Premier League: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Matches
The latest set of top-flight action provided a wealth of excitement, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from clashes between managers to individual brilliance, here are the major points stemming from the matches.
The Chelsea Boss Stands Firm When Facing Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's unforeseen confrontation with the celebrated tactician recalled thoughts of past David vs Goliath coaching battles. For McFarlane, embarking on his top-level management debut, the mission was ending his side's woeful recent record against the champions. An injury-time strike from the Argentine midfielder earned a valuable draw, an achievement past managers had failed to achieve.
The Reds' Struggle to Shut Up Shop
Even with the German playmaker finding the net, Arne Slot's team ended up frustrated after allowing a advantage slip away versus Marco Silva's side. The concern of not managing to manage matches when in front remains, with the team previously squandering identical margins in earlier outings. Before the team learn the knack of defending a lead, the campaign is likely to stay a difficult affair.
3. Rice Supports Gyökeres to Fire
Arsenal's striker is experiencing a lengthy dry spell from general play, but his fellow star Declan Rice is adamant the forward is nonetheless hugely influential. The midfielder highlighted his pressing and selfless performances as key to the league leaders form. "Success are going to follow," was the midfielder's confident message for his misfiring strike partner.
Ruben Amorim Needs Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up
With the Red Devils adopting in a particularly conservative manner, the responsibility was placed on the offensive partnership to produce. Whereas the Brazilian persisted with his impressive form, his strike partner endured another difficult outing. He has found goals scarce since his high-profile move and wasted a golden opening to snatch the game. The new year provides a pressing need for the striker to discover his form.
5. Le Fée Leaves Tottenham in a State of Confusion
Régis Le Bris deployed the French midfielder in a unfamiliar position at first, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the contest progressed. The move turned out to be masterful, with he becoming the main instigator of the visitor's comeback for an equalizing goal. Following directing the woodwork, the midfielder provided a perfect pass for the levelling finish. Having found his feet to the pace of the English game, his campaign continues to grow.
Nuno Espírito Santo Fails to Take Chance to Use New Signing
In a woeful defeat for the Hammers, boss Nuno Espírito Santo decided against use any of his available replacements. This meant January recruit the forward, who remained unused even with his club's chronic failure to score. The manager felt it would have been "too harsh" to throw the recently-arrived player into the fray. However, with firepower at a shortage, the need to assimilate the youngster quickly is glaringly apparent.
The Teenager Makes Yet Another Big Case
The teenage sensation produced yet another superb performance while filling in in an unfamiliar role. The midfielder was flawless in defence, set up the first goal, and set the standard in a stop-start match. Now that first-choice right-backs returning, the question for coach the Newcastle boss is whether to include the astonishingly mature youngster in his natural central midfield role. "Future Newcastle line-ups will surely be constructed with him," seems an increasingly accurate assessment.
8. Is the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?
The former Burnley boss's first influence at Forest was notable, but concerns are now emerge about the squad's plan B. The team's counter-attacking threat exists, but looks less potent without previous personnel. While structured when protecting a lead, they can struggle when needing to open up. Giving the ball away in these situations has proven costly, a lesson they have to solve quickly.
Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Ends Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues
The West London club produced a display that masked their poor away record. Vital to their dominant victory was the in-form streak of striker the Brazilian. The striker's goals are offering a platform for the team to progress. Teammate Kevin Schade even mentioned the ambitious aspiration of a top-seven finish as a potential outcome, emphasizing the growing belief within the squad.