Premier League: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Matches
The latest round of Premier League fixtures provided a wealth of drama, surprise results, and interesting subplots. From battles between managers to individual brilliance, here are the key points coming out of the encounters.
Calum McFarlane Holds His Own When Facing A Master Tactician
The young coach's unexpected duel with Pep Guardiola evoked recollections of previous managerial mismatches. In the case of the Chelsea boss, embarking on his top-level maiden game, the challenge was halting his side's woeful sequence versus Guardiola's side. A dramatic equaliser from the Chelsea star secured a valuable draw, an achievement previous coaches had failed to accomplish.
The Reds' Struggle to See Out Matches
Despite the German playmaker finding the net, the Merseyside club finished aggrieved after allowing a winning position slip away versus Fulham. The issue of failing to manage matches when ahead remains, with the squad almost squandering similar margins in previous outings. Before Slot's men master the knack of killing off matches, the campaign is likely to stay a difficult affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring
Viktor Gyökeres is enduring a notable dry spell from live action, but his teammate the Gunners lynchpin is adamant the player is nevertheless hugely important. He highlighted Gyökeres' work off the ball and unselfish contributions as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Good things are bound to follow," was his supportive prediction for his struggling colleague.
Ruben Amorim Must Get The Slovenian to Improve
With Ruben Amorim's team adopting in a incredibly conservative way, the burden rested with the offensive duo to produce. Whereas Matheus Cunha persisted with his fine performances, Benjamin Sesko suffered another difficult outing. The young striker has found goals scarce since his high-profile transfer and spurned a late opportunity to claim the game. January offers a obvious imperative for him to discover his form.
Enzo Le Fée Leaves Tottenham in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss used the French midfielder in a unfamiliar position at first, before releasing him into advanced areas as the game developed. The move was inspired, with he emerging as the architect of his team's push for an leveler. Following directing the post, the midfielder provided a sumptuous pass for the all-important finish. Having fully adapted to the pace of the English game, his influence is on the rise.
6. Nuno Wastes Chance to Introduce Pablo Felipe
In a dismal performance for West Ham, manager Nuno opted against use any of his named bench players. Among them was January recruit the forward, who stayed on the bench despite his side's chronic ineffectiveness. Nuno felt it would have been "unjust" to throw the new recruit into the fray. Yet, with firepower at a premium, the urgency to integrate the new boy quickly is painfully apparent.
7. Miley States Another Major Statement
Lewis Miley delivered yet another superb performance while operating out of position. The midfielder was impeccable in his own half, provided the first goal, and raised the tone in a scrappy match. Now that first-choice full-backs returning, the conundrum for manager Eddie Howe is whether to include the remarkably talented player in his best midfield position. "Next Magpies teams will certainly be designed on the lad," seems an a accurate prediction.
8. Is the Sean Dyche Impact Wearing Thin at Forest?
Sean Dyche's first effect at the club was notable, but concerns are now emerge about the side's versatility. Forest's transition ability is still there, but seems less potent in the absence of previous personnel. Although disciplined when sitting back, they have looked vulnerable when required to open up. Cheap turnovers in these situations has been punishing, a problem they need to address immediately.
9. Thiago's Hot Streak Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues
Thomas Frank's team delivered a display that masked their troubled travel sickness. Central to their commanding display was the red-hot scoring of number nine the goal-getter. The striker's goals are giving a foundation for the squad to aim higher. Winger Kevin Schade even mentioned the lofty target of continental football as a potential outcome, highlighting the renewed optimism coursing through the camp.