England's Top Division: 10 Key Talking Points from the Latest Round of Action
The latest round of Premier League action served up plenty of excitement, surprise results, and interesting subplots. From duels between coaches to star performances, here are the major points stemming from the matches.
1. McFarlane Holds His Own When Facing Pep Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's unexpected duel with the Manchester City boss brought back thoughts of previous managerial mismatches. In the case of the debutant, making his first-team coaching bow, the challenge was overcoming his side's astonishingly bad sequence when playing Manchester City. A last-gasp strike from the Chelsea star snatched a crucial result, an achievement past coaches had found it tough to do.
2. Liverpool's Struggle to See Out Matches
Even with their big-money signing finding the net, the Merseyside club were left aggrieved after allowing a winning position slip versus Marco Silva's side. The issue of not managing to control matches when in front remains, with the squad almost squandering comparable leads in recent weeks. Before the team master the skill of seeing out a game, the quest promises to be a challenging affair.
Declan Rice Shows Faith In Gyökeres to Find Form
Arsenal's striker is experiencing a notable goal drought from general play, but his fellow star the Gunners lynchpin is adamant the number nine is nevertheless vitally valuable. Rice highlighted his hold-up play and team-oriented efforts as crucial to Arsenal's title charge. "Success are bound to arrive," was his supportive assessment for his off-colour strike partner.
Ruben Amorim Must Get Sesko to Improve
With the Red Devils setting up in a incredibly cautious fashion, the burden fell on the forward duo to deliver. Whereas Matheus Cunha continued his fine run, Benjamin Sesko endured another forgettable game. He has found goals elusive since his high-profile move and wasted a golden opportunity to win the contest. January provides a clear requirement for Sesko to regain his confidence.
The Sunderland Star Puts Spurs in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss deployed the French midfielder in a unfamiliar position to start, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the match developed. The move proved inspired, with the playmaker becoming the architect of Sunderland's comeback for an leveler. After directing the woodwork, the midfielder supplied a sumptuous through ball for the levelling goal. Now fully adapted to the demands of the English game, his impact continues to grow.
The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Opportunity to Introduce New Signing
In a embarrassing performance for the Hammers, manager Nuno opted not to introduce any of his available substitutes. This included recent acquisition the forward, who watched on despite his team's chronic lack of threat. He suggested it would have been "unjust" to introduce the recently-arrived recruit into the fray. However, with scoring at a premium, the need to integrate the new boy as soon as possible is painfully clear.
7. Miley Delivers Yet Another Huge Case
The 19-year-old turned in yet another exceptional performance whilst operating out of position. The youngster was excellent in defence, created the first goal, and lifted the team in a stop-start affair. Now that first-choice defenders returning, the dilemma for coach Eddie Howe is whether to include the remarkably mature player in his preferred central midfield role. "Future Magpies teams will surely be constructed around him," seems an ever more fair statement.
Are the Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?
The manager's first effect at the club was positive, but questions are now arise about the team's adaptability. Their counter-attacking prowess is still there, but appears less potent without previous personnel. While structured when protecting a lead, Forest have been exposed when needing to come from behind. Giving the ball away in those moments has proven costly, a issue they must address immediately.
The Striker's Scoring Form Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues
Thomas Frank's team delivered a showing that belied their dismal away record. Vital to their dominant display was the in-form form of number nine Igor Thiago. His goals are giving a platform for the side to progress. Attacker the German international even suggested the lofty dream of a top-seven finish as a target, emphasizing the renewed confidence coursing through the team.