The Premier League heavyweights continued their strong starts to the season with Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all pulling out impressive victories over the weekend. Meanwhile, Leicester City got on the board with its first win of the season thanks in part to an important tally from a familiar EPL fantasy asset that led the way for them up front last season. Here is a look at the top individual EPL fantasy performances by position from this past weekend.
GK: Thibaut Courtous, Chelsea
It’s amazing to think that an own goal from Shay Given cost him a chance to be the star at his position this past weekend and ultimately cost Stoke City a valuable point versus Everton. Given made eight saves including a couple of incredible stops but it was an own goal in the 51st minute that bounced him to an honorable mention in this column. Meanwhile, Courtois benefited from a strong effort in front of him as he picked up the clean sheet victory in a 3-0 win over a Burnley side that didn’t even record a shot on target.
Honorable Mention: Shay Given, Stoke City; Lukasz Fabianski, Swansea; Artur Boruc, Bournemouth
D: Antonio Valencia, Manchester United
Valencia was all over the field in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Hull City and it was his strong defensive play that was the catalyst to him earning top fantasy honors at his position this week. Valencia did a terrific job in a shutdown role and picked up a bonus for the clean sheet victory to finish with the top fantasy score at his position. United has given up just one goal so far this season, which is the fewest in the EPL. No other team has allowed less than two.
Honorable Mention: Scott Dann, Crystal Palace; Ben Gibson, Middlesbrough
M: Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal
Arsenal was among the big winners this weekend and Sanchez was their most important player. Sanchez scored a goal and registered an assist with three shots on target in a 3-1 victory over Watford as the Gunners finally secured their first win of the season. Arsenal has now tallied six goals in three games this season, which is tied for the third-most in the EPL
M: Raheem Sterling, Manchester City
City remained atop the table with another lopsided win – this time it was a 3-1 victory over West Ham United on Sunday. Sterling scored twice and finished with four shots on target to finish with the second-best EPL fantasy score of the week among Premier League midfielders. City leads the league in goals scored so far this season, which has made them a fantastic option for EPL fantasy. They have nine goals in three contests.
Honorable Mention: Eden Hazard, Chelsea; Willian, Chelsea; James Milner, Liverpool
F: Jamie Vardy, Leicester City
The defending league champions Leicester City earned their first win of the new season thanks in large part to their star striker breaking through. Vardy scored his first goal of the year on one of his three shots and it was enough for him to earn top EPL fantasy honors at his position in a relatively quiet weekend for Premier League forwards. Leicester City now has four points on the season, which is a little bit disappointing considering they’ve already played three games. However, they are still just five points off the pace as Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United each have nine points.
F: Jermain Defoe, Sunderland
The veteran Defoe delivered what appeared to be the game-winning goal in the 80th minute of a scoreless game against Southampton. However, Jay Rodriguez would strike five minutes later to tie the game and force Sunderland to settle for the draw. Defoe did enough to earn his spot on this list but it was another disappointing effort for a Sunderland side that is still searching for its first win of the season. They are currently in 16th place in a tie with Crystal Palace, Watford, Bournemouth and Stoke City. Each of those teams have just one point on the season.
Honorable Mention: Diego Costa, Chelsea; Madou Barrow, Swansea; Marcus Rashford, Manchester United
