for the club, Shaqiri is already slotted for free kick duties, making him a valuable asset for weekly assists. Not too long ago Xherdan was the Bayern Munich man of the future, so getting this forgotten superstar at just 7.0m as your weekly transfer, is a steal.
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