Top-Flight Football: 10 Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Matches
The most recent round of Premier League games provided no shortage of excitement, shock outcomes, and compelling narratives. From battles between coaches to personal masterclasses, we examine the major points stemming from the games.
Calum McFarlane Holds His Own Versus A Master Tactician
Calum McFarlane's unforeseen duel with the celebrated tactician brought back thoughts of previous David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the Chelsea boss, taking charge for his top-level management debut, the task was halting his side's dreadful run of form when playing Manchester City. A dramatic strike from the Chelsea star secured a valuable draw, an achievement former incumbents had failed to achieve.
Arne Slot's Inability to Close Games Out
Despite their big-money signing finding the net, Liverpool ended up disappointed after letting a lead slip away versus the Cottagers. The problem of being unable to command games when in the lead continues, with the side nearly squandering identical margins in earlier weeks. Until Slot's men discover the skill of defending a lead, the quest promises to be a challenging affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring
Viktor Gyökeres is going through a notable run without scoring from general play, but his midfield colleague the England international insists the number nine is still hugely important. Rice praised Gyökeres' pressing and team-oriented contributions as integral to the league leaders title charge. "The goals are sure to arrive," was his supportive prediction for his off-colour strike partner.
Ruben Amorim Needs The Slovenian to Improve
Given the Red Devils setting up in a incredibly defensive manner, the responsibility rested with the offensive partnership to produce. Whereas the Brazilian continued his impressive performances, his strike partner endured another frustrating afternoon. The Slovenian has found goals scarce since his major transfer and wasted a late chance to win the game. The new year offers a pressing need for him to find his confidence.
Enzo Le Fée Puts Tottenham in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss used the French midfielder in a unfamiliar position to start, before pushing him further forward as the contest progressed. The switch was inspired, with Le Fée emerging as the main instigator of Sunderland's comeback for an equalizing goal. After hitting the post, Le Fée supplied a exquisite pass for the all-important strike. Having settled in to the demands of the English game, his impact keeps improving.
The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Opportunity to Use Pablo Felipe
In a woeful defeat for the Hammers, boss the Portuguese coach decided against use any of his available bench players. This included recent acquisition the forward, who remained unused even with his team's chronic lack of threat. Nuno suggested it would have been "unfair" to throw the new player into the action. However, with firepower at a shortage, the need to assimilate the 22-year-old quickly is abundantly apparent.
Lewis Miley States A Further Big Case
The 19-year-old turned in another outstanding performance while filling in out of position. The youngster was excellent in his own half, created the opening goal, and lifted the team in a scrappy match. Now that specialist right-backs available, the conundrum for boss the Newcastle boss is if to fit the incredibly composed player in his natural midfield role. "Next Magpies teams will undoubtedly be designed with Miley," seems an ever more accurate statement.
8. Is the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at The City Ground?
The former Burnley boss's initial impact at Forest was notable, but questions are now surface about the squad's plan B. Their transition threat is still there, but seems reduced without key personnel. Although well-organised when sitting back, Forest can struggle when forced to open up. Losing possession in such circumstances has proven costly, a issue they need to rectify immediately.
Igor Thiago's Hot Streak Ends The Bees' Poor Road Form
Thomas Frank's team delivered a showing that contradicted their troubled travel sickness. Vital to their impressive display was the prolific scoring of forward the goal-getter. The striker's presence are providing a base for the squad to aim higher. Teammate Kevin Schade even mentioned the lofty aspiration of European qualification as a possibility, underlining the renewed belief coursing through the squad.
