FPL Gameweek 26 Review: Virgil Headlines, Arsenal DGW Delivers
Virgil van Dijk's 17-point haul leads the way as Arsenal's Double Gameweek provides returns and Man City dominate Fulham 3-0.
Gameweek 26 delivered another solid 58-point average, matching the previous week's returns. Our live FPL tracker analyzed all 11 matches including Arsenal's crucial Double Gameweek. Five clean sheets rewarded defensive investments while Virgil van Dijk's towering header proved the difference at Sunderland. Here are the essential insights for optimizing your FPL captain picks going forward.
Top Performers by Position
Virgil van Dijk's defensive goal stole the headlines, while five clean sheets across the gameweek provided excellent value for defensive investments.
Goalkeeper: Martinez (9pts) & Alisson (7pts) ⭐
Aston Villa's Emi Martinez delivered a strong 9-point return with a clean sheet and 2 bonus in their disciplined 1-0 home victory over Brighton. Alisson (7pts) kept Liverpool solid at Sunderland with a clean sheet and bonus point. José Sá (9pts) impressed for Wolves with a clean sheet and maximum 3 bonus in the 0-0 draw at Forest.
Defender: Virgil van Dijk (17pts) ⭐⭐⭐
The performance of the gameweek. Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk delivered a sensational 17-point haul with a crucial goal, clean sheet, and maximum bonus in their 1-0 away victory at Sunderland. Robertson (9pts) provided additional Liverpool defensive value with a clean sheet and bonus. Hincapie delivered across Arsenal's DGW with a goal and assist for strong combined returns.
Midfielder: Palmer (11pts) & Saka (11pts) ⭐
Cole Palmer delivered another strong 11-point return with a goal, assist, and maximum bonus in Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Leeds. Saka (11pts combined) impressed across Arsenal's DGW with a goal against Wolves and consistent involvement. Semenyo (12pts) was Man City's standout with a goal and assist in their 3-0 demolition of Fulham.
Forward: Strand Larsen (13pts) & Haaland (8pts) ⭐
Crystal Palace's Jørgen Strand Larsen delivered the forwards' top return with a 13-point brace despite Palace losing 2-3 to Burnley. Erling Haaland (8pts) scored in Man City's commanding 3-0 victory over Fulham. Šeško (10pts) impressed for Man United with a goal and maximum bonus in their 1-1 draw at West Ham.
Team Performance Analysis
Best Performing Teams
Liverpool (Clean Sheet Winner) ⭐
Liverpool delivered the gameweek's standout team performance in their professional 1-0 away victory at Sunderland. Virgil's 17-point match-winning header, Robertson's 9 points, and Alisson's clean sheet anchored this dominant display. Liverpool's defensive solidity makes their assets essential.
Man City (3-0 Dominance)
Man City delivered an emphatic 3-0 home victory over Fulham with Haaland, Semenyo, and O'Reilly all finding the net. Aït-Nouri (9pts) and Semenyo (12pts) earned maximum bonus in a dominant display. City's attacking fluency and clean sheet potential makes their assets highly attractive.
Aston Villa (1-0 Discipline)
Aston Villa secured a tight 1-0 home victory over Brighton with Mings' assist and maximum bonus leading the way. Martinez's 9-point clean sheet and Bogarde's bonus capped a disciplined defensive showing. Villa's home form continues to impress.
Bournemouth (2-1 Away Win)
Bournemouth secured an impressive 2-1 away victory at Everton with Adli (10pts) and Rayan both scoring. Hill provided an assist from defence while Petrović made key saves. Bournemouth's away form makes them an interesting source of differentials.
Teams to Avoid
Fulham (0-3 Collapse) ⚠️
Fulham suffered the gameweek's worst result with a comprehensive 0-3 away defeat to Man City. The Cottagers offered minimal attacking threat and were exposed defensively throughout. Their assets carry significant risk against quality opposition.
Sunderland (0-1 Home Defeat)
Sunderland's 0-1 home defeat to Liverpool continues their struggles against top sides. Despite home advantage, they failed to test Alisson significantly. Sunderland assets remain risky against quality opposition.
Spurs (1-2 Home Loss to Newcastle)
Spurs suffered another disappointing home defeat, losing 1-2 to Newcastle. Gray scored the consolation but the result continues their inconsistent form. With Thiaw and Ramsey scoring for Newcastle, Spurs' defensive vulnerabilities remain concerning.
Crystal Palace (2-3 vs Burnley)
Despite Strand Larsen's brace, Crystal Palace fell to a 2-3 home defeat against Burnley. Their defensive fragility overshadowed an impressive attacking display. Palace assets require careful fixture consideration.
Arsenal Double Gameweek Analysis
Arsenal played twice in GW26, providing crucial opportunities for managers with heavy Gunners investment:
- Brentford 1-1 Arsenal: Madueke scored (11pts) with Hincapie assisting. Rice earned bonus points in a tight contest.
- Wolves 2-2 Arsenal: Saka delivered with a goal and 3 bonus (11pts). Hincapie scored from defence. Rice assisted and earned bonus.
- Standout performers: Saka and Hincapie combined for strong DGW returns. Rice's involvement across both fixtures provided consistency.
- Concerns: Two draws without a clean sheet limits defensive value. Arsenal shipped 3 goals across the DGW.
Key FPL Statistics - Five Clean Sheets
Gameweek 26 featured 11 matches including Arsenal's Double Gameweek:
- 28 goals scored across all fixtures
- 5 clean sheets - Liverpool, Man City, Aston Villa, Forest, and Wolves
- 58 point average - consistent with recent gameweeks
- Top scorer: Virgil van Dijk with 17 points
The average of 58 continues the solid returns managers have enjoyed recently. Five clean sheets rewarded defensive investments, while Arsenal's DGW provided opportunities for heavy Gunners ownership. Using comprehensive fantasy premier league tools to identify fixture-proof performers remains crucial.
Notable Results & Talking Points
Virgil van Dijk Delivers Match-Winner
The headline performance of the gameweek saw Virgil van Dijk score Liverpool's winner at Sunderland while keeping a clean sheet. His 17-point haul from a single fixture demonstrates the explosive potential of premium defenders who contribute at both ends. Salah assisted the goal to maintain his involvement.
Man City Cruise Past Fulham 3-0
Man City's 3-0 home demolition of Fulham showcased their title credentials. Haaland, Semenyo, and O'Reilly all scored while the defence kept a comfortable clean sheet. Aït-Nouri's attacking threat from defence earned maximum bonus alongside Semenyo.
Burnley Shock Crystal Palace 3-2 Away
Burnley produced the gameweek's shock result, winning 3-2 at Crystal Palace despite Strand Larsen's brace. Anthony and Hannibal scored for the Clarets in an entertaining contest. Burnley's away form suggests potential differential value.
Newcastle Continue Spurs Struggles
Newcastle's 2-1 away victory at Spurs continued the home side's disappointing season. Ramsey and Thiaw scored for the Magpies while Gray's consolation and bonus (3pts) provided some return for Spurs owners. Newcastle's defensive solidity makes their assets increasingly attractive.
Tactical Takeaways for FPL Managers
1. Premium Defenders Delivering
Virgil's 17-point haul demonstrates the value of premium defenders who contribute attacking returns alongside clean sheets. Robertson, Mings, and Hincapie all provided significant returns this week. Consider prioritizing defenders with set-piece threat.
2. Double Gameweek Strategy Considerations
Arsenal's DGW showed the importance of picking the right players for doubles. Saka and Hincapie delivered while some others disappointed. For future DGWs, prioritize players with attacking upside rather than pure clean sheet potential.
3. Man City Attack Clicking
Haaland's goal in City's 3-0 win adds to his impressive tally. Semenyo's emergence as an attacking threat provides a budget route into City's attack. With favourable fixtures, City assets look essential for the run-in.
4. Avoid Spurs Assets
Another home defeat for Spurs raises serious concerns about their assets. Despite Gray's goal, the 1-2 loss to Newcastle continues their inconsistent form. Until clear signs of improvement emerge, managers should prioritize alternatives.
Looking Ahead: Transfer Priorities
Based on Gameweek 26 data, consider these strategic moves for your FPL squad:
Priority Targets
Liverpool defenders for clean sheet potential (Virgil 17pts, Robertson 9pts), Man City attackers (Haaland, Semenyo 12pts), Palmer for consistent Chelsea returns (11pts), and Saka who delivered in the DGW. Prioritize players with attacking upside.
Consider Offloading
Spurs assets after another home defeat, Fulham players after 0-3 collapse at City, and Arsenal defenders who struggled to keep clean sheets in the DGW. Reallocate to teams demonstrating consistency.
Differential Options
Strand Larsen for explosive forward potential (13pts brace), Šeško as Man United differential (10pts), Adli for Bournemouth attacking threat (10pts), and Newcastle defenders (Thiaw scored). Monitor ownership levels before price rises.
Monitor Closely
Burnley form after shock Palace win (Anthony, Hannibal scored), Newcastle momentum with another away win, Aston Villa home reliability (Martinez 9pts CS), and Leeds attackers (Nmecha G+A in Chelsea draw). Wait for patterns to emerge.
Maximize Returns with FPL Pulse
Gameweek 26's 58-point average and Virgil van Dijk's explosive 17-point haul confirm meaningful gains remain available for prepared FPL managers. FPL Pulse provides the comprehensive live FPL tracking you need to identify performers before ownership rises.
From tracking elite performances (Virgil 17pts, Strand Larsen 13pts, Semenyo 12pts) to identifying form patterns (Liverpool clean sheets, Man City dominance, Arsenal DGW returns) and monitoring consistent performers, our suite of fantasy premier league tools helps you make smarter decisions in competitive conditions.
FAQs
- Who were the top performers in FPL Gameweek 26?
- Virgil van Dijk delivered the gameweek's highest score with 17 points, scoring Liverpool's winner at Sunderland with a clean sheet and maximum bonus. Palmer (11pts) continued his excellent form with a goal and assist against Leeds. Strand Larsen (13pts) impressed with a brace for Crystal Palace despite their defeat.
- How did Arsenal perform in their Double Gameweek 26?
- Arsenal played twice in GW26, drawing 1-1 at Brentford and 2-2 at Wolves. Saka delivered strongly with a goal against Wolves (11pts combined). Hincapie was the standout with a goal and assist across both fixtures. Rice contributed an assist and bonus points in both matches.
- Which teams kept clean sheets in GW26?
- Five teams kept clean sheets: Aston Villa (1-0 vs Brighton), Man City (3-0 vs Fulham), Liverpool (1-0 at Sunderland), and both Nottingham Forest and Wolves in their 0-0 draw. This made defensive assets particularly valuable.
- What was the average score in Gameweek 26?
- The average score was 58 points, maintaining the strong returns from recent gameweeks. With 11 matches including Arsenal's Double Gameweek, there were plenty of opportunities for points with 28 goals scored across the round.