FPL Gameweek 9 Review: Mbeumo’s Record-Breaking 23 Points
Bryan Mbeumo delivers season-high 23-point haul as Tottenham lead with 8.29 average while returns compress to 32.8%.
Gameweek 9 witnessed the season’s most explosive individual performance as Bryan Mbeumo smashed through the 20-point barrier with an extraordinary 23-point haul. Our live FPL tracker analyzed all 314 players and despite returns compressing to 32.8% achieving more than 2 points, elite performers delivered massive differentials. Tottenham’s resurgence combined with shocking collapses from Everton and Nottingham Forest created clear winners and losers. Here are the essential insights for capitalizing on form and optimizing your FPL captain picks.
Top Performers by Position
This gameweek produced the season’s standout performance alongside several other elite returns.
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez & Petrović (8pts each)
Two goalkeepers shared modest honors with 8 points each from clean sheets. Martínez delivered for Aston Villa in their 1-0 home victory over Manchester City, while Petrović kept his sheet clean. Consistent goalkeeping returns remain foundational for FPL squads navigating compressed gameweeks.
Defender: Micky van de Ven (15pts)
Tottenham’s van de Ven delivered an excellent 15-point return in Spurs’ dominant 3-0 away victory at Everton. His second elite haul this season (14pts in GW4, 15pts in GW9) demonstrates why premium defenders from in-form teams remain essential for fantasy premier league managers. Van de Ven’s combination of clean sheet potential and attacking threat makes him a must-watch asset for serious FPL tools users.
Midfielders: Bryan Mbeumo (23pts) ⭐ & Carlos Casemiro (15pts)
The performance of the season. Mbeumo’s extraordinary 23-point haul is the highest individual score across all positions this campaign, surpassing Alderete and James’ 18-point defensive returns, Semenyo and Zubimendi’s 18-point midfield hauls, and Mateta’s 17-point forward explosion. This exceptional return demonstrates the explosive ceiling of premium midfielders from attacking teams and provides massive rank swings for managers who owned him. Casemiro also impressed with 15 points, showcasing Manchester United’s improved form with quality midfield returns even in their battles.
Forward: Flemming (13pts)
Flemming led forwards with 13 points, a solid but unspectacular return that highlights how forwards continue to lag behind elite midfielders and defenders for explosive hauls. His performance was respectable but pales compared to Mbeumo’s midfield masterclass, reinforcing the current meta of prioritizing premium midfielders.
Team Performance Analysis
Best Performing Teams
Tottenham Hotspur (8.29 average) ⭐
Spurs delivered the gameweek’s dominant performance with an excellent 8.29 average following their commanding 3-0 away victory at Everton. This matches their GW4 form (7.68) and represents their best showing of the season. Led by Van de Ven’s 15-point haul, Tottenham’s assets are hitting top gear at the perfect time. Their attacking threat combined with defensive solidity makes them premium holdings for any serious FPL tracker user seeking reliable returns.
Bournemouth (6.37 average)
The Cherries’ comfortable 2-0 home victory over Nottingham Forest delivered a solid 6.37 average. Bournemouth’s home form continues to impress (5.76 in GW8, 6.37 in GW9), making their attacking assets attractive options for favorable Vitality Stadium fixtures. Their ability to punish weak opposition (Forest’s fifth consecutive disaster) showcases their potential as differentials.
Manchester United (6.21 average)
United’s impressive 4-2 home victory over Brighton delivered a 6.21 average, continuing their improved home form (7.13 in GW7, 6.21 in GW9). Casemiro’s 15-point haul led the way as United’s attacking threat at Old Trafford makes them interesting for home fixtures. However, their extreme home/away split means careful fixture analysis remains essential for fantasy premier league tools users.
Aston Villa (6.12 average)
Villa’s narrow 1-0 home victory over Manchester City was the shock result of the gameweek, delivering a 6.12 average. Their defensive discipline against the champions showcases their quality, making Villa Park fixtures against top-six opposition potentially valuable differential opportunities.
Teams to Avoid
Everton (1.64 average) ⚠️
The Toffees suffered the gameweek’s worst performance with a disastrous 1.64 average in their heavy 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham. This capitulation makes them prime targets for opposing FPL captain picks, particularly at Goodison Park where they’ve now been exposed. Their defensive fragilities and limited attacking threat make them one of the season’s teams to avoid for asset selection.
Nottingham Forest (1.73 average)
Forest’s nightmare continues with another 1.73 average in their 2-0 away defeat at Bournemouth. This marks their fifth consecutive disastrous performance (2.01, 2.01, 2.46, 1.73, 1.73), firmly establishing them as the season’s most reliable team to avoid. They’ve become the textbook example of a team to target with captains and fade for assets.
Manchester City (2.28 average)
The champions’ shock 1-0 away defeat at Aston Villa resulted in a disappointing 2.28 average. City’s inconsistency continues (ranging from 1.83 to 7.58 this season), making their premium assets less reliable than their pedigree suggests. Their struggles away from the Etihad require careful fixture consideration.
West Ham United (2.46 average)
The Hammers’ 2-1 away defeat at Leeds continued their poor run, averaging just 2.46 points. West Ham have now averaged 2.46 or worse in seven of nine gameweeks this season, cementing their status as one of the most consistent underperformers and a team to systematically avoid.
Key FPL Statistics - Continued Compression
Of the 314 players who featured in Gameweek 9:
- 32.8% (103 players) returned more than 2 points - down from GW8’s 34.0% and GW7’s 37.6%
- 19.4% (61 players) achieved 5+ point returns - slight dip from GW8’s 20.3%
These statistics show returns continuing to compress, with the percentage of players achieving more than 2 points now at season lows alongside GW5/6. However, Mbeumo’s 23-point explosion demonstrates that elite performers can deliver massive differentials even in compressed gameweeks. Using comprehensive fantasy premier league tools to identify these explosive assets before ownership rises becomes absolutely critical for rank advancement when overall returns remain challenging.
Notable Results & Talking Points
Aston Villa Shock Manchester City
Villa’s 1-0 home victory over City (6.12 vs 2.28) was the upset of the gameweek. The champions’ away struggles continue (2.28 at Villa, 3.10 at Brighton in GW5), suggesting their premium assets need rotating based on venue. Villa’s defensive organization at Villa Park makes them dangerous opponents for any visiting side.
Tottenham Demolish Everton
Spurs’ commanding 3-0 away victory at Everton (8.29 vs 1.64) showcased their title credentials. Van de Ven’s 15-point haul combined with clean sheet points across the defense demonstrates why Tottenham assets offer multiple routes to points. Their away form is now matching their home performances for best FPL tools users.
Manchester United’s High-Scoring Win
United’s 4-2 home victory over Brighton (6.21 vs 2.92) was entertaining but defensively concerning for both sides. Casemiro’s 15 points led United’s charge, but the four goals conceded by Brighton suggests their defense remains vulnerable even in defeat. High-scoring matches like this offer opportunities for attacking assets from both teams.
Multiple Clean Sheet Victories
Several 1-0 and 2-0 victories (Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace, Villa 1-0 City, Bournemouth 2-0 Forest) rewarded defensive investors while limiting attacking returns. The prevalence of low-scoring wins suggests that clean sheet points from premium defenses offer more reliability than explosive attacking hauls in the current environment.
Tactical Takeaways for FPL Managers
1. Elite Midfielders Offer Highest Ceiling
Mbeumo’s 23-point haul is the season’s highest individual return across all positions, surpassing every defender and forward performance. Premium midfielders from attacking teams (Mbeumo 23pts, Casemiro 15pts, Semenyo 18pts GW7, Zubimendi 16pts GW4) continue offering the best upside for explosive gameweeks. Don’t over-invest in forwards when elite midfielders deliver superior returns.
2. Tottenham Assets Essential
Spurs’ 8.29 average is their season-best, with Van de Ven delivering his second elite haul (14pts GW4, 15pts GW9). Tottenham’s form across both home and away fixtures makes their assets safe premium holdings. Use FPL tools to identify their upcoming fixture run and consider multiple Spurs assets for consistent returns.
3. Some Teams Consistently Fail
Nottingham Forest (five consecutive disasters averaging 1.92), West Ham (seven poor gameweeks in nine), and Everton (1.64 capitulation) have established clear patterns. Systematically avoid these teams’ assets and target them with captain picks when your attackers face them - this strategy offers a reliable edge in compressed gameweeks.
4. Differentials Win in Compressed Weeks
With only 32.8% of players achieving greater than 2pts, owning Mbeumo’s 23-point haul provided massive rank gains. In compressed gameweeks, the right differential can be worth more than three template picks combined. Balance safety with calculated differential punts to maximize upside when overall returns are scarce.
Looking Ahead: Transfer Priorities
Based on Gameweek 9 data and sustained patterns, consider these strategic moves for your FPL squad:
Priority Targets
Tottenham’s Van de Ven after his second elite haul (essential coverage), Mbeumo if budget allows after his 23-point explosion (differential potential before ownership rises), Arsenal defensive assets for continued consistency (5.84 average), Manchester United home specialists (6.21 average vs Brighton), and consider Bournemouth home attackers (6.37 average) for favorable Vitality Stadium fixtures.
Consider Offloading
Nottingham Forest assets immediately - five consecutive disasters (averaging 1.92 over last five gameweeks), Everton players after their 1.64 capitulation at home, West Ham assets given seven poor performances in nine gameweeks, Manchester City players for away fixtures given their struggles on the road, and Brighton defenders after conceding four at Old Trafford.
Differential Options
Casemiro showing form (15pts), Aston Villa home specialists after beating City (6.12 average), Burnley showing resilience (4.55 average), Leeds home form improving (4.93 average with win over West Ham), and Brentford’s attacking potential in favorable fixtures (4.82 average in entertaining draw with Liverpool).
Monitor Closely
Liverpool showing inconsistency (4.29 at Brentford), Chelsea’s volatility continues (2.92 at home to Sunderland), Sunderland away struggles persist (4.01 away at Chelsea), and Crystal Palace defensive frailties (2.72 in loss at Arsenal). Wait for clearer patterns before heavy investment in these sides.
Capture Record-Breaking Returns with FPL Pulse
Mbeumo’s 23-point haul proves that identifying elite performers before ownership rises can provide season-defining rank gains. FPL Pulse provides the comprehensive live FPL tracking and analysis you need to spot these explosive opportunities in real-time during matches.
From tracking Tottenham’s resurgence (8.29 average with Van de Ven’s 15pts) to identifying consistent failures (Forest’s five-gameweek disaster, West Ham’s season-long struggles) and monitoring premium differentials (Mbeumo’s record return), our suite of fantasy premier league tools helps you make smarter decisions when returns compress to 32.8%. Stay ahead of template picks with better data.
FAQs
- Who were the top performers in FPL Gameweek 9?
- Bryan Mbeumo delivered the season’s highest individual score with an extraordinary 23 midfield points. Micky van de Ven returned 15 points for Tottenham’s defense, while Carlos Casemiro also hit 15 midfield points. Emiliano Martínez and Petrović both kept clean sheets for 8 goalkeeper points. Flemming led forwards with 13 points.
- Which teams had the best average points in GW9?
- Tottenham dominated with an 8.29 average following their impressive 3-0 away victory at Everton. Manchester United (6.21) and Aston Villa (6.12) also delivered strong returns with clean sheet wins at home.
- Is Bryan Mbeumo essential after his 23-point haul?
- Mbeumo’s 23-point return is the highest individual score this season, surpassing all previous performances. His explosive potential makes him a must-consider asset, though his price and team’s fixture run should be analyzed carefully using FPL tools before transferring in.
- Why did FPL returns drop again in Gameweek 9?
- Returns compressed further with 32.8% of players achieving >2pts (down from 34.0% in GW8 and 37.6% in GW7). Multiple low-scoring matches and Everton’s disaster (1.64 average) contributed to the dip, though elite performers like Mbeumo provided huge differentials.