Bournemouth’s 3-0 win over 10-man Sunderland delivered a first Premier League victory and clean sheet of 2026/27, but the match also sharpened several Fantasy Premier League questions. Marcus Tavernier’s form looks increasingly compelling, while Sunderland’s defensive errors and Brian Brobbey’s hamstring recovery remain concerns.
Tavernier leads Bournemouth’s FPL case
Tavernier opened the scoring and now sits third in the FPL midfielder points table. His four league goals have been bettered only by Erling Haaland, João Pedro and Alexander Isak. Against Sunderland, he scored one of two big chances and had another saved, while continuing to lead Bournemouth’s underlying numbers.
There’s a selection complication, though: Justin Kluivert has recovered from injury and played the final half-hour. Kluivert may also be ahead of Tavernier for penalties, which could affect Tavernier’s appeal if both are available.
Rayan remains a case of volume without the reward. He has taken 21 shots and had five big chances this season without scoring, both league highs among players yet to find the net. His seven attempts against Sunderland matched the Gameweek high; two drew strong saves from Robin Roefs. A goal looks overdue, but the finishing still hasn’t arrived.
Evanilson, by contrast, has scored in each of his last three matches in all competitions. He assisted Tavernier’s opener before calmly converting a one-on-one. That run is encouraging, though his history of underperforming expected goals across three seasons on the south coast leaves reason for caution. This was his first convincing Premier League finish since February.
Red card reshapes the match
Bournemouth had already taken the lead when Kevin Danso was sent off in the 16th minute for pulling back Evanilson as the last defender. Sunderland spent most of the match a player down and offered little threat thereafter. Evanilson’s second goal, after Omar Alderete was caught out, removed any lingering doubt about the result.
The imbalance makes Bournemouth’s expected-goals numbers harder to read as a measure of their normal level. Still, numerical superiority doesn’t automatically produce control: Sunderland experienced that in Gameweek 6, and Manchester United have also struggled in such situations this season. Bournemouth deserve credit for turning the advantage into a comfortable win.
The clean sheet also gives the Cherries a result to match their promising defensive data. Antonio Silva collected DefCon points for the fifth time this season, tying the best total among FPL defenders.
Sunderland’s defensive problems persist
Sunderland dropped to 20th after Tottenham’s Monday win. Their recent run has been demanding, with four top-six opponents followed by Sunday’s match against Bournemouth, but the team’s own assessment was blunt. Nordi Mukiele said Sunderland were “not good enough” and suggested the squad may have become “arrogant,” adding that they need to return to the basics that served them last season.
Defence looks like the clearest issue. Sunderland weren’t prolific last year, but their stubborn back line helped underpin their results. This season, Regis Le Bris’ side have made five errors leading to goals, more than any other team in the league.
Brobbey is expected back soon
There may be relief up front before long. Rookie Tymur Tutierov started against Bournemouth, but Le Bris says main striker Brian Brobbey is making progress after a hamstring injury. The manager said Brobbey is “in a good place” and “will be ready soon,” while stressing that the club won’t rush his recovery.
For FPL managers, Bournemouth’s win strengthens Tavernier’s case, with Kluivert’s return the key watchpoint. Sunderland’s defensive record remains a concern; Brobbey’s return could at least give them more options in attack.