Top-Flight Football: Ten Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Matches
The most recent round of Premier League fixtures served up a wealth of drama, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from duels between managers to personal masterclasses, here are the major conversations stemming from the matches.
1. McFarlane Holds His Own When Facing Pep Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's unexpected battle with Pep Guardiola recalled thoughts of past unequal sideline contests. In the case of the debutant, taking charge for his senior coaching bow, the task was overcoming the Blues' woeful recent record when playing Guardiola's side. A dramatic strike from the Chelsea star secured a valuable point, a feat previous incumbents had found it tough to accomplish.
2. Liverpool's Inability to Shut Up Shop
Despite their big-money signing scoring the net, Liverpool were left disappointed after letting a winning position slip against the Cottagers. The problem of not managing to manage matches when in front persists, with the side nearly squandering comparable leads in recent matches. Before they learn the knack of seeing out a game, the quest will remain a frustrating affair.
3. Rice Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Fire
Arsenal's striker is enduring a significant goal drought from general play, but his teammate the England international insists the player is nevertheless vitally valuable. Rice praised Gyökeres' hold-up play and team-oriented performances as crucial to Arsenal's success. "The goals are bound to come," was his optimistic assessment for his misfiring strike partner.
Ruben Amorim Requires The Slovenian to Sharpen Up
Given the Red Devils setting up in a incredibly cautious manner, the responsibility fell on the forward pair to make the difference. Whereas Matheus Cunha persisted with his fine run, Benjamin Sesko suffered another difficult game. The Slovenian has scored hard to come by since his high-profile move and spurned a excellent opportunity to win the contest. The new year offers a pressing need for him to discover his scoring touch.
5. Le FĂ©e Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Spin
The Sunderland manager deployed his creative talent in a deeper role at first, before unleashing him further forward as the match developed. The decision turned out to be inspired, with Le FĂ©e emerging as the chief creator of his team's comeback for an leveler. After glancing the upright, the midfielder delivered a perfect assist for the levelling goal. Having found his feet to the intensity of the top flight, his campaign keeps improving.
6. Nuno Wastes Chance to Use Pablo
Amid an woeful performance for the Hammers, boss Nuno decided not to introduce any of his permitted bench players. This included January recruit the Brazilian striker, who watched on even with his team's utter lack of threat. He suggested it would have been "unjust" to send the recently-arrived player into the action. Yet, with firepower at a premium, the imperative to blood the youngster rapidly is painfully clear.
7. Miley Delivers A Further Big Statement
The teenage sensation turned in a further superb display while playing at right-back. The midfielder was impeccable in his defensive duties, set up the breakthrough, and lifted the team in a stop-start encounter. With first-choice full-backs available, the question for boss him is if to fit the astonishingly mature player in his natural midfield berth. "Future Newcastle teams will undoubtedly be designed around the lad," seems an ever more safe prediction.
Could the Sean Dyche Impact Running Out at The City Ground?
The former Burnley boss's initial effect at Nottingham Forest was admirable, but questions are beginning to emerge about the side's adaptability. Forest's breakaway ability exists, but seems reduced without certain attackers. Whilst structured when protecting a lead, Dyche's men have looked vulnerable when needing to open up. Cheap turnovers in such situations has proven costly, a problem they must solve immediately.
Igor Thiago's Hot Streak Stops Brentford's Travel Woes
Brentford produced a performance that belied their troubled form on the road. Key to their commanding display was the in-form streak of number nine the Brazilian. Thiago's presence are giving a foundation for the team to progress. Winger Kevin Schade even mentioned the optimistic aspiration of European qualification as a target, underlining the fresh confidence coursing through the team.
