This article is part of our Ball Watching series.
I. Four Goals for QPR!
Unfortunately, two of them were put it into their own net against Liverpool on Sunday. Out of those ashes, however, was a Chilean beacon of hope named Eduardo Vargas. The Premier-League newcomer equalized twice for QPR in a five-minute span and looked dangerous in the box after coming on in the 79th minute. Someone to add to the budget forward watch list.
II. I think Southampton scored again
Not only did the Saints put up a touchdown + two-point conversion against Sunderland, but the South Coast club continue their flying start to their Premier League campaign with what were deemed "replacement parts." As discussed on the podcast, Southampton are reminiscent of MLB's Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland A's. Simply put, their secret sauce in scouting is making Big Mac's out of previously unknown commodities.
III. Still Super Frank
Don't look now, but Man City is rolling with Frank Lampard. Kun Aguero stole the headlines with his four goals, but the former Chelsea midfielder served up two assists in City's 4-1 rout. Depending on the seriousness of the thigh injury that forced him out, Lampard is emerging as a viable fantasy option. This must be what Arsenal fans feel like when watching Cesc Fabregas...
IV. Speaking of the Gunners...
Alexis Sanchez looks like he has acclimated to the Premier League. The Chilean M/F notched a goal and an assist Saturday against Hull City, and had three goals and an assist in his previous four Premier League efforts. With both Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey's returns imminent, Sanchez will have more goal/assist opportunities. This same philosophy applies to Danny Welbeck, as long as Olivier Giroud is sidelined.
V. Ross Barkley's Back!
The Everton midfielder assisted on Romelu Lukaku's goal in his return to the Toffees' lineup Saturday against Aston Villa. The popular preseason pickup should return to many lineups going forward and it's easy to see why.
VI. Another Newcastle Pickup?
Gabriel Obertan is in form and is being featured in Alan Pardew's job-saving starting XI...at least for now. The French midfielder has started the last two games and has a goal and an assist in that span. Sidenote: Papiss Demba Cisse assisted Obertan's goal to continue the Senegalese striker's hot streak.
