Premier League: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Matches
This past batch of English games provided no shortage of excitement, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. From duels between bosses to personal masterclasses, we examine the key conversations stemming from the encounters.
1. McFarlane Stands Firm Against Pep Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's unforeseen confrontation with the Manchester City boss evoked memories of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. For the Chelsea boss, taking charge for his first-team coaching bow, the mission was overcoming his side's dreadful recent record versus the champions. An injury-time strike from Enzo Fernández secured a valuable result, something past managers had found it tough to do.
The Reds' Struggle to See Out Matches
Despite the German playmaker finding the net, Liverpool ended up frustrated after surrendering a winning position slip away at the Cottagers. The concern of not managing to control games when in front persists, with the squad nearly squandering identical margins in previous outings. Before they master the skill of defending a lead, the season will remain a difficult one.
3. Rice Supports Gyökeres to Find Form
The Swedish forward is experiencing a significant run without scoring from open play, but his fellow star Declan Rice is adamant the forward is nonetheless immensely influential. The midfielder pointed to his pressing and unselfish efforts as integral to Mikel Arteta's side success. "The goals are going to follow," was his supportive assessment for his off-colour colleague.
4. Amorim Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Improve
With the Red Devils setting up in a notably conservative way, the burden fell on the forward duo to make the difference. Whereas the Brazilian maintained his impressive form, the summer signing endured another frustrating afternoon. The young striker has scored hard to come by since his major move and missed a late opportunity to snatch the match. The new year offers a clear requirement for him to find his confidence.
5. Le Fée Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle
Régis Le Bris used his creative talent in a deeper role to start, before pushing him up the pitch as the match developed. The move was inspired, with he becoming the main instigator of the visitor's push for an equalizing goal. Following directing the upright, Le Fée delivered a sumptuous assist for the levelling goal. Having fully adapted to the pace of the Premier League, his impact continues to grow.
Nuno Espírito Santo Misses Opportunity to Use Pablo Felipe
During an woeful defeat for the London club, manager the Portuguese coach opted not to use any of his available replacements. This included recent acquisition Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench even with his team's utter failure to score. He reasoned it would have been "unfair" to throw the new player into the fray. Yet, with goals at a premium, the urgency to assimilate the youngster rapidly is abundantly clear.
7. Miley Delivers A Further Big Case
The 19-year-old produced a further outstanding showing whilst filling in in an unfamiliar role. He was impeccable in his defensive duties, created the breakthrough, and lifted the team in a scrappy affair. With first-choice full-backs back, the conundrum for coach Eddie Howe is whether to fit the astonishingly talented teenager in his best engine room role. "Next Newcastle teams will certainly be constructed with him," seems an a safe statement.
8. Is the Sean Dyche Impact Wearing Thin at The City Ground?
The manager's early effect at Nottingham Forest was admirable, but doubts are now emerge about the side's adaptability. Forest's counter-attacking threat exists, but seems diminished without certain players. While disciplined when defending deep, Forest have looked vulnerable when required to come from behind. Cheap turnovers in such circumstances has been disastrous, a issue they need to solve rapidly.
The Striker's Scoring Form Stops The Bees' Travel Woes
The West London club produced a showing that masked their poor travel sickness. Key to their commanding win was the in-form form of striker the goal-getter. Thiago's finishing are offering a platform for the side to aim higher. Attacker he even floated the optimistic target of a top-seven finish as a possibility, underlining the renewed optimism coursing through the squad.
