Welcome to this week's Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 21 review. In this article, Makasa Musonda provides us with an in-depth fixture-by-fixture breakdown of the midweek results. We're now over half way through the Premier League season and we're starting to look at a more familiar league table. However, following their 1-0 victory over Spurs, Leicester City remain the exception and have done well to keep up with the big boys. During Gameweek 21 we saw several surprise performances from a number of players including J. Defoe, E. Valencia and W. Rooney. Reviewing the previous Gameweek is critical to your fantasy football success, so we recommend giving this article a thorough read ahead of Gameweek 22.

Newcastle United 3-3 Manchester United

Goals: W. Rooney (9' Pen), (79'), J. Lingard (38'), G. Wijnaldum (42'), A. Mitrovic (67'), P. Dummett (90') Assists: A. Mitrovic, M. Fellaini, W. Rooney Things were looking up for Newcastle United sometime before the festive period; however those days seemed like ages ago as the festive period hit the Magpies hard. Losses against Everton, West Brom and Arsenal had put a lot of pressure on Steve McClaren and things weren't about to look up with the Red Devils visiting. Although Man United have struggled recently, they still have the quality to turn up on those rare occasions, such as this game. Labelled boring, lack of goals, lack of a killer instinct, you name it, Man United were subject to such abuse. Yet this thrilling match produced a Man United performance that would even interest neutrals, as the Red Devils finally produced quality football. The only downfall of this game is the fact that Man United won't play as openly as this again, seeing that they leaked 3 goals. Man United took an early lead through Wayne Rooney's 9th minute penalty after Mbemba allegedly handled the ball in the box following a corner. Replays suggest it was unintentional however the decision stood and Newcastle United goal keeper Elliot was sent the wrong way as Rooney scored only his 9th goal of the season. Man United seemed to be controlling the game for large spells in the 1st half, however Georginio Wijnaldum was denied from close range by an amazing save from David De Gea. In recent seasons he has surely justified his high price tag when first arriving at Old Trafford from Atletico Madrid. Moussa Sissoko lost the ball cheaply on the wing and a swift counter attack was on, as Wayne Rooney got released by Ander Herrera's through ball. Rooney took his time to cut in the box before reversing it back to the oncoming rushing Jesse Lingard who took a first touch to control the ball well and a second touch to slot in between Elliot's legs and into the bottom corner. 2-0 up with no worry and ease, it looked like the glory days were back. This however didn't last long as Gigi Wijnaldum latched onto a header from Mitrovic in the box and a side footed volley was enough to beat De Gea from close range, game on. After the break you knew it was game on as the crowd at St. James' Park roared and cheered the Magpies on. Chris Smalling was involved in a rugby tackle with Mitrovic and it was inevitable that a penalty had to be given. Up stepped Mitrovic to send De Gea the wrong way and peg the Magpies back to level terms. Lingard missed a sitter and Van Gaal reacted by taking him off for Memphis Depay. Following Depay's blocked shot; the ball fell ever so kindly to Wayne Rooney who showed his class and composure to slot the ball beyond Elliot's grasping fingers and into the corner. Man United had won the game surely with ten minutes to go but this is the English Premier league. Dummet had the final say with a volley that slightly deflected off Chris Smalling to give De Gea no chance and earn a point for the Magpies. If Newcastle United continue playing like this, they could avoid the drop, as for Man United, they'd be disappointed as their poor away form continues. Newcastle United are 19th with 18 points and Man United 6th with 34 points.

Aston Villa 1-0 Crystal Palace

Goal: J. Lescott (58') Assist: J. Veretout Remi Garde finally gets his first victory as Villa boss. Many congratulations to him indeed but his boys need to believe. That's all Villa need more than anything else is self-belief that they can do it, avoid the drop. It's a tough job inspiring your team if they've taken so long to win again but Villa are good enough, they have the quality to remain in the league and have shown us over the years, they're Premier League material. Joleon Lescott's second half goal was helped by Wayne Hennessesy's mistake but take nothing away Villa played well and grinded out the result. The mentality that helped them keep out Palace will be needed for the rest of the season if they're to pull off the great escape. They could've been behind early on when Wilfried Zaha hit the post after good link up play with Jason Puncheon. Villa held on and controlled the game from there. Scenes were cup winning as the players rejoiced at the final whistle. Villa remain 20th with 11 points and Crystal Palace 8th with 31 points, Palace face City at the Etihad next.

Bournemouth 1-3 West Ham United

Goals: H. Arter (17'), D. Payet (67'), E. Valencia (74'), (84') Assists: A. Surman, D. Payet, M. Antonio x2 Bournemouth had strung along a couple of good results against the big boys before Christmas but seem to be struggling for form now. New signing Benik Afobe, from Wolves did well but fluffed his chances as the Cherries lost all the three points in a match that they feel they could've won due to their good opening minutes. Harry Arter scored a good long ranged goal with his weaker right foot, beating Adrian in good fashion. The Cherries had a good first half, dominated well and controlled the game but football is something of two halves. Dimitri Payet showed his class yet again for the Hammers as he scored a magnificent free-kick and set up Enner Valencia for a tap in after that. With the Hammers suffering from injuries, this victory was hard-fought and well deserved. Valencia grabbed his second with a stunning free kick (competing with Payet there), giving Boruc no chance and sealing the three points. A point behind Tottenham is where West Ham now lay 5th with 35 points. European qualification is a serious goal without a doubt and if the Hammers can say injury clear, who would bet against them? Bournemouth are desperate for points and should take every game as a cup final until they reach the magic 40 points. They have the quality but do they have the energy? They are 16th with 21 points.

Liverpool 3-3 Arsenal

Goals: A. Ramsey (14'), R. Firmino (10'), (19'), O. Giroud (25'), (55'), J. Allen (90') Assists: J. Campbell, E. Can, J. Milner, A. Ramsey, C. Benteke A fantastic encounter occurred at Anfield as both teams produced another memorable game. It wasn't far from another 4-4 result as both teams could've had a few more. The Anfield faithful were treated to a six goal thriller as league leaders Arsenal conceded a late goal. Liverpool started brighter, and controlled the game well in the early stages of this tough treat. Roberto Firmino, a signing in the summer, reacted first after Cech saved a shot by Emre Can. His left footed shot gave Cech no chance. The gunners showed their class and quickly pounced back as a clever ball from Campbell crept through the defence and Ramsey slotted it in at the near post. The game had another great twist as Arsenal were just about to settle but the home side played their passes well and Roberto Firmino, picked the ball up just behind the 18 area to curl home a delightful goal into the top corner giving Cech no chance. Olivier Giroud tapped in from a Ramsey corner to equal the scores, as Mignolet was beaten at the near post again. The second half roared into life and as the temperature dropped the speed picked up. Both teams opened up and the contest was a real basketball game, end to end, the beauty of English football. Olivier Giroud turned cleverly in the box to evade Sakho, and slot past Mignolet. Arsenal were rising, with their tails and heading clear at the top. Benteke who started on the bench came on and made an impact as his header found Joe Allen (also a sub) and his volley was beating Cech before it entered the goal. Once again Arsenal let a lead slip, and failed to push on as their other premier league rivals (besides Leicester) failed to win. Would this draw come back to haunt the gunners, or is this the start of something great for Liverpool? The Reds can take a lot of positives as they were the better team for most of the game. Arsenal remains top (joint) on 43 points as Liverpool are 9th on 31 points. The Reds have another cracking encounter against Man United this Sunday, a chance for them to try push on for a European place. The gunners need to get tougher as they face the might Stoke at the Britannia.

Chelsea 2-2 West Bromwich Albion

Goals: C. Azpilicueta (20'), C. Gardner (33'), G. McAuley (73' OG), J. McClean (86') Assists: B. Ivanovic, D. Fletcher, Willian Guus Hiddink would've wanted a straight forward home victory in this one but knowing Tony Pulis, his team never give up without a fight. Another great game as this four goal thriller was lovely for neutrals, showing again the beauty and unpredictability of the English premier league. Cesar Azpilicueta pounced from a ground driven cross from Ivanovic to slot home the first. Poor control from Pedro allowed, Craig Gardner to steal the ball and have a long-range effort, to the dismay of Chelsea fans, it went into the bottom corner. Chelsea however pushed and were rewarded when Kenedy (initially thought) tapped into the near post, unfortunately this rather went down as an own goal. The Baggies weren't buried yet and up stepped James Mc Clean to drive home a shot from outside the box to share the points. West Brom impressing yet again by upsetting the big boys, they sit 13th with 27 points and Chelsea still struggling, remain 14th with 24 points.

Stoke City 3-1 Norwich 

Goals: J. Walters (49'), J. Howson (55'), Joselu (67'), R. Bennet (78' OG) Assists: M. Arnautovic, I. Afellay x2, Odjidja-Ofoe Stoke City should be higher up the table with the way they did good business in the summer; however this will come with time, Mark Hughes has done a good job for now. The first half was even until the highlight of Gary O'Neill's needless red card. A player of his experience ought to be ashamed of himself for the poor tackle on Affelay, off the pitch, two footed slide from behind. The Potters had to wait until the second half for Big Jon Walters to pounce as he always does to give them the lead. This was cancelled out by arguably one of the goals of the season contenders, a right footed, top of the net, volleyed finish by Howson. Joselu restored the lead for Stoke, scoring twice in as many games to give them the upper hand. This victory was sealed by an own goal scored by Ryan Bennet, a deflected free kick, beating the keeper hands down. Stoke welcome league leaders Arsenal next on Sunday next so this victory gives them confidence as they are 7th now with 32 points. Norwich remain in the middle of the bottom half in 15th position with 23 points.

Tottenham 0-1 Leicester City 

Goal: R. Huth (83') Assist: C. Fuchs Many say Spurs have what it takes to win the league this season, which one can't truly deny, however these are games they're meant to win if they're to be top come May. Toby Alderweireld had a good header saved early on from Foxes' keeper Kasper Schmeichel. Adding to that pressure was Christian Eriksson whose dipping shot was well saved again by Schmeichel. Drinkwater had a good shot saved as well by Hugo Lloris and it proved to be a game of good goal keeping as well as defending. Jamie Vardy was through on goal only for Lloris to time his tackle spot on, preventing the lethal English man from scoring. The longer this game went on, the more likely it seemed only a single goal would be the outcome. This came to pass as Fuch's croner ws turned in by a thumping header from veteran German defender Rober Huth. That was enough to take all three points from White Hart Lane, a bit of revenge for that late hand ball penalty conceded in the FA Cup by Leicester, you think? Leicester play bottom team Aston Villa next at Villa Park and remain 2nd (joint top however, inferior goal difference of + 13 to Arsenal's +16) with 43 points. Tottenham remain 4th with 36 points, and can't afford to drop many more points as they seek to finish at least fourth.

Southampton 2-0 Watford

Goals: S. Long (17'), D. Tadic (73') Assists: M. Targett, S. Davis The Saints have something to cheer about as they turned back to winning ways, following their 1-0 loss to Norwich at Carrow Road last time out. It looks like Watford have their work cut out as recent results have been harsh on them, two losses in a row now seems a far cry from their good form in recent times (notably a 3-0 home victory against Liverpool). Shane Long scored a lovely header that came from the left flank, he glanced it towards the left corner of the bottom net, giving Gomes no chance. This was followed up by a lovely individual goal by Dusan Tadic, he danced past two defenders on a counter attack, turning in and then out to bury Watford and seal the precious three points. The Saints go marching on indeed as they're 12th with 27 points. Watford have homework to do, as they need to get back to winning ways to avoid being sucked into the bottom half of the table, they remain in the top half in 10th position with 29 points.

Manchester City 0-0 Everton 

The Citizens were left frustrated in this rare goalless score line in this round of fixtures. Chances were many for both but good goal-keeping, especially from Everton's Tim Howard ensured a clean sheet was well deserved. Kevin de Bruyne came close for City in the eigth minute but Jagielka put him off as his shot went wide. Yaya Toure had a good goal bound header saved in the 16th minute by Tim Howard, the first of his many true heroics. Lukaku found Leon Osman whose left footed stunner of a volley went just wide of the post, with Joe Hart beaten. The second half was just as heavily contested as Tim Howard was called upon on numerous occasions to deny Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling and Yaya Toure. The pressure wouldn't stop as The Toffees were defending well, and the home crowd cheering City on. The share of the spoils seemed to be the fair result at the end of the day. Everton travel to Chelsea next and can take positives from this point, as they remain 11th on 28 points. City will be kicking themselves as they failed to get three points following a catalogue of chances, remain 3rd with 40 points.

Swansea City 2-4 Sunderland

Goals: J. Defoe (3'), (61'), (85'), G. Sigurdsson (21' Pen), A. Ayew (40'), P. van Aanholt (49') Assists: L. Fabianski, A. Ayew, A. Johnson x2, F. Borini, P. van Aanholt A battle of survival is much crueler than the battle to be top. It can either go very well in your quest to survive or nothing can go your way. In this case, Swansea are slowly feeling the heat, slowly but surely they're feeling the need to keep looking over their shoulders'. Other results are becoming increasingly important as the Swans are getting pegged down the table. Sunderland have been hot and cold but their experience of relegation battles, gives them that edge over Swansea, they can handle that pressure. Lukasz Fabianski failed to hold onto a shot that allowed Jermaine Defoe an easy tap in early on. Gylfi Sigurdsson gave the Swans hope by pulling them level with a penalty. Kyle Naughton then was harshly sent off for a ‘raised boot', this was a sign that it wasn't probably meant to be their day. The odds seemed to be in their favour when Fabianski found a long pass to Andre Ayew and the Ghanaian midfielder held off two defenders to smash a goal across the keeper into the bottom corner. Sensational left back Patrick van Aanholt added to his recent involvement in goals with a sensational finish as his deflected strike beat Fabianski and went into the top corner. A further brace from Defoe was enough to win all three points for The Black Cats as they got their bid for survival up and running, as they're 18th with 18 points (one from safety). Swansea happen to be 17th, a point above Sunderland with 19.

Thanks for reading our Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 21 Review. Why not check out our Differential Picks, Captain Tips and Clean Sheet Advice for Gameweek 22.