So who exactly was the king of the show against Liverpool?

By Tony Attwood

I’ve introduced the topic of DraftKings before, and it is interesting to see how things are working out.

Many DraftKings players had expected Alexis Sanchez to be one of the stars of the show – he was the highest owned Arsenal player in the day’s biggest contest for the opening fixture and goals were expected against the Reds with him playing as the central striker in place of Olivier Giroud. He was, however, very quiet and could only muster 2.75 points for his efforts.

It was, instead, his supporting act up top, Theo Walcott, who scored the most points of any Arsenal player on Sunday with a total of 19.25.

Walcott opened the scoring in the game securing him 10 points whilst a further 2 shots and 2 more on goal scored him 2 points apiece. Walcott crossed the ball 5 times for a further 3.75 points and managed to draw 3 fouls for another 3 points. The English winger was good in the tackle on Sunday, winning the ball 4 times for 4 points but he did occasionally commit fouls, in total 2 that cost him 1 point. Walcott intercepted the ball once for 0.5 points but it was his penalty miss that cost him and those DraftKings players that had selected him dear, subtracting 5 points from his total.

The second highest rated player was Calum Chambers who many had felt prior to the match would struggle through inexperience, he did however look fairly assured and secured 17.5 points. His goal earned him 10 points and he got another 2 points for 2 shots. Another shot on goal gave him another point whilst Chambers also drew 2 fouls from Liverpool players for another 2 points. Finally, Chambers made 1 tackle for another point and a further 3 interceptions to score 1.5 points.

The Gunners third highest scoring player was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who made a quick impact coming off the bench on his way to 13.75 points. His goal gave him 10 of those points whilst another shot and 1 on goal gave him 2 more. ‘The Ox’ drew a foul when on the pitch for another point and then finally the 1 cross he put in earned him 0.75 points.

Next up for Arsenal is a trip to the reigning champions Leicester City and the King Power Stadium – a ground that harbours happy memories from last season for the Gunners. Arsenal need to get their season going quickly and a win over the Foxes would certainly be the right tonic they just need their players to perform – here are the three to watch this weekend and get in your team.

Alexis Sanchez ($9,100)

The Chilean scored a hat-trick here last season and will do everything he can to forget his performance last weekend.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ($5,600)

He helped spark the Gunners mini revival at the weekend and deserves a chance to start on Saturday.

Theo Walcott ($6,400)

Walcott has started the season the best of the Arsenal players and whilst it still remains to be seen if Olivier Giroud plays, the former Southampton man is one of the best chances for the Gunners to score.