Christmas is nearly here folks, but it doesn’t mean Premier League defences are taking up the spirit of generosity.
As many as five sides kept a clean sheet during last weekend’s action, an extraordinary statistic that perhaps spoke as much about tired attacks as it did about rigorous defences.
But in Sheffield United’s case, it’s no fluke.
Their shutout of fellow promotees Aston Villa was their sixth of the season, and it’s a sign not just of Chris Wilder’s defensive acumen, but also of the individuals that are carrying out his orders.
We highlighted Dean Henderson in our preview of December, but George Baldock also merits his spot in the limelight.
With 25 points, he tops his side’s individual Fantasy League points rankings so far after racking up six clean sheets, two goals and three assists.
It’s a remarkable return from a player who – like many of Wilder’s disciples – came up from the lower leagues with no background at this level.
The weekend also saw some miserly backlines that previously weren’t so.
Man City kept Arsenal out at the Emirates, and even West Ham kept it quiet at the back in their basement battle win over Southampton.
Whether these sides can continue to stay tight at the back is – luckily – your decision not ours, but if we were looking at some under-the-radar value, it might come in the shape of Oleksandr Zinchenko – back from injury for City – and Hammer Angelo Ogbonna, who already has two goals to his name this season.
Finally, it was a hugely-needed three points for Bournemouth at Chelsea. We’re still not sure Howe (sorry) Eddie gets such varying performances from his team, but when they play like they did at Stamford Bridge, the Cherries’ boss must wish he could bottle it up.
And all that despite an awful injury crisis that currently sees them shorn of nine first-team players.
The sooner they get the Wilsons back though – Harry and Callum – the better, as between them they have taken nearly 40 Fantasy League points this season, a huge chunk of their side’s total.
