Premier League: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Fixtures
The latest round of Premier League games served up no shortage of drama, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from battles between coaches to individual brilliance, let's delve into the key points coming out of the matches.
1. McFarlane Makes a Statement Against A Master Tactician
The Chelsea manager's surprise duel with the Manchester City boss brought back memories of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. For McFarlane, embarking on his first-team coaching bow, the task was overcoming his side's woeful run of form versus Guardiola's side. A last-gasp strike from Enzo Fernández snatched a valuable point, something past coaches had struggled to do.
The Reds' Struggle to Close Games Out
Despite Florian Wirtz scoring the net, the Merseyside club finished disappointed after letting a advantage slip away at Fulham. The concern of not managing to control games when in front continues, with the side almost throwing away comparable margins in earlier weeks. Before they discover the art of killing off matches, the quest will remain a frustrating one.
3. Rice Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring
Viktor Gyökeres is experiencing a significant goal drought from live action, but his fellow star the Gunners lynchpin has stressed the number nine is still hugely influential. He praised Gyökeres' pressing and unselfish contributions as integral to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Success are sure to follow," was his optimistic prediction for his misfiring teammate.
4. Amorim Requires Benjamin Sesko to Find His Edge
Given Manchester United lining up in a particularly cautious way, the responsibility was placed on the forward pair to deliver. While one forward continued his impressive form, his strike partner endured another forgettable game. The Slovenian has found goals scarce since his high-profile transfer and spurned a late chance to win the game. The new year provides a clear need for Sesko to regain his confidence.
5. Le Fée Leaves Tottenham in a Spin
Régis Le Bris used Enzo Le Fée in a deeper position to start, before releasing him further forward as the contest progressed. The switch proved masterful, with Le Fée turning into the chief creator of Sunderland's fightback for an equalizing goal. After glancing the woodwork, he provided a sumptuous pass for the crucial goal. Now fully adapted to the intensity of the English game, his impact is on the rise.
Nuno Espírito Santo Fails to Take Chance to Introduce Pablo Felipe
In a woeful performance for West Ham, manager the Portuguese coach opted not to utilize any of his named bench players. This meant new signing Pablo Felipe, who watched on even with his team's utter failure to score. He felt it would have been "unjust" to introduce the recently-arrived recruit into the fray. But, with goals at a dearth, the imperative to assimilate the youngster rapidly is abundantly obvious.
Lewis Miley Delivers A Further Big Case
The teenage sensation turned in yet another superb display while playing out of position. He was impeccable in defence, provided the breakthrough, and set the standard in a untidy match. Now that established full-backs back, the dilemma for boss Eddie Howe is if to fit the astonishingly composed teenager in his natural central midfield role. "Next Newcastle sides will certainly be constructed around him," seems an increasingly safe prediction.
8. Is the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Forest?
Sean Dyche's first effect at the club was notable, but questions are starting to emerge about the team's adaptability. Their transition prowess is still there, but appears reduced without previous personnel. Although well-organised when sitting back, they have looked vulnerable when needing to open up. Losing possession in those situations has been disastrous, a issue they must address rapidly.
9. Thiago's Hot Streak Stops The Bees' Away-Day Blues
Brentford delivered a display that contradicted their poor away record. Key to their dominant victory was the prolific form of number nine Igor Thiago. The striker's goals are providing a base for the side to build on. Attacker the German international even floated the lofty dream of continental football as a target, emphasizing the fresh confidence in the team.