Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, brace yourselves for a rollercoaster of emotions as we dissect the latest drama from the Emirates! Arsenal's convincing 3-0 win over Sunderland has left us with more questions than answers, especially with Double Gameweek 26 looming. But here's where it gets intriguing...
Trossard's Late-Game Scare: A Cause for Concern?
Arsenal's victory was marred by Leandro Trossard's (£6.8m) apparent injury, which saw him walking off the pitch unassisted near the end of the match. Despite his impressive performance, manager Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped about his fitness in post-match interviews. With the Gunners' next game not until Thursday, we might be left in the dark until after the Gameweek 26 deadline. Will Trossard be fit to feature, or will this open the door for other players? And this is the part most people miss: could this be a blessing in disguise for Gabriel Martinelli (£6.8m) or Noni Madueke (£6.8m)?
Gyokeres' Stock Soars: A Double Gameweek Hero in the Making?
Speaking of opportunities, Viktor Gyokeres (£8.7m) has certainly made his case. Coming off the bench against Sunderland, he scored a brace, showcasing his clinical finishing. With six of his eight Premier League goals coming against newly promoted sides, could he be the differential pick for Double Gameweek 26? Arteta's glowing praise for the Swede's confidence and form only adds fuel to the fire. But here's the controversial part: is Gyokeres a more reliable option than Gabriel Jesus (£6.4m), or are we reading too much into a single performance?
Rice and Zubimendi: Unlikely FPL Heroes?
Declan Rice (£7.5m) and Martin Zubimendi (£5.2m) have been under the microscope for their inconsistent returns, but both made their mark against Sunderland. Rice ended his four-match blank streak with DefCon points, while Zubimendi's goal highlighted the fine margins between success and failure. The latter, in particular, has quietly become Arsenal's joint-second-top league scorer in 2025/26. Is it time to reconsider these midfielders as viable FPL options, or are they still too inconsistent for our liking?
Saliba and Raya: The Unlikely Bonus Point Duo
William Saliba (£6.0m) and David Raya (£5.9m) have been criticized for their lack of attacking returns, but they surprised everyone with 'extras' against Sunderland. Saliba's DefCon points and Raya's bonus point, despite a shaky performance, raise questions about their long-term FPL potential. Are these one-off occurrences, or is there more to their game than meets the eye?
As we head into Double Gameweek 26, the big question remains: who will be the heroes and villains in this FPL saga? With so many variables at play, it's anyone's guess. But one thing's for sure – this is going to be a wild ride. What's your take on these developments? Do you think Gyokeres is a must-have, or is Trossard's potential absence a deal-breaker? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments!
