With one game left to play, Arsenal vs. Leicester City, we couldn't do a complete analysis of Matchweek 9 on Monday morning. Still, prior to the Gunners' 3-1 win, it was quite fair to say it was a relatively disappointing weekend, at least from a fantasy perspective.
There were only 22 goals scored over the first nine games. Anthony Martial was the only player to score more than one -- and he's not even a regular starter for Manchester United. The same goes for Riyad Mahrez, who finished just behind Martial in the fantasy points table. As for the next four names on the list - Fernandinho, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Bobby Reid and Étienne Capoue - none of them are exactly superstars. We're talking about three defensive midfielders, and a forward on one of the worst teams in the league.
However, once your eyes drift a little lower down the list, the message from Matchweek 9 becomes clear. You've heard this from me before, but I think it bears repeating. Manchester City is the most important team in the Premier League, when it comes to building your fantasy roster.
There's been so much talk about Liverpool and Chelsea so far this season -- and rightfully so. Both have been pleasant surprises, although in different ways.
Chelsea have adapted very quickly to new manager Maurizio Sarri and his style of play, and remain unbeaten following their 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Saturday. Nevertheless, they are still two points behind Manchester City.
Liverpool are suddenly defensively sound, thanks in part to new goalkeeper Alisson, having only conceded three goals in nine games. They are level with Manchester City on 23 points, trailing them only on goal difference.
In case you hadn't noticed -- It's a big goal difference. Liverpool have only scored 16 goals, following their 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town on Saturday. Manchester City have scored 26 goals, following their 5-0 thrashing of Burnley.
To put that in perspective, Manchester City set a new Premier League record last season, scoring 106 goals in 38 games -- an average of 2.79 goals per game. This season they're averaging 2.89 goals per game. The fact is, Manchester City are even better than they were last season - at least, so far.
Five different players scored goals for Manchester City on Saturday. Sergio Agüero notched his sixth of the season, and he probably should have had at least one more. Agüero took six shots, with three on target, and had an expected goals total of 2.01. Mahrez and Leroy Sane, the other starters in Manchester City's front three, also scored a goal, as did two of the starting midfielders, Fernandinho and Bernardo Silva. The other midfielder, David Silva, had two assists.
In other words, all six of Manchester City's forwards and midfielders had either a goal or an assist on Saturday -- and all six were in the top 20 in the league in fantasy points. In fact, four of them were in the top eight. Oh, by the way, we haven't even mentioned yet that fullback Benjamin Mendy picked up his league-leading fifth assist on Saturday or that goalkeeper Ederson posted his sixth clean sheet in nine games.
It's not always going to work out this way. Manchester City will have tougher games. Next week they play Tottenham at Wembley, which should be a stiffer test. But, when they're up against the likes of Burnley, or Southampton in Matchweek 11, it's just smart to have Manchester City players on your fantasy team.
Of course, don't forget to check the starting lineup an hour before kickoff. Manager Pep Guardiola is not shy about rotating his players and giving stars a rest. Case in point, Raheem Sterling was going to be my Tier 1 midfielder this week, but he ended up on the bench against Burnley. I simply switched to teammate Bernardo Silva, and that move paid off. It's the second time Guardiola has left Sterling on the bench this season, and he's been an unused substitute each time.
Plus, Guardiola has even more options at his disposal now, with star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne returning from injury against Burnley, coming on as a second-half substitute. De Bruyne finished second in the league in fantasy points last season, behind only Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.
By the way, David Silva, Sterling, Agüero and Fernandinho were all in the top 10 in fantasy points last season. Agüero, Sterling and David Silva are all in the top 10 so far this season.
The bottom line is, you'll rarely go wrong with Manchester City players on your fantasy team. So, make sure you look to The Citizens first.