Premier League: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Matches
The latest set of top-flight games delivered plenty of drama, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. Ranging from clashes between coaches to individual brilliance, we examine the major conversations coming out of the games.
Calum McFarlane Holds His Own Versus Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's unforeseen confrontation with Pep Guardiola recalled memories of past unequal sideline contests. In the case of the debutant, taking charge for his top-level coaching bow, the challenge was halting the Blues' astonishingly bad recent record when playing Guardiola's side. A last-gasp goal from the Chelsea star snatched a hard-fought draw, an achievement former incumbents had found it tough to accomplish.
The Reds' Struggle to Close Games Out
Despite their big-money signing finding the net, the Merseyside club finished disappointed after surrendering a lead evaporate against the Cottagers. The concern of failing to manage encounters when in the lead remains, with the side nearly throwing away identical leads in earlier weeks. Before the team discover the skill of killing off matches, the season will remain a challenging process.
Declan Rice Backs Gyökeres to Fire
Arsenal's striker is experiencing a notable dry spell from live action, but his teammate Declan Rice is adamant the number nine is nonetheless hugely important. The midfielder praised the striker's work off the ball and unselfish contributions as key to Mikel Arteta's side success. "The goals are bound to follow," was his optimistic prediction for his struggling strike partner.
4. Amorim Requires The Slovenian to Sharpen Up
Given Ruben Amorim's team setting up in a notably conservative way, the onus rested with the attacking duo to deliver. While the Brazilian maintained his fine performances, the summer signing suffered another difficult afternoon. The young striker has found goals elusive since his major move and wasted a golden opportunity to win the match. January offers a clear need for Sesko to discover his scoring touch.
Enzo Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle
Régis Le Bris positioned his creative talent in a unfamiliar position to start, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the game developed. The move turned out to be inspired, with Le Fée becoming the chief creator of Sunderland's fightback for an equalizing goal. Following hitting the upright, Le Fée provided a exquisite pass for the all-important strike. Now found his feet to the pace of the top flight, his impact continues to grow.
6. Nuno Wastes Chance to Bed In Pablo
During an woeful defeat for the London club, head coach Nuno chose not to utilize any of his permitted substitutes. Among them was January recruit Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench despite his side's chronic lack of threat. He felt it would have been "unfair" to throw the new recruit into the fray. Yet, with firepower at a dearth, the urgency to assimilate the 22-year-old quickly is glaringly obvious.
The Teenager Makes Yet Another Big Statement
Lewis Miley delivered yet another outstanding display whilst operating out of position. He was flawless in defence, set up the opening goal, and lifted the team in a stop-start affair. With first-choice defenders available, the dilemma for manager Eddie Howe is if to include the incredibly talented player in his best midfield berth. "Next Magpies sides will certainly be designed around the lad," seems an ever more safe assessment.
Could the Sean Dyche Impact Fading at Forest?
Sean Dyche's first influence at Nottingham Forest was notable, but concerns are now arise about the squad's adaptability. Forest's counter-attacking threat remains, but seems diminished in the absence of key attackers. While well-organised when sitting back, Forest can struggle when needing to come from behind. Losing possession in those circumstances has proven costly, a problem they need to rectify immediately.
9. Thiago's Goal Rush Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Poor Road Form
Brentford delivered a showing that belied their dismal form on the road. Key to their dominant win was the in-form form of forward the goal-getter. Thiago's finishing are offering a base for the squad to build on. Winger the German international even floated the optimistic aspiration of European qualification as a possibility, emphasizing the growing optimism coursing through the squad.
