Week 2 So Far

Saturday must go down as the worst fantasy day I have had since I started playing this game 8 years ago. It started with Wes Brown's -4 as Newcastle grabbed a 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light and went steeply downhill from there. For me and for many others it was the 2nd disappointing weekend in a row.

It's no coincidence that the generally low scoring continues as we've had just 3 home wins from 9 games so far in Week 2. Combine that with the 1 home win from 9 games in Week 1 and it's easy to believe there's a trend developing. I'm still convinced the correct long-term strategy is to bank on home players, it's just taking a while to get going this season

Everton v QPR is a fine example of the unexpected away win, and it was the real killer for my fantasy team this weekend. It was a frustrating game to watch as Everton never had any fluidity to their play, and although they were probably unlucky to lose, they certainly didn't deserve to win the game either.

Leighton Baines was my most costly acquisition for a return of just 1.5 points. It could've been so different had his superb free-kick been an inch lower to crash off the underside of the bar and over the line, but it wasn't to be. Tim Cahill also missed one of the easiest chances of his career; 4 yards out, pretty much an open goal, on his trusted head, but somehow wide. Special mention to Jermaine Beckford for having such a bad first touch for 70 minutes that Moyes took him off for a midfielder, leaving no strikers on the pitch.

Another foolish decision I made was to go with N'Zogbia over Bent as Villa ran out comfortable 3-1 winners at Ewood Park. As I mentioned in my team post, Bent has always harmed me in YFF, scoring goals when I don't pick him and scoring 0 when I do, and this week was no exception. Gabby & Heskey were also in the goals, and Blackburn look like they're in for a real struggle this term.

A severely weakened Arsenal side were slightly unlucky to lose to Liverpool after a cruel own goal broke their resistance when (deservedly) down to 10 men. I saw Sky awarded the man of the match to Jose Enrique, who was good, but the stand-out player for me was Thomas Vermaelen, who put in one of the most accomplished central defensive performances I've seen for a while. Szczesny also looked solid and if you could put Gary Cahill or Jagielka next to Verm I think things would improve very quickly.

Wolves continued their impressive start to the season with a fine win over a tired Fulham side and there was some real intensity/quality on show at Molineux with Jarvis, Hunt & O'Hara supplying Doyle & Fletcher. They sat atop the table for a couple of hours on Sunday afternoon and if they keep up this form they'll remain far away from the relegation battle.

Chelsea were less impressive but sneaked past West Brom. Hodgson's men have run Man Utd & Chelsea very close already and with Long & Odemwingie upfront I think they'll be fine this season. Fernando Torres proved a complete waste of a pick as he found himself isolated once again and was replaced by Drogba after an hour. If someone could explain how Chelsea are going to keep Torres, Drogba, Lukaku, Sturridge, Anelka, Malouda, Kalou and now Mata happy competing for 3 starting spots, I'd love to hear it.

Norwich were seconds away from victory but had to settle for a point against Stoke after a 94th minute equaliser and Swansea were held to a goalless draw at home to Wigan, who had a penalty saved by the excellent Vorm. From what I've seen of these two promoted sides they both look to play football the right way, but I worry whether they'll be able to score enough goals.

Manchester City completed Sunday's action with a hard fought 3-2 win at Bolton, finishing the weekend as they started it, top of the league. I have the outstanding David Silva (and also maybe Jussi) to thank for dragging me past my worst ever weekly total yesterday as his 18 points move me on to 40 points for the week. There was a fine goal from Barry, another goal for Dzeko and glimpses of class from Aguero. Bolton also looked decent, with Klasnic adding another superb finish to his two goals last weekend.

So that's it so far and for me it's been shocking. I'm sitting 40,000th overall which is the worst start I've ever had - by far! Week 2 ends with Man Utd v Spurs tonight and I have De Gea, although obviously real life rules over fantasy, so I would be happy with a negative score if it meant Spurs take a point or three from Old Trafford. I won't be holding my breath though.

How have things gone for you?

Cheers,
AM