Gameweek 3 was full of ups and downs. My first red arrow of the season, although just a very small one (down by 15k). This week was also my first hit of the season, as I took a -4 to bring in De Bruyne, Wan-Bissaka and Pukki in for the three sons: Sigurdsson, Robertson and Wilson. This immediately paid off with a net positive of 4 points including the hit, even with Wanny-B’s 0 point return. An absolutely shambolic week for defense, with my backline garnering a combined 7 points between the six of them. I’ll be evaluating the performances of my players one by one.

Goalkeepers

Nick Pope: 2 points

A bit disappointing here. Popey was in line for a clean sheet plus two bonus points up until Jiminez scored a penalty in the 97th minute to knock him all the way down to two points. Oh well, VAR giveth and VAR taketh away. Actually, VAR only taketh away, can’t remember the last time I was pleased with anything done by VAR.

Michael McGovern: 0 points

Didn’t play.

Defenders:

Virgil van Dijk: 2 points

Another week, another Liverpool clean sheet lost. It looked all but certain until Arsenal bagged a late consolation goal, but I suppose you can’t be too upset to not hold a clean sheet against top 6 opposition. Secretly though, after having taken Robbo out for a hit, I breathed a sigh of relief to see Liverpool defense fail once again.

Oleksandr Zinchenko: 2 points

Well. Once again, city concede a wondergoal. A truly unsaveable free kick from Harry Wilson cost Zinch the clean sheet this week, but City did concede a fair few chances. We’re it not for some Ederson heroics, this scoreline could have been a bit closer

Lucas Digne: 1 point

What a roller coaster of emotions. Elation when Digne appeared in the starting lineup after his injury scare to despair when Everton humiliated themselves in another terrible performance, losing 2-0 to promoted Aston Villa. Three clean sheets in a row would be a bit much to ask for I realize, but Everton need to figure out how to score goals if Digne ever hopes to get another assist.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 0 points

Ouch oof owie my knees. Having been impressed by United xG conceded over the first two weeks as well as wanting a way out of double Liverpool defense, I took a hit to bring in last years legend Wanny B. He rewarded me handsomely with 0 points, thanks to two goals conceded ( to a Palace side that was yet to find the back of the net) and a booking. Now reports are coming out that Luke Shaw is ruled out for over a month, meaning he-who-shall-not-be-named will be getting another run in the first team, which makes me want to jerk Wan right back out of my side. I’ll practice some patience and give him a chance, but he needs to remember that Emerson is only one transfer away….

John Lundstram: 0 points

In similar fashion, Lunny also racked up and impressive 0 points. It was a toss up between playing him or playing King against city, and I chose wrong. Not to torn up about it as we can’t be expecting mad points from the man every week.

Midfielders

Ross Barkley: 2 points

Dross Barkley putting up his season high points return with 2! He wasn’t even in the starting lineup, only getting a look in when Pedro managed to hurt himself during the warmup. From what I’ve gathered, he was essentially played in defensive midfield to allow fat Frank’s golden boy mount to roam further forward. With a grand total of 3 points amassed over 3 weeks, I am punting Ross into the sun and out of my team.

Mohamed Salah: 15 points

Return of the Pharaoh! Salah slotted in a penalty and made an impressive run for a second goal, bagging all three bonus to haul an impressive 15 points. All the absolute mongs who jumped ship for Mane after one gameweek are forced to pay the price as Salah returns to the regularly scheduled programming. I’d probably just be better off capping Salah every single week but where’s the fun in that?

Kevin de Bruyne: 5 points

Glad to have a certain Mr. Deep Royne in my team! Putting up an assist for the 3rd consecutive week, the creative king of the Premier League is back to full power after injury destroyed his last season. Even though 5 points is a small return for the price, I know he will tick consistently over the entirety of the season, and at this low price he’s a must own.

Raheem Sterling (C): 8 points

Sterling bagged a goal. This was a classic Sterling performance, mostly anonymous for the whole game yet still gets one big moment and comes away with a return. Decent enough captain, especially when compared to a certain Harold, but his overall game is making me lean more towards Kevin for next weeks captaincy.

Leander Dendoncker: 1 point

The “safe choice” Dendoncker was benched for this game, only to provide a 31 minute uneventful cameo. The Europa league is clearly having an effect on this Wolves side, so I would steer clear of any of their assets for the time being.

Forwards

Joshua King: 2 points

It was a game against the strongest team in the history of English football, this was to be expected. King as well as Bournemouth in general looked a lot better this game, as they are much more suited to counter attacking football than breaking down a deep-lying defense. Were it not for more pressing issues however, he would be leaving my team, as I’m not convinced of his ability to get returns outside of penalties.

Teemo Pukki: 11 points

Anyone who said it was a stupid kneejerk last week now has egg firmly on their face. The fantastic Fin is in sensational form, bagging a goal and assist this weekend, and is now gearing up for even more when Norwich goes to the defensively suspect West Ham. Avoid him now at your own peril, with his ownership rising like a rocket, its become a defensive move to have him in to protect your rank.

Mason Greenwood: 1 point

Wow! Just Wow! So proud of little babby Greenwood, managing a 34(!) minute appearance, up from his previous best of 4 minutes! Mind you, he managed 0 shots or key passes, so he was kind of just running for half an hour. Still waiting on that big 2 point haul, I really feel like its coming soon!