England's Top Division: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Matches
The most recent round of Premier League fixtures delivered plenty of drama, shock outcomes, and compelling narratives. Ranging from battles between managers to individual brilliance, we examine the key discussions emerging from the matches.
Calum McFarlane Makes a Statement When Facing A Master Tactician
The Chelsea manager's unexpected confrontation with the Manchester City boss recalled thoughts of earlier managerial mismatches. For McFarlane, embarking on his top-level management debut, the challenge was overcoming Chelsea's dreadful sequence versus Guardiola's side. A last-gasp goal from the Chelsea star secured a hard-fought draw, an achievement previous coaches had found it tough to achieve.
The Reds' Struggle to Close Games Out
Despite the German playmaker finding the net, the Merseyside club finished frustrated after letting a winning position evaporate against the Cottagers. The problem of failing to control encounters when in the lead persists, with the team previously letting slip similar leads in recent outings. Before they master the skill of defending a lead, the campaign promises to be a frustrating one.
Declan Rice Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring
Arsenal's striker is going through a lengthy dry spell from open play, but his fellow star Declan Rice has stressed the player is still hugely valuable. He pointed to his work off the ball and selfless contributions as key to the league leaders success. "Good things are bound to arrive," was Rice's optimistic message for his off-colour colleague.
4. Amorim Needs Sesko to Sharpen Up
With the Red Devils adopting in a particularly conservative way, the responsibility fell on the attacking pair to deliver. While one forward continued his fine run, Benjamin Sesko suffered another forgettable game. The Slovenian has found goals elusive since his major switch and spurned a golden opening to win the contest. The new year offers a clear requirement for him to find his confidence.
The Sunderland Star Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a State of Confusion
Régis Le Bris used Enzo Le Fée in a deeper role to start, before unleashing him further forward as the game wore on. The move proved a masterstroke, with he emerging as the main instigator of Sunderland's push for an equalizing goal. After glancing the woodwork, he supplied a exquisite through ball for the levelling goal. Having found his feet to the pace of the Premier League, his campaign keeps improving.
The West Ham Manager Wastes Chance to Bed In New Signing
In a woeful performance for the Hammers, manager Nuno Espírito Santo chose against utilize any of his named replacements. This meant new signing Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench even with his team's chronic ineffectiveness. Nuno suggested it would have been "unjust" to introduce the new striker into the fray. Yet, with goals at a dearth, the imperative to blood the 22-year-old as soon as possible is abundantly apparent.
Lewis Miley States Yet Another Big Claim
The 19-year-old produced yet another exceptional display while operating at right-back. He was flawless in his own half, set up the breakthrough, and raised the tone in a scrappy affair. Now that specialist defenders available, the dilemma for boss the Newcastle boss is how to fit the incredibly talented player in his natural central midfield role. "Future Newcastle teams will surely be designed with the lad," seems an ever more accurate statement.
Are the Sean Dyche Impact Running Out at Forest?
The former Burnley boss's early effect at Forest was admirable, but questions are beginning to arise about the team's adaptability. Their counter-attacking prowess remains, but appears less potent without key personnel. Whilst structured when sitting back, Forest have been exposed when required to open up. Giving the ball away in those situations has shown punishing, a problem they need to solve rapidly.
9. Thiago's Hot Streak Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues
The West London club put in a showing that belied their troubled away record. Central to their commanding victory was the in-form streak of forward the Brazilian. The striker's presence are providing a foundation for the side to progress. Attacker the German international even floated the optimistic target of European qualification as a target, highlighting the renewed confidence within the squad.
