FPL Gameweek 4 Review: Tottenham Bounce Back Strong
Zubimendi’s 16-point midfield masterclass headlines improving gameweek as 44.6% of players return more than 2 points.
Gameweek 4 saw significant improvement in returns distribution, with Tottenham’s emphatic 3-0 away victory at West Ham leading the way. Our live FPL tracker analyzed all 305 players and identified a positive trend: 44.6% of players returned more than 2 points, the highest percentage yet this season. Premium picks delivered consistent returns while several clean sheets rewarded defensive investors. Here are the key insights for your FPL captain picks and transfer strategy.
Top Performers by Position
Gameweek 4 delivered standout individual performances across all positions, with midfielders finally producing elite returns.
Goalkeeper: Roefs (10pts)
Roefs claimed the week’s top goalkeeper honors with 10 points from his clean sheet. With goalkeeping returns solidifying across gameweeks, consistent shot-stoppers from defensively sound teams continue to offer reliable value.
Defender: Micky van de Ven (14pts)
Tottenham’s van de Ven delivered an impressive 14-point return in Spurs’ commanding 3-0 away victory at West Ham. Combining a clean sheet with attacking contributions, this performance showcases the value of premium defenders from in-form teams. After their GW3 disappointment, Spurs’ defensive assets are firmly back on the radar for fantasy premier league managers.
Midfielder: Martin Zubimendi (16pts) ⭐
The performance of the gameweek. Zubimendi’s exceptional 16-point haul led all players and demonstrated the explosive potential of premium midfielders. This return highlights why spreading funds across positions rather than loading up solely on forwards can pay dividends. Essential viewing for anyone using FPL tools to optimize their squad structure.
Forward: Erling Haaland (13pts)
Haaland bounced back with 13 points in Manchester City’s dominant 3-0 home victory over Manchester United. After City’s early-season struggles, this performance reminds managers why the Norwegian remains one of the most explosive FPL captain picks available, particularly in favorable home fixtures.
Team Performance Analysis
Best Performing Teams
Tottenham Hotspur (7.68 average) ⭐
Spurs delivered the gameweek’s standout team performance, bouncing back from their GW3 home defeat with a commanding 3-0 away victory at West Ham. Their 7.68 average was led by van de Ven’s defensive excellence and showcased the squad’s attacking threat. After their brief wobble, Tottenham assets are back as essential considerations for any FPL tracker user seeking reliable returns.
Manchester City (7.58 average)
City returned to form with a statement 3-0 home victory over Manchester United, averaging 7.58 points per player. Haaland’s 13-point haul combined with clean sheet points across the defense suggests the champions are finding their rhythm. Their assets deserve renewed consideration for fantasy premier league tools users after their early-season inconsistency.
Arsenal (7.30 average)
The Gunners maintained their strong form with a 3-0 home victory over Nottingham Forest, averaging 7.30 points. Arsenal continue to offer reliable returns across their squad, with defensive solidity complementing attacking threat making them premium assets for any serious manager.
Newcastle United (6.01 average)
The Magpies’ narrow 1-0 home win over Wolves delivered a solid 6.01 average. Their defensive discipline and home form suggest their assets could offer value, particularly in favorable fixtures at St. James’ Park.
Teams to Avoid
West Ham United (1.80 average) ⚠️
After their impressive GW3 performance, West Ham crashed back to earth with a heavy 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham. Their 1.80 average was the gameweek’s worst, making them a potential target for opposing FPL captain picks rather than a source of assets. The dramatic swing in form highlights the importance of monitoring recent results rather than relying on past performances.
Nottingham Forest (2.01 average)
Forest’s second consecutive poor performance saw them average just 2.01 points in their 3-0 away defeat at Arsenal. Their defensive vulnerabilities continue to be exposed against quality opposition.
Manchester United (2.10 average)
United’s 3-0 away defeat at Manchester City resulted in a disappointing 2.10 average. Their struggles in big games make their assets risky selections, particularly in challenging fixtures.
Wolverhampton (2.74 average)
Wolves’ narrow 1-0 away defeat at Newcastle saw them average just 2.74 points, continuing their disappointing start to the campaign with limited attacking threat.
Key FPL Statistics - Season Best Returns
Of the 305 players who featured in Gameweek 4:
- 44.6% (136 players) returned more than 2 points - the best percentage this season (vs 40.1% in GW3)
- 25.2% (77 players) achieved 5+ point returns - continuing the upward trend from 24.2% in GW3
These statistics demonstrate consistent improvement in returns distribution across the opening gameweeks. The trend suggests premium assets are finding form while squad depth is becoming increasingly important. Using comprehensive fantasy premier league tools to identify these improving patterns gives managers a crucial edge in making transfer decisions.
Notable Results & Talking Points
Manchester Derby Dominance
Manchester City’s emphatic 3-0 home victory over Manchester United in the derby was the statement result of the gameweek. City’s 7.58 average compared to United’s 2.10 highlights the gulf in performance and makes City assets attractive again after their early wobbles.
Clean Sheet Bonanza
Multiple 0-0 draws (Crystal Palace vs Sunderland, Aston Villa vs Everton, Leeds vs Fulham) combined with dominant victories (Arsenal 3-0, City 3-0, Spurs 3-0) created excellent opportunities for defensive returns. The six clean sheets across the gameweek rewarded managers who invested in premium defenses.
Fulham’s Resilient Defense
Fulham’s 0-0 away draw at Leeds (5.30 average) showcased their defensive organization. Despite limited attacking returns, their clean sheet potential makes them interesting budget options for best FPL tools users seeking value picks.
Liverpool Grind Out Result
Liverpool’s narrow 1-0 away victory at Burnley (4.93 average) was workmanlike rather than spectacular, but the three points and clean sheet suggest their defense remains reliable even when the attack doesn’t fire on all cylinders.
Tactical Takeaways for FPL Managers
1. Premium Midfielders Deliver Elite Returns
Zubimendi’s 16-point haul is the highest individual return yet this season and demonstrates that elite midfielders can match or exceed premium forwards. Don’t overlook investing in quality midfield assets - they offer captaincy potential and consistent returns.
2. Big Teams Finding Form
Tottenham (7.68), Manchester City (7.58), and Arsenal (7.30) all delivered dominant performances with clean sheets. The traditional powerhouses are finding consistency, making their premium assets more reliable template picks for FPL tools users.
3. Form Volatility Continues
West Ham’s collapse from a 7.29 average in GW3 to 1.80 in GW4 demonstrates how quickly form can change. Don’t chase last week’s heroes blindly - use multiple gameweeks of data and fixture analysis when making transfer decisions.
4. Clean Sheets Increasingly Valuable
With six teams keeping clean sheets this gameweek, defensive assets from strong teams are proving excellent value. Van de Ven’s 14 points show that premium defenders can deliver captain-worthy hauls when their teams dominate.
Looking Ahead: Transfer Priorities
Based on Gameweek 4 data, consider these strategic moves for your FPL squad:
Priority Targets
Tottenham defenders (van de Ven if available), Manchester City attackers (Haaland back in form), Arsenal defensive coverage for clean sheet potential, and consider premium midfielders like Zubimendi who offer explosive upside. Newcastle defenders also worth monitoring given their clean sheet at home.
Consider Offloading
West Ham assets after their capitulation (dropped from 7.29 to 1.80 average), Nottingham Forest players given consecutive poor performances, Manchester United assets struggling in big games, and Wolves players lacking attacking threat. These teams show concerning trends worth avoiding.
Differential Options
Sunderland defenders after their clean sheet (5.73 average), Fulham’s defensive assets showing resilience (5.30 average), and Aston Villa’s defensive stability with their 5.02 average from a 0-0 draw could offer budget-friendly alternatives to premium options.
Monitor Closely
Bournemouth (4.38 average) showed improvement with a home win, Liverpool continue grinding results (4.93 average), and Chelsea (4.01 average) drew away at Brentford - these mid-tier teams could become viable options if fixture runs improve.
Make Data-Driven Decisions with FPL Pulse
FPL Pulse provides the comprehensive live FPL tracking and weekly analysis you need to stay ahead of the competition. With 44.6% of players returning more than 2 points in GW4, identifying the right assets has never been more important.
From tracking FPL captain picks to monitoring price changes and analyzing team form trends, our suite of fantasy premier league tools helps you make smarter decisions backed by real data. Don’t just follow the template - understand the trends and gain your edge.
FAQs
- Who were the top performers in FPL Gameweek 4?
- Martin Zubimendi delivered the gameweek’s best performance with 16 midfield points. Micky van de Ven returned 14 points for Tottenham’s defense, while Erling Haaland led forwards with 13 points in Man City’s 3-0 win. Roefs kept a clean sheet for 10 goalkeeper points.
- Which teams had the best average points in GW4?
- Tottenham bounced back impressively with a 7.68 average following their convincing 3-0 away victory at West Ham. Manchester City (7.58) and Arsenal (7.30) also delivered excellent returns with dominant home wins.
- Should I transfer in Tottenham assets after GW4?
- Tottenham’s 7.68 average and emphatic 3-0 away win suggest their assets are back in form. Van de Ven’s 14-point haul demonstrates their defensive solidity combined with attacking threat, making Spurs players worthy of consideration for FPL squads.
- How many players returned points in Gameweek 4?
- 44.6% (136 out of 305 players) returned more than 2 points in GW4, the best distribution yet this season. Additionally, 25.2% (77 players) achieved 5+ points, showing continued improvement in returns across the gameweek.