Top-Flight Football: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Matches
This past batch of English games served up no shortage of drama, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. From duels between coaches to star performances, here are the key conversations stemming from the encounters.
Calum McFarlane Makes a Statement Against A Master Tactician
Calum McFarlane's surprise battle with the Manchester City boss evoked memories of past unequal sideline contests. For the debutant, making his first-team management debut, the challenge was ending his side's astonishingly bad recent record versus Guardiola's side. A dramatic equaliser from the Chelsea star earned a valuable draw, something previous managers had failed to accomplish.
The Reds' Struggle to Close Games Out
Even with the German playmaker getting the net, Liverpool finished disappointed after surrendering a winning position slip away versus Fulham. The issue of not managing to command games when in front persists, with the team nearly letting slip comparable advantages in recent outings. Until Slot's men discover the art of seeing out a game, the season will remain a difficult one.
Declan Rice Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring
Arsenal's striker is enduring a significant run without scoring from general play, but his midfield colleague Declan Rice is adamant the forward is nonetheless vitally important. Rice pointed to Gyökeres' pressing and team-oriented efforts as key to Arsenal's title charge. "Success are going to follow," was Rice's optimistic message for his misfiring teammate.
4. Amorim Requires Sesko to Sharpen Up
Given Manchester United adopting in a notably conservative fashion, the responsibility was placed on the forward partnership to produce. Whereas Matheus Cunha persisted with his impressive run, his strike partner experienced another difficult game. He has scored hard to come by since his big-money transfer and spurned a late opening to claim the match. The new year presents a clear need for him to regain his confidence.
Enzo Le Fée Puts Spurs in a Spin
The Black Cats boss used Enzo Le Fée in a more defensive position at first, before pushing him up the pitch as the contest wore on. The switch turned out to be a masterstroke, with Le Fée emerging as the chief creator of his team's push for an equaliser. After hitting the woodwork, the midfielder provided a sumptuous through ball for the levelling goal. Having settled in to the pace of the Premier League, his campaign continues to grow.
The West Ham Manager Misses Opportunity to Introduce Pablo
Amid an dismal performance for West Ham, manager the Portuguese coach chose against introduce any of his permitted bench players. This meant new signing the Brazilian striker, who remained unused even with his side's chronic lack of threat. The manager felt it would have been "unfair" to introduce the recently-arrived player into the fray. Yet, with firepower at a premium, the need to assimilate the new boy quickly is painfully clear.
Lewis Miley States Yet Another Huge Case
The 19-year-old delivered another superb showing while filling in out of position. He was excellent in defence, set up the breakthrough, and raised the tone in a scrappy encounter. Now that specialist right-backs available, the conundrum for boss Eddie Howe is if to accommodate the incredibly composed youngster in his natural central midfield role. "Future Magpies sides will surely be constructed on the lad," seems an a safe assessment.
Could the Dyche Effect Fading at Forest?
Sean Dyche's initial effect at the club was notable, but questions are now surface about the squad's adaptability. Their transition prowess is still there, but appears reduced without previous attackers. Although well-organised when defending deep, Dyche's men have been exposed when needing to open up. Cheap turnovers in those situations has proven disastrous, a issue they have to rectify quickly.
Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues
The West London club delivered a performance that belied their dismal away record. Vital to their impressive win was the red-hot form of number nine Igor Thiago. The striker's goals are offering a platform for the team to aim higher. Attacker the German international even mentioned the ambitious target of continental football as a possibility, highlighting the renewed optimism coursing through the squad.
