Premier League: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Matches
The most recent batch of English action provided a wealth of intrigue, shock outcomes, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from battles between managers to individual brilliance, we examine the major points coming out of the encounters.
1. McFarlane Stands Firm Against Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's unexpected confrontation with the celebrated tactician recalled thoughts of previous unequal sideline contests. In the case of McFarlane, making his first-team maiden game, the task was overcoming Chelsea's astonishingly bad sequence versus the champions. A last-gasp strike from the Argentine midfielder secured a valuable point, something previous coaches had found it tough to do.
The Reds' Failure to Shut Up Shop
Even with their big-money signing scoring the net, Arne Slot's team ended up disappointed after allowing a advantage slip away at the Cottagers. The concern of failing to manage games when ahead continues, with the team previously throwing away similar leads in previous weeks. Until they learn the skill of seeing out a game, the quest promises to be a difficult process.
Declan Rice Shows Faith In Gyökeres to Start Scoring
Viktor Gyökeres is enduring a lengthy dry spell from general play, but his teammate Declan Rice insists the player is nonetheless hugely important. He highlighted Gyökeres' work off the ball and unselfish contributions as crucial to Arsenal's success. "The goals are bound to come," was Rice's supportive message for his struggling teammate.
The United Boss Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Find His Edge
Given the Red Devils adopting in a particularly cautious manner, the onus rested with the offensive duo to produce. While the Brazilian persisted with his impressive run, Benjamin Sesko suffered another frustrating game. The young striker has hit the net hard to come by since his high-profile switch and missed a late opportunity to win the match. The new year offers a obvious imperative for Sesko to discover his confidence.
The Sunderland Star Leaves Spurs in a State of Confusion
The Sunderland manager used his creative talent in a deeper position to start, before releasing him up the pitch as the game progressed. The switch proved inspired, with he turning into the architect of his team's comeback for an equalizing goal. Following glancing the woodwork, Le Fée provided a perfect pass for the levelling finish. Now fully adapted to the intensity of the Premier League, his impact continues to grow.
Nuno Espírito Santo Misses Opportunity to Introduce Pablo Felipe
Amid an dismal defeat for West Ham, boss Nuno opted not to introduce any of his named replacements. This included new signing the Brazilian striker, who stayed on the bench even with his side's complete lack of threat. He suggested it would have been "unjust" to throw the fresh player into the action. Yet, with firepower at a dearth, the need to integrate the 22-year-old rapidly is painfully apparent.
Lewis Miley States Another Huge Claim
Lewis Miley delivered a further outstanding performance whilst operating at right-back. The midfielder was impeccable in his defensive duties, provided the breakthrough, and set the standard in a scrappy affair. With specialist full-backs available, the question for manager Eddie Howe is how to include the astonishingly talented player in his best central midfield position. "Coming Newcastle sides will surely be designed on Miley," seems an increasingly accurate statement.
Could the New Manager Bounce Fading at Nottingham Forest?
Sean Dyche's early effect at Forest was notable, but questions are starting to surface about the squad's versatility. Their transition threat exists, but appears diminished without key personnel. Whilst disciplined when defending deep, they can struggle when forced to come from behind. Giving the ball away in these circumstances has proven costly, a lesson they have to address quickly.
9. Thiago's Scoring Form Halts Brentford's Poor Road Form
Thomas Frank's team put in a display that masked their poor away record. Central to their commanding victory was the red-hot form of striker the goal-getter. The striker's goals are providing a platform for the side to build on. Attacker the German international even mentioned the lofty aspiration of a top-seven finish as a target, highlighting the fresh optimism in the team.
