England's Top Division: 10 Key Talking Points from the Latest Round of Action
This past set of top-flight fixtures delivered a wealth of excitement, surprise results, and interesting subplots. From battles between managers to individual brilliance, we examine the primary points coming out of the matches.
1. McFarlane Holds His Own Against Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's surprise battle with Pep Guardiola evoked memories of previous David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the debutant, taking charge for his top-level coaching bow, the mission was ending his side's woeful recent record when playing Guardiola's side. An injury-time goal from the Argentine midfielder earned a hard-fought result, an achievement former incumbents had struggled to accomplish.
2. Liverpool's Inability to Shut Up Shop
Even with their big-money signing scoring the net, Liverpool ended up disappointed after allowing a advantage slip away at Fulham. The problem of not managing to command games when in the lead continues, with the squad previously letting slip identical leads in recent weeks. Before the team discover the art of seeing out a game, the quest promises to be a frustrating affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Supports Gyökeres to Fire
Viktor Gyökeres is enduring a lengthy dry spell from live action, but his teammate the Gunners lynchpin insists the number nine is nonetheless hugely important. Rice pointed to his hold-up play and team-oriented performances as integral to Arsenal's success. "Good things are bound to arrive," was his supportive prediction for his off-colour strike partner.
The United Boss Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Find His Edge
Given the Red Devils adopting in a incredibly defensive way, the responsibility fell on the attacking pair to deliver. While the Brazilian persisted with his impressive run, Benjamin Sesko experienced another difficult outing. The young striker has found goals scarce since his high-profile move and spurned a golden opportunity to win the contest. January presents a clear need for the striker to regain his confidence.
Enzo Le Fée Puts Spurs in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss deployed the French midfielder in a deeper position to start, before unleashing him further forward as the game wore on. The move turned out to be a masterstroke, with Le Fée turning into the architect of his team's push for an leveler. After directing the woodwork, the midfielder supplied a exquisite through ball for the crucial strike. Now fully adapted to the pace of the top flight, his influence keeps improving.
The West Ham Manager Wastes Opportunity to Bed In Pablo Felipe
In a woeful defeat for the London club, manager Nuno opted not to introduce any of his named replacements. This included recent acquisition the Brazilian striker, who stayed on the bench despite his club's utter ineffectiveness. He suggested it would have been "too harsh" to send the fresh recruit into the fray. However, with goals at a premium, the urgency to blood the new boy rapidly is glaringly apparent.
The Teenager States Yet Another Huge Statement
The 19-year-old turned in yet another outstanding display whilst operating out of position. The midfielder was excellent in defence, set up the first goal, and set the standard in a scrappy match. With established right-backs back, the dilemma for coach the Newcastle boss is if to accommodate the incredibly composed player in his best midfield berth. "Coming Newcastle sides will surely be built around him," seems an increasingly accurate assessment.
Could the Dyche Effect Fading at Nottingham Forest?
Sean Dyche's early impact at Nottingham Forest was positive, but doubts are starting to emerge about the team's versatility. The team's transition ability remains, but appears diminished without previous attackers. While structured when sitting back, they have looked vulnerable when forced to come from behind. Losing possession in such situations has been punishing, a problem they must address rapidly.
9. Thiago's Scoring Form Stops The Bees' Away-Day Blues
Brentford produced a performance that belied their dismal form on the road. Key to their dominant victory was the red-hot form of striker the goal-getter. His presence are giving a platform for the team to aim higher. Attacker Kevin Schade even floated the ambitious aspiration of continental football as a possibility, emphasizing the renewed belief within the camp.
