Premier League: 10 Key Talking Points from the Latest Round of Fixtures
The most recent set of top-flight games delivered a wealth of drama, unexpected scores, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from battles between managers to individual brilliance, let's delve into the key points emerging from the matches.
Calum McFarlane Holds His Own Against Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's surprise duel with the celebrated tactician evoked thoughts of previous unequal sideline contests. In the case of the Chelsea boss, making his senior coaching bow, the challenge was overcoming the Blues' dreadful run of form against the champions. A dramatic strike from the Argentine midfielder snatched a hard-fought draw, an achievement former coaches had struggled to do.
2. Liverpool's Inability to Close Games Out
Despite the German playmaker finding the net, the Merseyside club ended up frustrated after surrendering a lead slip away at Marco Silva's side. The problem of being unable to command matches when ahead persists, with the side nearly squandering comparable leads in recent outings. Before the team master the skill of defending a lead, the campaign is likely to stay a difficult one.
The Arsenal Midfielder Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form
The Swedish forward is experiencing a lengthy goal drought from general play, but his midfield colleague the England international insists the number nine is nonetheless immensely important. He praised his pressing and selfless performances as key to the league leaders success. "Good things are bound to follow," was Rice's optimistic assessment for his off-colour teammate.
The United Boss Needs Sesko to Sharpen Up
With Manchester United setting up in a notably cautious fashion, the onus fell on the attacking partnership to make the difference. While the Brazilian persisted with his fine performances, the summer signing suffered another difficult afternoon. The Slovenian has scored elusive since his big-money transfer and missed a golden opportunity to claim the match. January offers a obvious imperative for him to discover his scoring touch.
The Sunderland Star Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a State of Confusion
The Black Cats boss positioned the French midfielder in a unfamiliar role at first, before pushing him up the pitch as the contest wore on. The switch turned out to be masterful, with Le Fée turning into the architect of his team's fightback for an leveler. After hitting the woodwork, the midfielder supplied a sumptuous pass for the all-important strike. Having settled in to the intensity of the Premier League, his influence continues to grow.
The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Chance to Use Pablo Felipe
During an embarrassing defeat for West Ham, boss the Portuguese coach opted not to use any of his named replacements. This meant new signing the Brazilian striker, who stayed on the bench despite his club's complete failure to score. Nuno suggested it would have been "unfair" to throw the new recruit into the action. Yet, with goals at a dearth, the need to integrate the youngster rapidly is abundantly clear.
The Teenager Makes Yet Another Huge Claim
The teenage sensation produced another outstanding performance while filling in out of position. The midfielder was impeccable in his own half, created the breakthrough, and set the standard in a untidy affair. Now that first-choice full-backs back, the dilemma for manager Eddie Howe is how to accommodate the remarkably composed teenager in his best engine room position. "Coming Toon line-ups will certainly be designed on Miley," seems an a accurate statement.
Could the Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at The City Ground?
The former Burnley boss's initial effect at Forest was admirable, but concerns are starting to arise about the squad's plan B. Their transition prowess is still there, but looks less potent without certain personnel. While well-organised when protecting a lead, Dyche's men have been exposed when needing to chase a game. Losing possession in such circumstances has shown costly, a lesson they need to solve immediately.
Igor Thiago's Hot Streak Ends The Bees' Away-Day Blues
Brentford put in a performance that masked their poor travel sickness. Central to their commanding win was the red-hot scoring of striker Igor Thiago. Thiago's goals are providing a base for the side to aim higher. Teammate he even suggested the lofty target of a top-seven finish as a potential outcome, underlining the growing optimism within the squad.
