Premier League: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Action
This past set of top-flight fixtures served up no shortage of excitement, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. From duels between bosses to star performances, here are the key points stemming from the games.
The Chelsea Boss Holds His Own Versus Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's unforeseen battle with the celebrated tactician evoked recollections of previous unequal sideline contests. In the case of McFarlane, making his top-level coaching bow, the mission was ending his side's astonishingly bad recent record versus Manchester City. A last-gasp strike from the Argentine midfielder secured a hard-fought result, a feat previous managers had failed to achieve.
Arne Slot's Failure to See Out Matches
Even with the German playmaker scoring the net, Liverpool finished aggrieved after allowing a lead slip at Marco Silva's side. The concern of not managing to command matches when in the lead continues, with the side almost squandering comparable leads in recent weeks. Before the team discover the art of defending a lead, the campaign will remain a challenging one.
Declan Rice Shows Faith In Gyökeres to Start Scoring
The Swedish forward is enduring a lengthy dry spell from open play, but his fellow star Declan Rice has stressed the player is nevertheless hugely influential. Rice praised Gyökeres' pressing and selfless performances as key to the league leaders title charge. "Success are sure to come," was his supportive assessment for his off-colour colleague.
Ruben Amorim Requires The Slovenian to Improve
Given Ruben Amorim's team setting up in a notably defensive way, the burden fell on the offensive partnership to make the difference. While one forward maintained his excellent form, Benjamin Sesko experienced another difficult outing. The Slovenian has scored scarce since his major switch and spurned a golden chance to snatch the match. January offers a pressing requirement for Sesko to discover his form.
Enzo Le Fée Leaves Spurs in a Muddle
Régis Le Bris deployed the French midfielder in a unfamiliar role to start, before releasing him up the pitch as the match progressed. The decision was inspired, with he becoming the chief creator of the visitor's push for an equaliser. Following hitting the woodwork, he delivered a exquisite pass for the levelling finish. Now settled in to the intensity of the English game, his impact continues to grow.
6. Nuno Wastes Opportunity to Bed In Pablo Felipe
In a woeful loss for West Ham, boss Nuno chose against utilize any of his named bench players. This meant January recruit the forward, who stayed on the bench despite his team's complete ineffectiveness. The manager felt it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the fresh player into the action. Yet, with firepower at a premium, the need to blood the new boy rapidly is painfully clear.
The Teenager Makes Yet Another Big Statement
The 19-year-old produced a further superb performance while filling in out of position. He was excellent in defence, created the first goal, and lifted the team in a scrappy match. With established right-backs back, the dilemma for coach Eddie Howe is whether to fit the remarkably composed player in his preferred engine room berth. "Next Newcastle line-ups will undoubtedly be built with Miley," seems an a safe assessment.
Could the Dyche Effect Fading at Forest?
Sean Dyche's initial effect at Nottingham Forest was positive, but questions are starting to surface about the side's versatility. Their counter-attacking threat exists, but appears reduced without certain players. Whilst structured when protecting a lead, Forest can struggle when needing to open up. Cheap turnovers in these circumstances has been costly, a problem they have to rectify quickly.
Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Stops Brentford's Away-Day Blues
Thomas Frank's team put in a performance that masked their troubled travel sickness. Vital to their dominant win was the prolific form of number nine Igor Thiago. The striker's finishing are giving a platform for the team to aim higher. Attacker he even floated the lofty aspiration of a top-seven finish as a target, emphasizing the growing optimism in the camp.
