Premier League: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Matches
The latest batch of English games served up a wealth of intrigue, surprise results, and compelling narratives. From battles between coaches to star performances, we examine the key points emerging from the games.
The Chelsea Boss Holds His Own Versus Pep Guardiola
The young coach's surprise battle with Pep Guardiola evoked recollections of previous managerial mismatches. For McFarlane, taking charge for his senior management debut, the challenge was halting the Blues' dreadful run of form when playing the champions. An injury-time equaliser from Enzo Fernández secured a crucial draw, something former incumbents had struggled to achieve.
The Reds' Failure to See Out Matches
Even with the German playmaker finding the net, Liverpool were left disappointed after allowing a winning position evaporate at Fulham. The concern of being unable to manage matches when in front persists, with the squad previously squandering comparable leads in earlier outings. Before the team master the knack of defending a lead, the campaign will remain a frustrating one.
Declan Rice Supports Gyökeres to Start Scoring
The Swedish forward is enduring a lengthy run without scoring from live action, but his fellow star the England international is adamant the number nine is still immensely important. The midfielder praised his work off the ball and selfless efforts as integral to Mikel Arteta's side success. "Success are bound to arrive," was his optimistic prediction for his misfiring colleague.
Ruben Amorim Requires Sesko to Find His Edge
Given Manchester United lining up in a particularly defensive fashion, the burden was placed on the attacking partnership to deliver. Whereas Matheus Cunha continued his fine form, Benjamin Sesko endured another difficult afternoon. He has scored hard to come by since his high-profile transfer and missed a late opening to claim the contest. The new year provides a pressing requirement for Sesko to find his confidence.
The Sunderland Star Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Spin
The Sunderland manager deployed his creative talent in a more defensive position to start, before releasing him up the pitch as the game developed. The decision was masterful, with the playmaker emerging as the chief creator of the visitor's fightback for an equaliser. Following hitting the upright, the midfielder supplied a exquisite through ball for the crucial finish. Having found his feet to the demands of the Premier League, his influence is on the rise.
6. Nuno Fails to Take Opportunity to Bed In Pablo
During an embarrassing loss for the London club, head coach the Portuguese coach chose not to use any of his permitted substitutes. This included new signing Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench even with his team's chronic lack of threat. He suggested it would have been "unfair" to send the new striker into the fray. But, with scoring at a shortage, the urgency to integrate the 22-year-old as soon as possible is abundantly obvious.
Lewis Miley Makes Yet Another Big Case
The teenage sensation turned in a further outstanding performance whilst playing out of position. He was impeccable in his defensive duties, provided the first goal, and set the standard in a untidy affair. Now that first-choice right-backs available, the conundrum for coach the Newcastle boss is if to fit the astonishingly mature teenager in his best central midfield role. "Future Magpies line-ups will undoubtedly be constructed around the lad," seems an increasingly fair statement.
Could the New Manager Bounce Fading at Forest?
Sean Dyche's initial impact at Forest was admirable, but questions are now emerge about the side's versatility. Forest's breakaway threat remains, but seems reduced without previous personnel. Whilst disciplined when defending deep, they have been exposed when required to chase a game. Cheap turnovers in those moments has been costly, a problem they need to solve quickly.
9. Thiago's Scoring Form Stops The Bees' Poor Road Form
The West London club delivered a performance that masked their troubled away record. Key to their commanding display was the red-hot streak of number nine Igor Thiago. Thiago's goals are offering a platform for the squad to build on. Teammate Kevin Schade even floated the optimistic dream of European qualification as a target, underlining the renewed belief within the camp.