Premier League: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Action
The latest set of top-flight action provided plenty of excitement, surprise results, and interesting subplots. From duels between bosses to personal masterclasses, here are the key points emerging from the games.
Calum McFarlane Stands Firm Against A Master Tactician
The Chelsea manager's surprise battle with the Manchester City boss recalled thoughts of previous David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the Chelsea boss, making his top-level coaching bow, the challenge was halting the Blues' astonishingly bad sequence against Guardiola's side. A last-gasp equaliser from the Chelsea star secured a crucial result, a feat previous incumbents had struggled to accomplish.
2. Liverpool's Inability to See Out Matches
Despite Florian Wirtz finding the net, Liverpool were left aggrieved after letting a lead slip versus Fulham. The concern of not managing to control encounters when in front continues, with the squad nearly letting slip identical margins in previous matches. Before they discover the skill of killing off matches, the quest will remain a challenging affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form
Viktor Gyökeres is going through a notable run without scoring from open play, but his midfield colleague Declan Rice is adamant the forward is nevertheless hugely valuable. Rice praised his hold-up play and team-oriented performances as key to Arsenal's form. "Success are sure to follow," was the midfielder's optimistic message for his off-colour strike partner.
4. Amorim Must Get Sesko to Improve
Given Ruben Amorim's team lining up in a incredibly defensive way, the onus fell on the attacking duo to produce. While Matheus Cunha maintained his impressive form, his strike partner experienced another frustrating game. He has hit the net hard to come by since his big-money move and missed a excellent opportunity to win the match. January offers a obvious need for Sesko to find his form.
The Sunderland Star Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Spin
The Sunderland manager positioned Enzo Le Fée in a deeper role initially, before releasing him further forward as the match wore on. The switch was a masterstroke, with he becoming the architect of the visitor's comeback for an leveler. Following directing the upright, the midfielder supplied a perfect pass for the all-important goal. Having settled in to the pace of the English game, his campaign is on the rise.
6. Nuno Wastes Chance to Introduce Pablo
During an dismal loss for West Ham, manager the Portuguese coach chose not to introduce any of his available bench players. This meant January recruit the forward, who remained unused despite his side's utter ineffectiveness. Nuno reasoned it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the recently-arrived recruit into the action. Yet, with goals at a shortage, the imperative to assimilate the 22-year-old quickly is abundantly apparent.
Lewis Miley Delivers A Further Huge Case
The teenage sensation delivered a further exceptional showing whilst operating out of position. He was excellent in his defensive duties, created the first goal, and set the standard in a scrappy affair. Now that specialist right-backs back, the dilemma for boss him is how to include the incredibly talented teenager in his best engine room berth. "Future Magpies teams will surely be designed on Miley," seems an ever more fair statement.
Are the New Manager Bounce Fading at Nottingham Forest?
The manager's initial impact at Nottingham Forest was admirable, but doubts are starting to arise about the team's adaptability. Their breakaway threat exists, but seems diminished in the absence of key personnel. Whilst disciplined when sitting back, Dyche's men have looked vulnerable when forced to come from behind. Cheap turnovers in those circumstances has shown punishing, a issue they must solve immediately.
Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Ends The Bees' Away-Day Blues
The West London club delivered a display that masked their troubled form on the road. Key to their commanding display was the in-form streak of striker the goal-getter. Thiago's finishing are giving a base for the squad to progress. Attacker he even mentioned the ambitious target of a top-seven finish as a potential outcome, underlining the growing optimism in the team.
