England's Top Division: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Matches
The latest round of Premier League action provided a wealth of intrigue, shock outcomes, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from battles between bosses to personal masterclasses, we examine the primary points stemming from the matches.
Calum McFarlane Stands Firm Versus A Master Tactician
Calum McFarlane's surprise duel with Pep Guardiola brought back memories of past unequal sideline contests. For the debutant, making his top-level management debut, the challenge was ending the Blues' astonishingly bad run of form when playing the champions. A last-gasp strike from the Chelsea star earned a crucial draw, something past managers had found it tough to do.
The Reds' Failure to See Out Matches
Even with their big-money signing getting the net, Liverpool finished frustrated after letting a advantage slip away versus Fulham. The issue of failing to manage encounters when ahead continues, with the squad previously squandering similar advantages in recent outings. Until they learn the knack of seeing out a game, the campaign is likely to stay a difficult affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Backs Gyökeres to Start Scoring
Viktor Gyökeres is going through a lengthy run without scoring from open play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin is adamant the player is nonetheless immensely influential. He praised the striker's pressing and unselfish contributions as integral to Arsenal's form. "The goals are bound to arrive," was his confident assessment for his off-colour strike partner.
4. Amorim Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up
Given Manchester United lining up in a notably defensive way, the burden fell on the offensive partnership to produce. While the Brazilian persisted with his excellent run, Benjamin Sesko experienced another forgettable outing. The Slovenian has found goals elusive since his big-money move and wasted a excellent opportunity to claim the game. January presents a pressing imperative for him to find his scoring touch.
5. Le Fée Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a State of Confusion
The Black Cats boss deployed the French midfielder in a more defensive position initially, before unleashing him up the pitch as the game wore on. The decision turned out to be inspired, with the playmaker emerging as the chief creator of the visitor's push for an leveler. After glancing the woodwork, the midfielder provided a exquisite through ball for the levelling goal. Having found his feet to the demands of the top flight, his campaign keeps improving.
The West Ham Manager Misses Chance to Use Pablo
Amid an woeful loss for the Hammers, manager the Portuguese coach decided not to utilize any of his named substitutes. This meant new signing the forward, who remained unused even with his team's complete failure to score. He reasoned it would have been "unjust" to send the new recruit into the match. Yet, with firepower at a shortage, the urgency to assimilate the new boy quickly is painfully obvious.
Lewis Miley Makes Another Major Claim
Lewis Miley turned in a further outstanding showing while filling in in an unfamiliar role. He was flawless in defence, created the opening goal, and lifted the team in a scrappy encounter. With first-choice defenders back, the conundrum for coach Eddie Howe is how to include the remarkably composed youngster in his preferred midfield role. "Future Newcastle line-ups will undoubtedly be constructed on him," seems an ever more accurate prediction.
Could the New Manager Bounce Fading at The City Ground?
Sean Dyche's early influence at Forest was positive, but concerns are starting to arise about the team's versatility. Their transition threat is still there, but appears less potent without previous personnel. While disciplined when defending deep, Dyche's men can struggle when needing to come from behind. Losing possession in such situations has been disastrous, a lesson they must address rapidly.
9. Thiago's Scoring Form Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Poor Road Form
Thomas Frank's team delivered a performance that belied their dismal form on the road. Central to their commanding display was the in-form form of striker the goal-getter. His goals are offering a platform for the team to aim higher. Teammate Kevin Schade even mentioned the lofty dream of a top-seven finish as a possibility, underlining the growing optimism coursing through the squad.
