FPL Gameweek 2 Review: Arsenal Dominate While Top Performers Emerge
Timber’s 24-point haul leads Arsenal’s demolition, while only 21.8% of players return 5+ points in a selective gameweek.
Gameweek 2 delivered dramatic swings in form, with Arsenal’s 5-0 victory setting the standard while several big names struggled. Our live FPL tracker analyzed all 312 players to bring you the essential insights for your transfer decisions and FPL captain picks.
Top Performers by Position
The standout individual performances came from unexpected sources this gameweek, with premium defenders justifying their price tags.
Goalkeeper: Pickford (15pts)
Everton’s number one led the way with 15 points, securing a clean sheet in their 2-0 home victory over Brighton. With just one goalkeeper hitting top marks, defensive assets proved selective this week.
Defender: Jurrien Timber (24pts)
The defensive masterclass of the gameweek. Arsenal’s Timber delivered an outstanding 24-point haul, benefiting from the Gunners’ dominant 5-0 home win against Leeds while combining clean sheet points with attacking returns. This performance highlights why Arsenal defenders remain premium FPL tools for your squad.
Midfielder: Joe Cullen (14pts)
Cullen topped the midfield charts with 14 points, though midfielders generally disappointed with only one player reaching double digits.
Forward: João Pedro (15pts)
The Brighton striker matched Pickford’s 15-point return, showcasing why premium forwards remain essential despite limited options hitting top scores.
Team Performance Analysis
Best Performing Teams
Arsenal (8.59 average) ⭐
The Gunners delivered the gameweek’s most dominant display, crushing Leeds 5-0 at home. With players averaging over 8.5 points, Arsenal assets proved essential for fantasy premier league managers. Their defensive solidity and attacking prowess make them must-haves for any serious FPL tracker.
Burnley (7.13 average)
The surprise package of the gameweek. Burnley’s 2-0 home victory over Sunderland saw their players average over 7 points. Their assets may offer differential value for the weeks ahead.
Everton (7.11 average)
Another impressive home performance, with Everton’s 2-0 win over Brighton delivering excellent returns across their lineup.
Brentford (6.76 average)
The Bees’ narrow 1-0 home win against Aston Villa proved fruitful for their owners, with clean sheet points boosting multiple positions.
Teams to Avoid
Leeds United (1.37 average) ⚠️
Suffered the gameweek’s worst performance, shipping five goals away to Arsenal. Their defensive fragility makes them prime targets for FPL captain picks when your attackers face them.
Manchester City (1.83 average)
Shocked many managers with just 1.83 points average in their 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham. This unexpected result reminds us why the best FPL tools include fixture difficulty analysis alongside form metrics.
Brighton (1.64 average) & Sunderland (2.22 average)
Both teams struggled with 2-0 away defeats, highlighting the importance of fixture selection.
Key FPL Statistics
Of the 312 players who featured in Gameweek 2:
- Only 30.8% (96 players) returned more than 2 points
- Just 21.8% (68 players) achieved 5+ point returns
These statistics reveal a challenging gameweek where template picks and careful selection proved crucial. Using comprehensive fantasy premier league tools to identify these opportunities is essential for consistent success.
Tactical Takeaways for FPL Managers
1. Home Advantage Matters
Teams playing at home generally outperformed away sides, with Arsenal, Burnley, Everton, and Brentford all securing clean sheets and averaging over 6 points per player.
2. Premium Defenders Justified
Timber’s 24-point haul demonstrates why investing in premium defensive assets from top teams pays dividends. Arsenal’s backline, in particular, offers both clean sheet potential and attacking threat.
3. Form Over Fixtures
Manchester City’s surprise defeat despite facing Tottenham at home proves that form and momentum can override fixture expectations. Always cross-reference multiple FPL tools before making transfer decisions.
4. Differentials Emerging
Burnley and Everton players could offer excellent differential options, especially given their strong home performances and reasonable price points.
Looking Ahead: Transfer Priorities
Based on Gameweek 2 data, consider these strategic moves:
Priority Targets
Arsenal defenders (especially if Timber is available), Pickford for goalkeeping stability, and João Pedro for forward options.
Consider Offloading
Manchester City assets may need monitoring given their shock defeat, while Brighton’s blanks away from home suggest rotating their players based on fixtures.
Differential Options
Investigate Burnley and Everton assets for potential value picks that could outperform their ownership percentages.
Why FPL Pulse is Your Essential Companion
At FPL Pulse, we provide real-time live FPL analysis, comprehensive gameweek reviews, and data-driven insights you need to climb your mini-leagues. Our platform combines traditional FPL tracker functionality with cutting-edge analytics to give you the competitive edge.
Whether you’re researching FPL captain picks for the next gameweek or seeking the best FPL tools to optimize your squad, our detailed breakdowns and statistical analysis help you make informed decisions quickly.
FAQs
- Who were the top performers in FPL Gameweek 2?
- Jurrien Timber (24pts) led all players with Arsenal’s defensive masterclass. Pickford and João Pedro both returned 15 points, while Joe Cullen topped midfielders with 14 points.
- Which teams had the best average points in GW2?
- Arsenal dominated with an 8.59 average following their 5-0 home win against Leeds. Burnley (7.13), Everton (7.11), and Brentford (6.76) also delivered strong returns for their owners.
- Should I transfer in Arsenal defenders after GW2?
- Arsenal’s defensive assets, especially Timber if available, offer excellent value with clean sheet potential and attacking threat. Their 5-0 demolition of Leeds showcased both defensive solidity and offensive contributions.
- What percentage of players returned 5+ points in Gameweek 2?
- Only 21.8% (68 out of 312 players) achieved 5+ point returns in GW2, making it a challenging week where careful selection and premium picks were crucial for success.