England's Top Division: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Fixtures
The most recent round of Premier League action delivered plenty of drama, shock outcomes, and fascinating storylines. From clashes between coaches to personal masterclasses, here are the primary conversations emerging from the games.
1. McFarlane Holds His Own Against A Master Tactician
Calum McFarlane's unexpected confrontation with the Manchester City boss brought back recollections of earlier unequal sideline contests. For the debutant, making his top-level maiden game, the task was overcoming the Blues' woeful run of form when playing the champions. An injury-time goal from the Chelsea star earned a valuable draw, an achievement former managers had failed to achieve.
The Reds' Inability to Close Games Out
Even with their big-money signing finding the net, Liverpool ended up disappointed after surrendering a advantage evaporate versus Marco Silva's side. The concern of failing to manage matches when ahead continues, with the side nearly letting slip comparable leads in recent weeks. Before the team master the skill of defending a lead, the season promises to be a frustrating one.
Declan Rice Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form
Viktor Gyökeres is experiencing a significant goal drought from open play, but his fellow star Declan Rice has stressed the number nine is still hugely valuable. Rice pointed to his hold-up play and team-oriented performances as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side title charge. "Success are sure to come," was Rice's optimistic message for his misfiring colleague.
4. Amorim Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Find His Edge
With Manchester United lining up in a notably cautious manner, the onus rested with the attacking pair to deliver. While one forward continued his excellent performances, Benjamin Sesko experienced another difficult game. The young striker has found goals scarce since his major transfer and spurned a late opening to snatch the contest. January provides a pressing requirement for him to find his confidence.
Enzo Le Fée Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle
The Sunderland manager used his creative talent in a deeper role at first, before pushing him further forward as the match progressed. The move proved masterful, with the playmaker becoming the architect of Sunderland's push for an equalizing goal. Following hitting the woodwork, Le Fée provided a sumptuous pass for the crucial goal. Now fully adapted to the intensity of the top flight, his influence is on the rise.
6. Nuno Fails to Take Opportunity to Use Pablo
Amid an embarrassing loss for West Ham, manager Nuno decided not to introduce any of his permitted replacements. This meant recent acquisition the forward, who remained unused despite his side's complete lack of threat. The manager felt it would have been "unjust" to throw the fresh striker into the match. But, with goals at a premium, the urgency to assimilate the youngster rapidly is painfully clear.
Lewis Miley Delivers Yet Another Huge Claim
Lewis Miley delivered another superb showing whilst operating in an unfamiliar role. The midfielder was excellent in defence, provided the opening goal, and set the standard in a scrappy affair. Now that established right-backs available, the question for boss the Newcastle boss is how to include the incredibly talented player in his natural engine room role. "Next Newcastle sides will surely be constructed around the lad," seems an ever more safe statement.
8. Is the Sean Dyche Impact Wearing Thin at Forest?
The former Burnley boss's first influence at Forest was admirable, but doubts are now surface about the squad's plan B. Their transition prowess is still there, but seems less potent in the absence of key attackers. Although structured when sitting back, Forest have looked vulnerable when required to open up. Giving the ball away in such situations has proven punishing, a problem they need to address quickly.
Igor Thiago's Hot Streak Ends Brentford's Travel Woes
The West London club delivered a performance that contradicted their troubled form on the road. Key to their commanding display was the in-form form of forward the Brazilian. His presence are providing a platform for the side to aim higher. Attacker he even suggested the ambitious target of a top-seven finish as a potential outcome, highlighting the fresh belief in the camp.
