1. Arsenal could not fully bounce back from their heavy defeat at Stamford Bridge as they drew 2-2 with Swansea on Tuesday night. Two quick-fire goals from the Gunners after falling behind were not quite enough as a Mathieu Flamini own goal resigned Arsenal to a point.
2. Kieran Gibbs turned in yet another excellent display against Swansea, showcasing both his ability at the back and also to cause plenty of problems when he advances higher up the pitch. He is truly a modern day full-back given the attacking impetus he brings to the game, as shown by the fact that only Bacary Sagna can top his total of 441 completed passes in the opponent’s half according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index amongst fellow Gunner defenders.
3. Keeping with defenders, the partnership of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny has been of vital importance to Arsenal this season, providing a stable and continuous pairing of world class centre-halves. Between them they have contributed an incredible 643 defensive contributions this season (blocks, interceptions, clearances, tackles won).
4. Santi Cazorla has been another valuable asset at Arsene Wenger’s disposal this season with the Spanish technician filling a variety of roles in differing formations this term. He has been as effective as ever though, with only Olivier Giroud ahead of him in the Arsenal squad for attacking contributions (assists, dribbles, crosses, shots on goal) this season, Cazorla registering 85 to the Frenchman’s 96. Cazorla is an industry best 4/1 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.
5. A classy Manchester City display saw them ease to a 0-3 over fierce rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. As if to emphasise the strength in depth they currently possess, Edin Dzeko grabbed a brace, with Yaya Toure rounding off the win.
6. Toure has once again been imperious for City this term, with the big Ivorian being a key figure in both attack and defence for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he’s compiled a league-leading 1,107 passes in the opponent’s half.
7. David Silva was hailed in the wake of City’s win over Utd after a sublime performance filled with his usual excellent passing and technique. It’s unsurprising therefore to see that he still leads the City squad for assists with 10, and has clocked up a pass in the opponent’s half on average an incredible one every 1.8 minutes this season.
8. Such have been the exploits of the likes of Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo this season, Dzeko has been overlooked but the striker always has the ability to change matches on his day as was once again the case against Utd. He now leads the City squad for total attempts on goal with 60, a stat which shows his ability to create chances in and around the box when given the opportunity. Dzeko is 6/4 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.
