The Scout reviews Gameweek 1

Branislav Ivanovic leads the way in the EA SPORT Player Performance Index after returning a two-goal haul across Chelsea’s double Gameweek. Frank Lampard sits in third place having scored from the spot against Wigan Athletic and Reading respectively, while two goals and an assist against Norwich City is enough to earn Fulham’s new boy Mladen Petric second slot in the rankings.

Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland

James McClean picked up the maximum bonus points (BP) in Saturday’s goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium. The Sunderland winger troubled the Arsenal defence with 3 successful dribbles and a shot on target – McClean also produced an interception and successful tackle to help the Black Cats record a clean sheet. A trio of home players were awarded a couple of BP for their respective displays. Carl Jenkinson and Thomas Vermaelen both made 6 interceptions and a successful dribble apiece at the back and, in midfield, fit-again Abou Diaby produced 27 completed passes, an interception and a shot on target for Arsene Wenger’s side.

Chelsea 4-2 Reading

Gary Cahill earned the maximum bonus points (BP) in Chelsea’s thrilling 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening. The centre-half scored an all-important equaliser, supplemented by13 successful passes and an interception, to just edge out fellow-defender Branislav Ivanovic in the EA SPORTS PPI. The Serbian scored the Blues’ fourth goal and has now notched in back-to-back matches; he also delivered a couple of crosses and completed 16 passes against the Royals. Fernando Torres picked up a single BP – he produced a couple of successful dribbles and 12 completed passes in addition to finding the net to reward those who handed the Spaniard the armband.

Everton 1-0 Manchester United

The maximum bonus points (BP) were awarded to Leighton Baines for an all-round performance in Everton’s gritty win over Manchester United. The left-back produced 3 successful tackles, a block and an interception to help his side record a clean sheet and also impressed offensively, with 5 crosses and a shot on target to his name. Marouane Fellaini picked up a couple of BP after scoring the match-winner and registering 26 completed passes and 2 shots on target – five lost tackles and 3 efforts off target had a negative effect on his EA SPORTS PPI score. Phil Jagielka earned a single BP after the centre-half made 3 successful tackles, 7 clearances and a couple of blocks in a defiant display at the back.

Fulham 5-0 Norwich City

Mladen Petric picked up the maximum bonus points (BP) for a stand-out debut display in Fulham’s demolition of Norwich City. The Croatian bagged a brace and provided an assist in the 5-0 rout, recording 3 shots on target. Both the Cottagers’ wide men also played a significant part. Damien Duff was awarded a couple of BP with a goal, assist and 2 crosses amongst his EA SPORTSPPI stats and Alex Kacaniklic earned a single BP – starting on the Fulham left, the young Swede produced a goal and 20 successful passes to ensure a nightmare start for Chris Hughton as Canaries boss.

Manchester City 3 Southampton 2

Samir Nasri was awarded the maximum bonus points as the defending champions made hard work of seeing off Southampton at the Etihad Stadium. The Frenchman returned a goal and assist for his Fantasy owners and registered 55 completed passes, a clearance and a tackle in the EA SPORTS PPI. Yaya Toure earned a couple of BP after yet another commanding display in the middle of the park; he completed a staggering 82 passes and provided an assist, supplementing this with a shot on target and two successful tackles. Edin Dzeko picked up a single BP, with a goal and a couple of shots on target in the 3-2 win.

Newcastle United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Hatem Ben Arfa and Demba Ba both earned the maximum bonus points (BP) for their respective displays in Saturday evening’s match with Tottenham. The Frenchman notched the winner from the spot and also produced 3 successful dribbles and won a couple of tackles in the 2-1 victory. Ba found the net for the first time since February and also had a block and a clearance amongst his EA SPORTS PPI stats, while Danny Simpson and Jonas Gutierrez were awarded a BP apiece. Both players made 2 successful tackles and a block against Andre Villas-Boas’ side, with Simpson providing an assist and Gutierrez registering an effort on target.

Queens Park Rangers 0-5 Swansea City

Nathan Dyer earned the maximum bonus points (BP) in Swansea’s sensational win at Loftus Road. The winger scored with both his efforts on target and also contributed defensively, with 3 successful tackles against Mark Hughes’ side just enough to edge team mate Michu into second place. The Spaniard announced himself to the Welsh faithful with a spectacular first appearance; with a brace and assist amongst his EA SPORTS PPI stats, the 6.5 priced midfielder returned 18 points for his Fantasy owners in Gameweek 1. Ashley Williams’ resolute display helped the centre-half pick up a single BP – his 3 interceptions and 4 blocks ensured Michael Laudrup’s side registered a clean sheet.

Reading 1-1 Stoke City

Michael Kightly earned maximum bonus points on his Barclays Premier League debut for Stoke City. The winger notched his side’s opener and also produced a couple of successful dribbles and a cross from his right flank role, while Glenn Whelan and Peter Crouch were both awarded a couple of BP. The former made 2 successful tackles and provided the assist for Kightly’s goal, while Crouch had a shot on target and completed 11 passes for the visitors.

West Bromwich Albion 3-0 Liverpool

Peter Odemwingie was awarded the maximum bonus points (BP) as Steve Clarke’s tenure at the Hawthorns got off to the perfect start against his former employers. Odemwingie supplemented his converted spot-kick with 11 completed passes and a successful cross, while Zoltan Gera earned a couple of BP with a goal and 12 successful passes amongst his EA SPORTS PPI stats. Liam Ridgewell picked up a single BP for his all-round contribution; the Baggies left-back made a block and successful tackle, in addition to supplying 3 crosses and an assist in an attacking display.

West Ham United 1-0 Aston Villa

A resolute performance by James Collins earned the centre-half the maximum bonus points (BP) against his former club. The Welshman made 6 interceptions, 4 successful tackles and a couple of blocks to ensure the Hammers kept a clean sheet, while central defensive partner Winston Reid mirrored Kevin Nolan by picking up a couple of BP. Reid made 7 interceptions, a block and a clearance alongside Collins, and Nolan supplemented his match-winner with 2 shots on target, 3 tackles and a couple of interceptions.

Wigan Athletic 0 Chelsea 2

Branislav Ivanovic picked up the maximum bonus points (BP) in the first instalment of Chelsea’s double Gameweek. The right-back opened the scoring with his only effort of the match and also made 6 clearances and 3 crosses in the win over Wigan. A goal, 18 completed passes and an interception was enough to help Frank Lampard to a couple of BP, while debutant Eden Hazard earned a single BP after providing a pair of assists in an impressive 66 minute league debut.

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