Premier League: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Action
The latest set of top-flight fixtures provided plenty of intrigue, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from duels between coaches to individual brilliance, we examine the major points stemming from the matches.
The Chelsea Boss Holds His Own When Facing A Master Tactician
Calum McFarlane's unforeseen confrontation with Pep Guardiola evoked memories of previous unequal sideline contests. For the debutant, making his senior coaching bow, the challenge was ending Chelsea's astonishingly bad sequence against Guardiola's side. A last-gasp strike from the Argentine midfielder secured a hard-fought result, an achievement past managers had struggled to do.
The Reds' Struggle to See Out Matches
Despite their big-money signing finding the net, Liverpool ended up disappointed after letting a winning position slip away against Fulham. The problem of being unable to command matches when in the lead remains, with the side almost throwing away similar advantages in earlier matches. Until Slot's men master the art of seeing out a game, the campaign promises to be a difficult affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Backs The Swedish Striker to Start Scoring
Viktor Gyökeres is going through a notable goal drought from general play, but his teammate Declan Rice has stressed the number nine is nonetheless vitally important. The midfielder pointed to his hold-up play and unselfish performances as integral to Arsenal's success. "Success are sure to arrive," was his optimistic prediction for his off-colour strike partner.
Ruben Amorim Needs Benjamin Sesko to Find His Edge
Given Ruben Amorim's team lining up in a notably defensive way, the responsibility was placed on the forward pair to make the difference. While one forward persisted with his fine form, Benjamin Sesko experienced another difficult afternoon. The Slovenian has hit the net elusive since his high-profile transfer and wasted a golden opening to claim the game. The new year provides a obvious requirement for Sesko to find his confidence.
5. Le Fée Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle
The Sunderland manager used Enzo Le Fée in a more defensive role to start, before unleashing him further forward as the contest developed. The decision proved inspired, with the playmaker becoming the architect of the visitor's comeback for an leveler. After hitting the post, Le Fée delivered a perfect through ball for the crucial goal. Having found his feet to the intensity of the top flight, his influence is on the rise.
The West Ham Manager Misses Opportunity to Use Pablo
Amid an dismal defeat for the Hammers, head coach Nuno chose against use any of his available replacements. Among them was new signing the Brazilian striker, who stayed on the bench despite his club's chronic ineffectiveness. He felt it would have been "too harsh" to throw the recently-arrived recruit into the fray. Yet, with scoring at a premium, the need to integrate the new boy rapidly is glaringly clear.
Lewis Miley Makes Yet Another Big Case
The teenage sensation produced yet another exceptional display whilst operating in an unfamiliar role. The youngster was excellent in his own half, provided the breakthrough, and raised the tone in a stop-start encounter. Now that established right-backs available, the dilemma for boss the Newcastle boss is whether to include the remarkably talented player in his best engine room position. "Next Toon sides will surely be constructed on the lad," seems an ever more fair assessment.
8. Is the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?
The manager's first effect at Nottingham Forest was notable, but doubts are beginning to emerge about the team's plan B. Their counter-attacking prowess remains, but seems less potent without previous players. Whilst well-organised when defending deep, Forest have been exposed when required to come from behind. Losing possession in such moments has proven punishing, a lesson they must rectify quickly.
Igor Thiago's Scoring Form Ends Brentford's Travel Woes
Thomas Frank's team put in a performance that belied their poor travel sickness. Central to their dominant victory was the red-hot scoring of number nine Igor Thiago. His finishing are giving a platform for the side to build on. Winger the German international even mentioned the lofty target of continental football as a target, emphasizing the fresh confidence in the team.
