Premier League: 10 Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Fixtures
The most recent round of Premier League games delivered plenty of drama, shock outcomes, and compelling narratives. From battles between bosses to star performances, we examine the primary conversations emerging from the games.
The Chelsea Boss Stands Firm Versus Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's surprise confrontation with the Manchester City boss brought back memories of previous David vs Goliath coaching battles. For the debutant, embarking on his top-level maiden game, the challenge was halting his side's dreadful sequence versus the champions. A last-gasp strike from the Chelsea star snatched a valuable result, a feat past managers had found it tough to do.
2. Liverpool's Inability to See Out Matches
Despite the German playmaker getting the net, the Merseyside club finished aggrieved after allowing a advantage slip away against Fulham. The problem of failing to control matches when in the lead persists, with the team almost throwing away comparable advantages in recent outings. Until the team learn the knack of killing off matches, the campaign is likely to stay a difficult affair.
3. Rice Supports The Swedish Striker to Start Scoring
Viktor Gyökeres is experiencing a significant goal drought from open play, but his teammate the Gunners lynchpin insists the player is nonetheless hugely valuable. Rice highlighted the striker's hold-up play and selfless performances as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side form. "The goals are bound to come," was Rice's confident prediction for his misfiring teammate.
Ruben Amorim Needs The Slovenian to Find His Edge
Given the Red Devils adopting in a notably defensive way, the responsibility rested with the offensive partnership to produce. Whereas one forward persisted with his fine performances, Benjamin Sesko suffered another frustrating afternoon. He has found goals scarce since his high-profile move and wasted a golden opening to win the match. The new year presents a obvious imperative for Sesko to find his scoring touch.
Enzo Le FĂ©e Leaves Tottenham in a Muddle
RĂ©gis Le Bris used Enzo Le FĂ©e in a more defensive role to start, before pushing him up the pitch as the game progressed. The decision was inspired, with he emerging as the chief creator of Sunderland's push for an equaliser. After hitting the post, he delivered a perfect through ball for the crucial goal. Having fully adapted to the intensity of the Premier League, his campaign is on the rise.
The West Ham Manager Wastes Opportunity to Introduce Pablo
Amid an woeful loss for West Ham, manager the Portuguese coach decided not to utilize any of his permitted substitutes. This meant new signing the forward, who remained unused despite his side's chronic ineffectiveness. The manager reasoned it would have been "unjust" to send the recently-arrived recruit into the fray. But, with firepower at a shortage, the need to blood the 22-year-old rapidly is abundantly obvious.
7. Miley Delivers Yet Another Major Claim
The 19-year-old produced yet another outstanding display while filling in at right-back. The youngster was impeccable in his own half, set up the opening goal, and set the standard in a untidy encounter. Now that first-choice full-backs returning, the dilemma for boss him is how to fit the incredibly composed youngster in his preferred engine room berth. "Coming Magpies sides will undoubtedly be constructed around him," seems an ever more safe statement.
Could the Dyche Effect Fading at The City Ground?
The former Burnley boss's first effect at Forest was notable, but questions are beginning to emerge about the side's adaptability. Forest's transition ability remains, but seems diminished in the absence of key personnel. Although structured when sitting back, Dyche's men have looked vulnerable when needing to open up. Giving the ball away in these moments has been punishing, a issue they have to solve rapidly.
9. Thiago's Scoring Form Halts Brentford's Travel Woes
Brentford produced a showing that belied their dismal away record. Vital to their commanding victory was the prolific form of number nine the goal-getter. The striker's finishing are giving a base for the side to build on. Attacker the German international even suggested the lofty aspiration of continental football as a target, highlighting the growing belief coursing through the team.
