EPL Week 1

(TT)vaches de chier
Andriy Shevchenko (0.0 [MAC] + 15.0 [@MID] = 15.0)
Bargain of the season? Thought so. But more like expensive flop so far. One big konok.
Scored what looked to be the winner until Boro intervened, but I can live with that.

*Louis Saha (13.5 [FUL] + 19.5 [@CHA] = 33.0)
Looks to be flying after being given the responsibility in van Nistelrooy and Rooney's absence.
I thought I'd seen the best of Saha against Fulham but he proves he belongs in the starting lineup with another potent performance.

Dimitar Berbatov (5.0 [@BOL] + 20.5 [SHE] = 25.5)
Got him because of his pre-season form, but now I know we shouldn't use that as a reliable indicator. Meite kept him in his pocket.
Repays the debt with a more convincing display against Sheffield with a goal and assist.

Ryan Giggs (3.5 [FUL] + 8.0 [@CHA] = 11.5)
Now United's vital midfield cog in the absence of Scholes and Carrick. His incisive passing kept Fulham on the back foot throughout. Unfortunate not to get a higher score as he was more of a provider.
Crosses galore as proved a perfect foil to Ronaldo.

Steve Sidwell (12.5 [MID] + 3.5 [@AST] = 16.0)
An impulsive buy, but one well and truly justified. Looks to be the Jimmy Bullard of this season. A great start.
Should've added to his tally, but a good performance for a new player.

Tim Cahill (-0.5 [WAT] + 10.5 [@BLA] = 10.0)
A toss-up between him and Arteta. Guessed wrong this time. A little unlucky and just lacked the opportunity to get SOTs.
Didn't even start. Lucky to get the equaliser.

*Cristiano Ronaldo (21.0 [FUL] + 3.5 [@CHA] = 24.5)
United's outstanding wide player. Linked up brilliantly with Rooney and put their World Cup impasse firmly behind them with a devastating display of incisive passing. Scored with a beautiful half-volley and has shown maturity in his play, even when United were coasting.
Lively throughout but unlucky not to score more points. Deserved Fergie's praise.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto (3.5 [@BOL] + 9.0 [SHE] = 12.5)
Big things were expected of him when he replaced Stalteri, but attacking fullbacks can only get forward when his team are attacking. Spurs didn't do enough of that so there was little he could do.
Benefitted as Spurs' attack caught fire.

Nicky Shorey (9.0 [MID] + 1.0 [@AST] = 10.0)
Reading's set-piece taker likes to get forward and whip in crosses. This season's Neil Clement? If Reading can tighten their ship, big points beckon.
Has room for improvement.

Matthew Taylor (15.5 [BLA] + 8.5 [@MAC] = 24.0)
Last season's revelation continues where he left off with another imperious attacking display.
He's described as a midfield player in Soccernet. Tells you all you need to know.

Edwin van der Sar (11.0 [FUL] + 9.0 [@CHA] = 20.0)
A competent display from the Dutchman would have been better rewarded if not for Helguson's fortuitous effort.
Other keepers have done better this week, but others have fared worse as well. I'm keeping with his pair of safe hands.

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The Group of Death III

Well done all!

Week 1 has just passed.

Aaron (202 pts) secures 1st place with the highest score of 202 pts, thanks to Louis Saha, Dimitar Berbatov, Cristiano Ronaldo and Matthew Taylor.

The gap is now 30.5 pts as Andrew (171.5 pts) gets 2nd place with the 2nd-highest score of 171.5 pts and is 8.5 pts ahead of Ben, thanks to Saha, Berbatov, Ronaldo, Tim Howard and John Terry.

Ben (163 pts) gets 3rd place with the 3rd-highest score of 163 pts, thanks to Saha, Berbatov, Frank Lampard and Terry.

Jasmine (111 pts) gets 10th place with 111 pts, only 8 points behind Zikai, thanks to Saha, Edwin van der Sar and Andriy Shevchenko.

At the other end, Kimjin Saiful and spunkmyer17 (0 pts) prop up the table as they started a week late!

See you next week!