Sport News / Jesus, Kane, Son, Trent – Which FPL Captain Dashed Your Hopes?

I'd like a football fan to suggest a more anticipated English Premier League start in recent times. None, or are there?

Even though the excitement that precedes a new season is often almost choking, this season bore a special return. From the activity on the transfer block to the exquisite preseason action, every EPL fan was set on edge as the new season commenced Friday night at Selhurst Park, where Arsenal turned out winners in an interesting London derby.

Quite apart from team support is the official fantasy game of the Premier League, which allows users to select an imaginary, virtual squad every week. Fantasy Premier League boasts over 7 million managers, a massive rise from its maiden season in 2002/2003, which featured only 76,000 users.

It is common knowledge that a number of managers wagered on the wrong horses last weekend, as football bants flooded the social media space regarding star players who underperformed in their fixtures. Here, we have prepared a rundown of the notable 'flops' whose below-par performance added sauce to another noteworthy Premier League start.

1. Gabriel Jesus

The Brazilian forward was selected in 75% of FPL squads for Friday's fixture against Crystal Palace. After joining the Gunners over the summer in a  unexpected move, Jesus had consistently delivered in front of goal throughout Arsenal's pre-season tour. His highlight performance was against London giants, Chelsea, as Arsenal's forward line made mincemeat of a depleted Chelsea defensive set up. 

Several PL fans expected similar results as he made his Premier League debut for Arsenal, but they were all to be disappointed as Gabriel didn't register a single shot on target. While he was markedly silent as a central striker, his contribution to team build-up further intensified Mikel Arteta's plans for him.

But that's not what FPL managers want, or is it? After the game, some 61% of users transferred him out of their squads, no doubt swapping him for other prolific forwards. However, football is a game of twists, and the Premier League doesn't disappoint in delivering those twists. You might not want to give up on Arsenal's number 9 just yet!

2. Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son

Antonio Conte's Spurs recorded a comprehensive win on Saturday as they disregarded Southampton's upbeat start to the game in an embarrassing 4–1 victory. This took place at the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium. Spurs lead the Premier League table on goal difference, thanks to superior attacking display against an apparently puny side.

Considering former squad arrangements at Spurs, the scoreboard would have featured goals and assists from veteran scorers Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min, which would have given a number of FPL managers a decent points boost. This was not to be, however, as Emerson Royal and Dejan Kulusevski stole the show with impressive moves down the right flank, each grabbing two goal involvements each and top bonus points.

Could Kane be on his regular 'August break,' or are we to expect more goals/assists from him and his ever-present strike partner, Son? As always, you'll have to figure that out soon.

3. Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool's attacking fullback was nowhere to be seen in Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon, as he was supposedly kept out of position–and possibly out of form too–by Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic. Liverpool were uncharacteristically out of ideas, as the creative storehouses–Thiago and Trent– were effectively eliminated in remarkable fashion.

Mitrovic put Fulham ahead two times, once with a crisp header and another from the penalty spot, as Liverpool found their way back into the game courtesy of substitute forward Darwin Nunez on both occasions. Nunez spilled a couple of chances of his own, but held his ground to back heel past Marek Rodak for the second time in the match. He turned provider after Mitrovic's penalty goal, where he inadvertently placed the ball on a platter for Mo Salah to slot in.

While Salah delivered despite his quiet first half, Trent had nothing to show for his part. However, considering his past prowess and contributions to Liverpool's attack, it wouldn't be surprising to see many managers keep him for the next fixture.

 

The first week has come and gone, and football is back in Europe. The thrill of the game is in its uncertainty, and we trust you will be hanging on to your FPL scout's every word for selection tips this week.

By Segun Itakorode