The Scout reviews Gameweek 5

Dimitar Berbatov tops the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for Gameweek 5 after another sparkling display in Fulham’s win at Wigan Athletic. Demba Ba sits in second thanks to his match-winner against Norwich City and Rickie Lambert takes third spot after bagging a brace in Southampton’s win over Aston Villa.

Talking points

As usual, The Scout begins by clearing up any queries concerning points awards over the previous round of matches.

After review by the Press Association, Steven Pienaar has been awarded an assist for his part in Kevin Mirallas’ goal in Everton’s win at Swansea City. Although Mirallas scored from his own rebounded effort after Michel Vorm pushed his initial shot onto the bar, the South African, as the last attacking player to touch the ball prior to Mirallas, earned an assist.

Elsewhere, Shane Long has been awarded the assist for Romelu Lukaku’s winner for West Bromwich Albion against Reading. The assist had initially been handed to Chris Brunt but this has now been rectified upon revision.

Chelsea 1-0 Stoke City

Ashley Cole picked up the maximum bonus points (BP) in Chelsea’s narrow win at Stamford Bridge. The left-back scored the only goal of the match and supplemented this with a successful tackle, 3 interceptions and a couple of successful dribbles. Gary Cahill was awarded a couple of BP for his defensive contribution as the hosts registered their fourth clean sheet in the opening five Gameweeks – the centre-half produced a couple of successful tackles, 7 interceptions and 2 blocks to deny the visitors, while John Obi Mikel earned a single BP. The midfielder had a shot on target, 2 successful tackles and 10 interceptions amongst his EA SPORTS PPI stats.

Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United

Rafael was awarded the maximum bonus points (BP) in Manchester United’s win at Anfield. The right-back found the net for the second time this term and also produced 3 clearances, an interception and a cross, while Steven Gerrard picked up a couple of BP. The Liverpool skipper opened the scoring for the hosts and supplemented this with 2 shots on target, 30 completed passes and 5 crosses. The single BP went the way of Robin Van Persie after the Dutchman notched the winner from the penalty spot.

Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal

Joleon Lescott fetched the maximum bonus points in the champions’ draw with Arsenal. The centre-half made a crucial contribution at both ends of the pitch, with a goal, 2 successful tackles, a clearance and a block amongst his EA SPORTS PPI stats. Santi Cazorla earned a couple of BP after producing an assist, 2 shots on target, 49 completed passes and a couple of successful tackles as the visitors extended their unbeaten run, while Laurent Koscielny was awarded a single BP. Starting his first match of the season, the centre-half grabbed the equaliser and also won 5 tackles at the Etihad Stadium.

Newcastle United 1-0 Norwich City

Demba Ba earned the maximum bonus points (BP) for the third time this season in Sunday afternoon’s win over Norwich. The Newcastle forward grabbed the only goal of the match and also produced 2 shots on target, 3 successful tackles and a couple of interceptions, while Hatem Ben Arfa picked up a couple of BP. The Frenchman supplemented an assist with a shot on target, a couple of crosses and a successful dribble and has now earned 7 BP in three home matches this term. Mike Williamson was awarded a single BP after producing 4 clearances, 9 interceptions and a block to help the hosts pick up a clean sheet.

Southampton 4-1 Aston Villa

Rickie Lambert was awarded the maximum bonus points (BP) as Southampton earned their first win of the season. The forward notched twice to take his tally to four goals this term, while Nathaniel Clyne earned a couple of BP for his contribution. The right-back produced a goal, two successful tackles, an interception and 36 completed passes in the 4-1 win, while an assist, a shot on target and 4 crosses was enough to help Adam Lallana to a single BP as the Saints cleared up.

Swansea City 0-3 Everton

Victor Anichebe collected the maximum bonus points (BP) on his first start of the season. Handed the lone striker role in the absence of Nikica Jelavic, the Nigerian opened the scoring and produced 5 shots on target at the Liberty Stadium, while Leighton Baines earned a couple of BP. The left-back produced a shot on target, an assist, 12 crosses and a clearance; he has now been awarded 9 BP this term, joint-top with Steven Fletcher and Demba Ba. Marouane Fellaini’s goal, in addition to 5 shots on target, helped the Belgian to a single BP.

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Queens Park Rangers

Gareth Bale earned the maximum bonus points (BP) as Tottenham recorded their first home win under Andre Villas-Boas. Starting the match at left-back, the Welshman reverted to his familiar wing role after the break and produced a strong all-round display for the hosts. Going forward, Bale had an assist, 4 shots on target, a couple of successful dribbles and a cross amongst his EA SPORTS PPI stats, while he also made 2 successful tackles, a clearance and 4 interceptions to pick up the maximum BP for the second Gameweek running. Jermain Defoe earned a couple of BP after producing a goal, 3 shots on target and 3 successful tackles, while Bobby Zamora earned a single BP with his third goal in the past four Gameweeks.

West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Reading

Romelu Lukaku earned the maximum bonus points as West Brom registered their third successive home win. Handed his first start of the campaign, the on-loan forward grabbed the only goal of the match and also produced a successful dribble and couple of crosses. Chris Brunt picked up a couple of BP for his all-round contribution; the midfielder had 4 interceptions, a successful tackle, a clearances, 4 crosses and a successful dribble amongst his EA SPORTS PPI stats. Ben Foster’s 5 saves (including caught crosses) was enough to earn a single BP as the Baggies earned another Hawthorns clean sheet.

West Ham United 1-1 Sunderland

Steven Fletcher was awarded the maximum bonus points (BP) in the Upton Park stalemate. The Sunderland forward produced a goal and a couple of clearances and has now earned the maximum BP in all three of his matches since joining the Wearsiders this summer. Craig Gardner picked up a couple of BP for his performance at right-back for the visitors, with 3 successful tackles, 6 interceptions and 3 blocks maintaining his side’s unbeaten start to the season, while 2 interceptions and a couple of blocks earned Jack Colback a single BP.

Wigan Athletic 1-2 Fulham

Dimitar Berbatov earned the maximum bonus points (BP) at the DW Stadium with a strong all-round display on Saturday afternoon. Going forward, the Bulgarian produced 4 shots on target and an assist, while 3 clearances, 8 interceptions and a successful tackle are indicative of his current work ethic – he has now returned the maximum BP in both his starts for the Cottagers. Hugo Rodallega was awarded a couple of BP against his old club, with a goal, 2 shots on target, a couple of successful tackles and 4 interceptions amongst his EA SPORTS PPI stats. Damien Duff was rewarded with a single BP after scoring his third goal of the season; the Fulham winger also produced 2 successful dribbles and 4 crosses from out wide, in addition to making a successful tackle and 5 interceptions.

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