Premier League: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Action
This past set of top-flight action served up no shortage of intrigue, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. From battles between managers to star performances, we examine the primary conversations emerging from the games.
The Chelsea Boss Makes a Statement When Facing Pep Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's surprise duel with Pep Guardiola brought back memories of previous unequal sideline contests. In the case of the debutant, taking charge for his first-team management debut, the task was ending Chelsea's astonishingly bad recent record against Manchester City. An injury-time equaliser from the Chelsea star snatched a valuable result, an achievement former managers had failed to achieve.
Arne Slot's Inability to Close Games Out
Even with the German playmaker scoring the net, Liverpool finished frustrated after allowing a lead slip away at Marco Silva's side. The concern of being unable to manage encounters when in the lead persists, with the side nearly squandering identical leads in recent weeks. Until they master the knack of killing off matches, the season promises to be a frustrating one.
The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In Gyökeres to Start Scoring
The Swedish forward is experiencing a notable goal drought from live action, but his teammate the England international has stressed the forward is still vitally important. Rice highlighted his hold-up play and unselfish efforts as crucial to Arsenal's title charge. "The goals are going to come," was Rice's optimistic message for his misfiring colleague.
The United Boss Must Get Sesko to Improve
Given Ruben Amorim's team lining up in a notably defensive manner, the onus rested with the offensive duo to deliver. While the Brazilian maintained his excellent performances, Benjamin Sesko experienced another forgettable game. The Slovenian has hit the net scarce since his big-money switch and wasted a late opening to win the contest. The new year offers a obvious need for the striker to find his form.
Enzo Le Fée Puts Spurs in a State of Confusion
The Sunderland manager deployed his creative talent in a more defensive position initially, before pushing him up the pitch as the match developed. The decision proved a masterstroke, with Le Fée emerging as the main instigator of Sunderland's push for an leveler. Following glancing the post, Le Fée provided a sumptuous assist for the all-important strike. Having fully adapted to the intensity of the English game, his campaign keeps improving.
Nuno Espírito Santo Wastes Chance to Introduce Pablo Felipe
During an woeful performance for West Ham, head coach Nuno chose against utilize any of his available replacements. Among them was recent acquisition the Brazilian striker, who watched on despite his club's complete ineffectiveness. Nuno reasoned it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the new recruit into the action. But, with firepower at a dearth, the imperative to integrate the youngster as soon as possible is abundantly apparent.
7. Miley States A Further Major Case
Lewis Miley produced yet another exceptional performance whilst playing at right-back. He was impeccable in defence, provided the first goal, and set the standard in a untidy match. With first-choice right-backs back, the dilemma for boss the Newcastle boss is if to fit the incredibly talented player in his preferred midfield role. "Next Toon line-ups will undoubtedly be built around him," seems an ever more accurate assessment.
8. Is the Dyche Effect Running Out at Forest?
The former Burnley boss's initial influence at Forest was notable, but questions are beginning to emerge about the squad's adaptability. Their transition threat exists, but appears less potent without key attackers. Whilst disciplined when protecting a lead, they can struggle when needing to come from behind. Losing possession in these circumstances has proven disastrous, a lesson they must address immediately.
The Striker's Goal Rush Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Travel Woes
Thomas Frank's team put in a display that masked their dismal away record. Central to their dominant victory was the in-form scoring of number nine the Brazilian. The striker's presence are giving a foundation for the team to aim higher. Teammate Kevin Schade even floated the lofty aspiration of a top-seven finish as a possibility, underlining the growing confidence coursing through the camp.
