Top-Flight Football: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Action
This past round of Premier League games served up plenty of excitement, surprise results, and interesting subplots. From duels between managers to personal masterclasses, we examine the major conversations stemming from the matches.
Calum McFarlane Makes a Statement When Facing Pep Guardiola
The young coach's unforeseen duel with the Manchester City boss evoked thoughts of earlier managerial mismatches. In the case of the Chelsea boss, taking charge for his top-level maiden game, the challenge was ending Chelsea's dreadful recent record against the champions. A last-gasp strike from the Chelsea star snatched a valuable draw, a feat past incumbents had found it tough to do.
2. Liverpool's Failure to Shut Up Shop
Even with the German playmaker finding the net, the Merseyside club were left aggrieved after surrendering a advantage slip against the Cottagers. The problem of not managing to manage games when in the lead persists, with the team almost letting slip comparable advantages in previous weeks. Before they learn the skill of killing off matches, the campaign promises to be a difficult affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In Gyökeres to Fire
Arsenal's striker is enduring a notable run without scoring from general play, but his midfield colleague the England international insists the player is still vitally important. He pointed to the striker's work off the ball and team-oriented contributions as integral to Arsenal's form. "The goals are bound to come," was his optimistic assessment for his misfiring colleague.
The United Boss Requires Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up
Given Ruben Amorim's team setting up in a particularly defensive manner, the burden was placed on the forward partnership to make the difference. While one forward continued his excellent run, his strike partner suffered another forgettable game. The Slovenian has hit the net elusive since his major move and wasted a golden opportunity to win the game. January offers a pressing imperative for him to discover his scoring touch.
Enzo Le Fée Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a State of Confusion
The Black Cats boss positioned his creative talent in a more defensive position initially, before pushing him further forward as the game wore on. The move was inspired, with Le Fée becoming the main instigator of Sunderland's fightback for an equalizing goal. After hitting the woodwork, the midfielder provided a perfect assist for the all-important goal. Having settled in to the intensity of the Premier League, his impact is on the rise.
The West Ham Manager Misses Chance to Bed In Pablo Felipe
Amid an dismal performance for West Ham, head coach Nuno Espírito Santo chose against utilize any of his named substitutes. This included new signing Pablo Felipe, who watched on despite his team's utter failure to score. He reasoned it would have been "unjust" to send the new player into the action. However, with goals at a dearth, the need to assimilate the 22-year-old rapidly is glaringly obvious.
The Teenager States Another Big Statement
The 19-year-old turned in yet another superb display whilst operating out of position. The youngster was flawless in defence, set up the breakthrough, and lifted the team in a untidy match. Now that established right-backs returning, the question for manager him is whether to accommodate the remarkably mature youngster in his natural central midfield position. "Next Toon teams will certainly be constructed on him," seems an increasingly fair assessment.
Could the Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at Forest?
Sean Dyche's early impact at Nottingham Forest was positive, but doubts are now emerge about the team's adaptability. Forest's breakaway threat remains, but looks less potent in the absence of previous attackers. Whilst disciplined when sitting back, Dyche's men have been exposed when needing to come from behind. Cheap turnovers in such moments has shown punishing, a lesson they must solve quickly.
9. Thiago's Hot Streak Ends Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues
The West London club delivered a performance that belied their troubled away record. Key to their commanding win was the red-hot form of forward the Brazilian. Thiago's presence are offering a foundation for the side to aim higher. Winger he even mentioned the lofty target of European qualification as a target, highlighting the growing belief within the team.
