Fantasy Premier League GW24 reaction: Fernandes formidable but Pope poor

There were thrilling matches across the Premier League this weekend with the title race taking another twist and relegation rivals landing blows in the scrap for survival.

Arsenal pinched three points against Aston Villa at the death while Nottingham Forest continued their impressive home form by holding Manchester City to a draw.

Elsewhere, Manchester United triumphed over Leicester and Liverpool showed signs of promise with a victory at Newcastle.

Fantasy players will have been hoping for a positive return from their trusted squads but some will have tasted disappointment as risk failed to reward in Gameweek 24.

We take a look at some of the best and worst performers across an action-packed couple of days in England's top flight.

Gameweek 24 top performers

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Manchester United look capable of beating anyone at the moment and Bruno Fernandes' recent contributions will be a welcome sight at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag's side ran out 3-0 winners against Leicester on Sunday and two assists from the Portuguese midfielder saw him pick up a 12-point haul for 10.4% of players.

Fernandes will be in action in the Carabao Cup final next weekend and should be transferred out or placed on the bench for GW25, despite him picking up his best total of the season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Liverpool are on the up and recorded back-to-back wins in the league for the first time in 2023 by securing a 2-0 victory over Newcastle at St James' Park.

In addition to strikes from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, the Reds were able to keep the 10-man Magpies at bay giving full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold a handy 12 fantasy points for an assist and a clean sheet.

Jurgen Klopp's men face Real Madrid on Tuesday night before returning to Premier League action at Crystal Palace on Saturday, where the homegrown hero is likely to be a safe bet for your defence in GW25.

Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)

Arsenal fans were jubilant after they struck two late goals to claim a 4-2 win at Villa Park.

Martin Odegaard may have missed a sitter but his assist still earned him an eight-point total this weekend — to the delight of 37.5% of fantasy players.

The Gunners are back on track after a small wobble in recent weeks and have a chance to keep themselves at the top of the table with a win at Leicester next Saturday.

Gameweek 24 worst performers

Nick Pope (Newcastle)

Saturday evening will live long in the memory of Nick Pope after he was sent off for a deliberate handball outside of his area in the loss to Liverpool, meaning he will miss the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

The incident will also haunt fantasy players who suffered a return of minus three points for the calamitous error.

Things do not get any easier for Newcastle, who face Manchester City in their next Premier League game, and it might be time to consider dropping one of the division's top-scoring goalkeepers ahead of a tricky run for the Tynesiders.

Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

It was not a good weekend for goalkeepers and Emiliano Martinez was another who did not cover himself in glory.

Against his former club, the Argentine stopper saw Jorginho's effort rebound off the woodwork on to his head, resulting in a 93rd-minute own goal which effectively handed Arsenal three points.

After recording minus three points, Villa fans will hope their World Cup winner is back to his best when Unai Emery's men travel to Everton on Saturday.

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Forest sat so deep against City that it was almost impossible for Erling Haaland to make any of his trademark runs in behind, much to the pleasure of the home support.

His two points will not be well received by the 85.3% of players who put their faith in the Norwegian, especially as the striker takes up a huge amount of the £100million budget available to users.

Following the 1-1 draw at the City Ground, Pep Guardiola's men face RB Leipzig before a trip to Bournemouth which will provide Haaland with the perfect opportunity to add to his 26 Premier League goals this season.