England's Top Division: 10 Crucial Takeaways from the Weekend's Action
The most recent round of Premier League fixtures delivered no shortage of excitement, unexpected scores, and fascinating storylines. From clashes between bosses to individual brilliance, we examine the key discussions emerging from the encounters.
Calum McFarlane Stands Firm Versus Pep Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's unforeseen battle with Pep Guardiola evoked thoughts of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the debutant, making his senior management debut, the challenge was ending the Blues' woeful recent record against Manchester City. A last-gasp equaliser from the Argentine midfielder snatched a crucial draw, an achievement former coaches had failed to do.
2. Liverpool's Struggle to See Out Matches
Even with their big-money signing getting the net, Arne Slot's team finished disappointed after allowing a winning position slip away against Marco Silva's side. The issue of failing to command games when in the lead continues, with the team almost letting slip comparable margins in previous weeks. Before Slot's men learn the knack of seeing out a game, the quest is likely to stay a difficult affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Supports The Swedish Striker to Start Scoring
The Swedish forward is experiencing a significant run without scoring from open play, but his midfield colleague the England international is adamant the forward is nonetheless hugely important. Rice pointed to his work off the ball and unselfish contributions as key to Arsenal's form. "Success are sure to follow," was his optimistic prediction for his misfiring teammate.
Ruben Amorim Requires Sesko to Find His Edge
Given the Red Devils adopting in a incredibly conservative manner, the burden was placed on the attacking partnership to deliver. While the Brazilian maintained his fine performances, his strike partner experienced another difficult outing. The Slovenian has hit the net scarce since his big-money transfer and wasted a late chance to win the contest. The new year presents a pressing imperative for him to find his form.
The Sunderland Star Puts Tottenham in a Muddle
RĂ©gis Le Bris used Enzo Le FĂ©e in a unfamiliar role to start, before unleashing him up the pitch as the game wore on. The move was a masterstroke, with he emerging as the main instigator of his team's comeback for an equalizing goal. After hitting the post, Le FĂ©e delivered a perfect assist for the all-important strike. Having found his feet to the demands of the top flight, his impact is on the rise.
Nuno EspĂrito Santo Fails to Take Opportunity to Bed In New Signing
During an embarrassing performance for West Ham, boss Nuno EspĂrito Santo opted not to utilize any of his named substitutes. This meant recent acquisition the forward, who watched on despite his club's complete failure to score. Nuno reasoned it would have been "unjust" to send the fresh striker into the action. Yet, with scoring at a dearth, the need to blood the youngster as soon as possible is glaringly apparent.
Lewis Miley Delivers A Further Big Statement
The teenage sensation turned in yet another outstanding showing whilst operating out of position. The midfielder was impeccable in his defensive duties, provided the opening goal, and lifted the team in a scrappy affair. With specialist full-backs back, the dilemma for manager Eddie Howe is if to fit the remarkably talented player in his best engine room role. "Future Toon teams will surely be constructed on Miley," seems an ever more fair assessment.
8. Is the Dyche Effect Running Out at Forest?
The former Burnley boss's first effect at Forest was positive, but doubts are starting to arise about the side's plan B. The team's transition threat remains, but appears diminished without previous players. Although disciplined when sitting back, Forest have looked vulnerable when required to open up. Cheap turnovers in those circumstances has proven punishing, a issue they need to solve rapidly.
Igor Thiago's Scoring Form Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Poor Road Form
The West London club produced a performance that contradicted their poor travel sickness. Key to their dominant victory was the in-form form of number nine Igor Thiago. The striker's goals are giving a platform for the side to build on. Teammate he even mentioned the optimistic dream of European qualification as a potential outcome, highlighting the fresh optimism within the squad.
