Around the OWL: Week Four Recap

Week Four of the Overwatch League centred heavily around both Los Angeles teams as the Gladiators found a resurgence of form while the Valiant continue their historic slump. Los Angeles Gladiators came back with statement wins this weekend over formidable opponents in Atlanta Reign and Guangzhou Charge. Although LA Valiant remained competitive this week on the scorecards, the level of play has noticeably dropped since week one and coaching changes have been made to improve the overall team atmosphere.

Gladiators rise

This time last week, fans of the Overwatch League were worrying if Los Angeles had not one, but two seemingly incapable teams that weren’t worthy of a playoff berth. After last weekend, there is no doubting the overall potential of LA Gladiators this year as they dismantled Atlanta Reign with force. Apart from the first map, there was no real sign of competition from the side of Atlanta as LAG were the victors in all aspects of the game. Synergy between rOar and Decay are finally coming together and when those two pieces of the puzzle get to gel on stage, the results are nothing less than impressive.

© Robert Paul | Blizzard Entertainment

Their second game of the week was another test of strength as Guangzhou Charge came alive in the first game, which only beckoned a more heroic response from LA Gladiators. This series was much more about teamwork from the collective unit and the entire Gladiators squad delivered with poise. At the level they showed this past weekend, there is no doubt they are at least a top-five team in the league. Let’s see if they keep the momentum rolling in time for stage playoffs.

Valiant free fall

The LA Valiant had to undergo some personnel changes this week as an attempt to turn around their results, but the damage has already been done for this stage. After being one of the most consistent teams last season, LA Valiant find themselves dead last in our rankings and as of right now their prospects as a team look slim.

It seems like the roster is having some personnel issues where a few key players just simply don’t play the meta correctly and often times those differences of opinion are causing them games. The Overwatch League is all about cutthroat options once one team gets any slight advantage in a team fight, especially in this GOATS meta.

Next Stage, expect more roster swaps on the side of LA Valiant as they try to pick up the pieces to their nightmare start. Luckily, this roster is still very much a powerhouse that can be utilized the right way and with the right vision from their coaching staff, they may be able to salvage their chances after Stage Playoffs.

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