Fantasy Premier League GW1 reaction: Mit a hit as Kane feels pain

Fantasy Premier League returned this weekend as we saw some shocks in Gameweek 1.

Regular heavy hitters Mohamed Salah, Reece James and Joao Cancelo all got off to a good start but they do not sit at the top of the points chart.

Meanwhile, three players managed to score a negative amount of points in the opening round — Marc Guehi, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Mohammed Salisu.

As many look to make their free transfer heading into Gameweek 2, we take a look at the three best-performing players and three stars who did not live up to expectations.

Gameweek 1 top performers

Pascal Gross (Brighton)

Brighton shocked Manchester United on Sunday, with Pascal Gross netting to help the Seagulls pick up their first ever win at Old Trafford.

Two goals in 10 minutes helped the German pick up 15 points for his fantasy owners, a phenomenal return from the midfielder.

At a cost of just £5.5million, Gross, 31, may find his ownership increase from the 1.7% who entered GW1 with him in their starting XI following his performance at the Theatre of Dreams.

With Brighton facing Newcastle at home next, Gross could be a coup if you are looking to shake up your fantasy midfield.

Fabian Schar (Newcastle)

Newcastle's new era is in full flow and they held nothing back against Premier League returnees Nottingham Forest.

The Magpies ran out comfortable 2-0 winners and defender Fabian Schar was among the goals at St James' Park.

At £4.5m, the Swiss international is one of the cheapest available options for your fantasy defence and his 15-point return has certainly rewarded the 2.2% of players who put faith in the 30-year-old.

With his goal and clean sheet earning him three bonus points, Schar looks to be good value for money as Newcastle turn their attention towards Brighton in GW2.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

Aleksandar Mitrovic delivered the goods in Fulham's 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

The 6ft 2in centre forward was up against one of the world's best defenders in Virgil van Dijk, but made it look easy as he bagged a brace at Craven Cottage.

Securing a 13-point return, Mitrovic earned the same amount of points as Manchester City's Erling Haaland — the key difference being that the Serbian costs £6.6m, compared to Haaland at £11.6m.

With the Cottagers up and running under Marco Silva, Mitrovic could be a heavy hitter once more as they travel to Molineux on Saturday.

Gameweek 1 worst performers

Harry Kane (Tottenham)

Harry Kane comes in as the fifth most expensive player in fantasy football (£11.4m), even with his recent price drop.

Despite Tottenham cruising past Southampton at the weekend, he could not catch a break and ended up returning just two points for GW1.

With a visit to Stamford Bridge and a tough test against Chelsea in GW2, many might opt to replace Kane in their squads for the upcoming fixtures.

The Spurs striker will undoubtedly start firing at some point, but with the North London side failing to win at Chelsea since 2018, it is a big risk leaving him in.

Alisson (Liverpool)

With his return to the starting XI a boost for thousands of fantasy football players, Alisson did not repay the 19.4% who included the Brazilian in their squads.

One of three keepers who occupy the £5.5m bracket in fantasy football, the 29-year-old returned fewer points than both Hugo Lloris and Ederson.

With just one point, the Liverpool stopper did not live up to expectations as the third-most owned keeper in the game.

Nearly 20% of players remain hopeful that Alisson can recover in GW2 as the Reds face Crystal Palace on Monday night.

Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)

Gabriel Jesus is present in 73.1% of fantasy teams — the highest ownership of any player.

At a bargain price of £8m, Jesus has been backed to boost millions of fantasy players to the top of their leagues.

But with a return of just two points in the opening gameweek, many have been left pondering their decisions to recruit the 25-year-old.

Luckily, Arsenal's next three fixtures consist of Leicester, Bournemouth and Fulham — if he fails to score in those matches, then you can start to panic.