It’s time for the Scout Notes from two crucial Gameweek 23 matches: Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-1 Arsenal and Southampton 1-3 Newcastle United. Let’s dive into the key performances, managerial moves, and injury updates from these weekend clashes.
‘ILL’ Isak Back on the Goal Trail
Alexander Isak (£9.5m) netted a brace, pushing his tally for the season to 17 goals, placing him second in the Golden Boot race, just two behind Mohamed Salah (£13.7m).
Despite pre-game speculations about Isak’s fitness, it turned out that he was indeed unwell this week. After starting the game, he lasted 79 minutes.
“A couple of players slightly under the weather coming into the game, as well. Alex wasn’t feeling 100%, Bruno wasn’t feeling 100%. So with all those things added together, I think a great win.” – Eddie Howe
Isak equalized for Newcastle with a penalty, before showcasing his clinical finishing to score from well-worked through-balls provided by Jacob Murphy (£5.1m) and Anthony Gordon (£7.7m). Sandro Tonali (£5.5m) also contributed a goal,
While Isak had his challenges with two saved efforts, Murphy hit the post, and fellow strikers Joelinton (£6.0m) and Lewis Hall (£5.1m) were thwarted by the goalkeeper.
Post-game, Eddie Howe discussed the link-up play, praising Jacob Murphy, Anthony Gordon, and others for their contributions.
Howe on His Centre-Backs
Eddie Howe made a defensive switch, bringing back Fabian Schar (£5.4m) for Sven Botman (£4.4m).
“Very tough, I’m not going to lie. That was one of the toughest calls that I’ve had this season because our love for Sven is so high but I think taking everything into account, he’s just back from a long-term injury. This isn’t a negative for him, it’s very much a positive that he can continue to build his sharpness and fitness while not in the spotlight of playing.
“That doesn’t mean that he’s not ready to play because he’s got a very valuable part to play. He’ll also put pressure on the ones that are, which is hugely important, but I thought Fabian came back into the team today and did very well.” – Eddie Howe on his centre-back dilemma
In addition to Schar’s return, Nick Pope (£4.9m), who had been out for a month due to injury, was back in the squad. However, Martin Dubravka (£4.3m) kept his place, making some crucial saves.
Oliver’s Barmy
Arsenal secured a comeback win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, overcoming their late red card.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (£4.5m) was sent off in the 43rd minute for a serious foul play, making the assessment of referee Michael Oliver’s decision polarizing. However, he later dismissed João Gomes (£4.9m) for two bookable offences, balancing the tactical advantage.
Arsenal will likely appeal Lewis-Skelly’s red card, which would see him suspended for Gameweeks 24 and 25, affecting their midweek fixtures.
Arsenal Grind Out a Win
Despite starting with 10 men, Arsenal managed to secure a narrow victory.
Wolverhampton Wanderers had a greater share of possession and 27 minutes of extra time without scoring, despite attempts from Pablo Sarabia (£5.0m) and Rayan Ait-Nouri (£4.7m).
Mikel Arteta praised his team’s courage and spirit, particularly in the face of adversity, despite their poor conversion rate.
“I’m extremely proud of all the players. You can talk about our courage, you can talk about the spirit, but as well about intelligence. The way they managed emotionally the game, it was unbelievable. And especially with what we have to face and how they felt about it. All of them, just face the situation, the challenge.” – Mikel Arteta
Despite Kai Havertz (£7.8m)’s excellent contributions with three headed chances, Arsenal struggled to create quality opportunities.
Odegaard + Strand Larsen Latest
William Saliba (£6.2m) returned from injury to provide a clean sheet and earned all three bonus points.
Martin Odegaard (£8.2m) and Mikel Merino (£6.0m) were ruled out due to illness, with Odegaard expected to return in Gameweek 24.
💬 “Martin was ill this morning and we had to send him back – he was nowhere near fit to play. Mikel as well, because he got a knock and couldn’t make it yesterday for training.”
Mikel Arteta on today’s absences. pic.twitter.com/dtpOChDhYW
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 25, 2025
Wolverhampton lost Jorgen Strand Larsen (£5.3m) to a muscle injury, with Hwang Hee-chan (£6.1m) coming on as a substitute striker.
“I hope that the injury… I think it is not a serious injury because you know this is another position that we have problems. Hwang Hee-chan is the only [other] player that can play there as a striker. Okay, Cunha maybe, Cunha can play there but Cunha is not a striker.” – Vitor Pereira
Both Newcastle and Arsenal had challenging weeks, with injuries affecting key players. However, their performances and resilience provided ample lessons and updates to fantasy football enthusiasts.
Stay tuned for more in-depth analyses and timely updates as the Premier League continues to unfold.
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