Premier League: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Matches
The latest batch of English action served up plenty of excitement, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from battles between coaches to individual brilliance, we examine the key discussions stemming from the matches.
The Chelsea Boss Makes a Statement Against Pep Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's surprise confrontation with the Manchester City boss recalled memories of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of McFarlane, making his first-team maiden game, the task was overcoming his side's woeful recent record versus the champions. A last-gasp strike from the Argentine midfielder snatched a hard-fought result, a feat past incumbents had failed to accomplish.
The Reds' Struggle to Close Games Out
Even with the German playmaker scoring the net, Arne Slot's team ended up aggrieved after allowing a advantage slip away at the Cottagers. The issue of not managing to command matches when in the lead continues, with the side almost throwing away comparable advantages in previous matches. Until they discover the skill of seeing out a game, the season promises to be a challenging process.
The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Fire
The Swedish forward is enduring a significant goal drought from live action, but his midfield colleague the England international insists the number nine is nonetheless hugely influential. Rice pointed to Gyökeres' pressing and unselfish efforts as integral to Arsenal's title charge. "Good things are going to arrive," was Rice's supportive message for his misfiring colleague.
Ruben Amorim Must Get Sesko to Improve
With Manchester United adopting in a incredibly cautious fashion, the responsibility fell on the forward pair to deliver. Whereas the Brazilian persisted with his excellent performances, the summer signing suffered another frustrating outing. The young striker has scored elusive since his major move and spurned a late opportunity to claim the game. The new year presents a pressing imperative for him to find his confidence.
5. Le Fée Puts Spurs in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss positioned the French midfielder in a more defensive position initially, before pushing him up the pitch as the match developed. The switch turned out to be a masterstroke, with he becoming the architect of the visitor's comeback for an equalizing goal. Following hitting the post, the midfielder delivered a perfect assist for the crucial strike. Now fully adapted to the demands of the Premier League, his campaign continues to grow.
The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Chance to Bed In Pablo
Amid an embarrassing loss for West Ham, manager Nuno Espírito Santo chose against use any of his available substitutes. This included recent acquisition the Brazilian striker, who remained unused even with his team's utter failure to score. Nuno felt it would have been "unjust" to throw the recently-arrived player into the action. Yet, with scoring at a shortage, the need to blood the 22-year-old as soon as possible is abundantly obvious.
7. Miley States A Further Big Claim
The 19-year-old delivered yet another exceptional performance whilst playing in an unfamiliar role. The midfielder was excellent in his own half, set up the breakthrough, and lifted the team in a untidy match. Now that specialist right-backs back, the conundrum for boss the Newcastle boss is how to fit the remarkably talented player in his preferred engine room berth. "Next Toon sides will undoubtedly be constructed on Miley," seems an ever more fair prediction.
8. Is the Sean Dyche Impact Running Out at Nottingham Forest?
The manager's initial impact at the club was positive, but concerns are starting to arise about the team's versatility. The team's breakaway ability is still there, but appears diminished in the absence of certain players. Whilst well-organised when sitting back, Forest have looked vulnerable when needing to come from behind. Giving the ball away in those moments has shown disastrous, a issue they must address rapidly.
The Striker's Hot Streak Stops The Bees' Poor Road Form
Thomas Frank's team delivered a performance that belied their dismal travel sickness. Central to their dominant victory was the red-hot form of striker the Brazilian. His finishing are giving a foundation for the team to build on. Teammate the German international even floated the ambitious aspiration of continental football as a potential outcome, emphasizing the growing belief coursing through the team.
