Premier League: Ten Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Action
The most recent set of top-flight action delivered a wealth of intrigue, shock outcomes, and compelling narratives. Ranging from duels between managers to personal masterclasses, here are the key discussions coming out of the matches.
The Chelsea Boss Holds His Own When Facing A Master Tactician
Calum McFarlane's unexpected duel with the Manchester City boss recalled memories of previous David vs Goliath coaching battles. For the debutant, taking charge for his top-level maiden game, the task was ending his side's astonishingly bad run of form against Guardiola's side. A last-gasp goal from Enzo FernĂĄndez secured a hard-fought draw, an achievement previous incumbents had found it tough to achieve.
2. Liverpool's Struggle to Shut Up Shop
Despite their big-money signing finding the net, the Merseyside club were left disappointed after allowing a advantage evaporate against Fulham. The problem of failing to command matches when ahead remains, with the side nearly squandering similar advantages in recent matches. Before the team learn the art of seeing out a game, the campaign promises to be a challenging affair.
3. Rice Supports The Swedish Striker to Find Form
The Swedish forward is experiencing a lengthy dry spell from open play, but his midfield colleague the England international is adamant the number nine is nonetheless hugely important. He highlighted his hold-up play and unselfish contributions as crucial to Arsenal's form. "The goals are sure to come," was Rice's supportive prediction for his struggling teammate.
The United Boss Needs The Slovenian to Sharpen Up
Given the Red Devils adopting in a notably cautious way, the burden rested with the offensive pair to make the difference. While Matheus Cunha persisted with his excellent run, his strike partner suffered another frustrating game. The young striker has scored elusive since his big-money move and missed a excellent opportunity to claim the contest. The new year offers a clear imperative for the striker to regain his form.
5. Le FĂ©e Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Spin
RĂ©gis Le Bris positioned the French midfielder in a unfamiliar role initially, before pushing him further forward as the contest wore on. The move turned out to be a masterstroke, with he turning into the architect of Sunderland's fightback for an equalizing goal. Following glancing the woodwork, the midfielder supplied a perfect assist for the crucial goal. Having found his feet to the intensity of the top flight, his influence continues to grow.
The West Ham Manager Misses Chance to Use Pablo
During an dismal loss for West Ham, boss Nuno chose against introduce any of his permitted substitutes. Among them was January recruit Pablo Felipe, who remained unused even with his team's complete failure to score. He reasoned it would have been "too harsh" to throw the recently-arrived player into the action. Yet, with goals at a dearth, the imperative to integrate the youngster as soon as possible is painfully clear.
Lewis Miley States Yet Another Huge Claim
The 19-year-old delivered another superb performance while filling in out of position. He was excellent in his own half, set up the first goal, and lifted the team in a stop-start encounter. With specialist right-backs back, the question for boss him is if to include the incredibly mature player in his best central midfield role. "Future Magpies teams will undoubtedly be designed with Miley," seems an a fair prediction.
Could the Dyche Effect Fading at Nottingham Forest?
The former Burnley boss's early influence at Nottingham Forest was positive, but questions are beginning to surface about the squad's plan B. Their breakaway prowess is still there, but looks less potent without key attackers. Whilst structured when protecting a lead, Dyche's men can struggle when required to open up. Losing possession in these moments has been disastrous, a issue they have to rectify rapidly.
9. Thiago's Scoring Form Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues
Thomas Frank's team delivered a performance that masked their dismal travel sickness. Central to their impressive victory was the red-hot streak of number nine the goal-getter. His goals are offering a foundation for the team to progress. Winger Kevin Schade even mentioned the ambitious aspiration of a top-seven finish as a potential outcome, emphasizing the renewed confidence within the camp.
