Premier League: 10 Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Action
This past set of top-flight games provided plenty of drama, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. From clashes between coaches to star performances, we examine the key conversations coming out of the games.
The Chelsea Boss Makes a Statement Against Pep Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's unforeseen duel with the celebrated tactician evoked memories of past managerial mismatches. For the debutant, embarking on his senior management debut, the challenge was ending the Blues' dreadful sequence versus Guardiola's side. A last-gasp equaliser from the Argentine midfielder earned a valuable point, something former coaches had struggled to do.
The Reds' Inability to See Out Matches
Even with the German playmaker getting the net, Liverpool ended up aggrieved after surrendering a advantage evaporate versus Marco Silva's side. The concern of failing to command matches when in front persists, with the side nearly letting slip comparable advantages in recent outings. Until Slot's men discover the art of killing off matches, the quest promises to be a difficult one.
3. Rice Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form
The Swedish forward is enduring a lengthy run without scoring from live action, but his fellow star the Gunners lynchpin is adamant the player is nonetheless immensely important. The midfielder pointed to the striker's hold-up play and team-oriented performances as crucial to Arsenal's form. "The goals are sure to follow," was the midfielder's optimistic message for his off-colour teammate.
The United Boss Requires Sesko to Improve
Given Manchester United setting up in a incredibly defensive fashion, the onus fell on the forward duo to produce. While the Brazilian continued his impressive performances, his strike partner endured another forgettable afternoon. The Slovenian has hit the net scarce since his major transfer and spurned a late chance to snatch the match. January provides a pressing requirement for Sesko to regain his form.
The Sunderland Star Puts Tottenham in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss deployed his creative talent in a deeper role to start, before releasing him further forward as the contest progressed. The move turned out to be a masterstroke, with Le Fée becoming the chief creator of Sunderland's fightback for an equalizing goal. Following glancing the woodwork, the midfielder provided a exquisite pass for the crucial strike. Now settled in to the pace of the top flight, his influence is on the rise.
Nuno Espírito Santo Misses Opportunity to Use New Signing
In a embarrassing defeat for West Ham, boss Nuno opted not to introduce any of his permitted bench players. This meant recent acquisition the Brazilian striker, who watched on despite his team's complete lack of threat. He suggested it would have been "unjust" to introduce the new player into the action. But, with firepower at a shortage, the urgency to assimilate the new boy quickly is abundantly obvious.
Lewis Miley Makes Another Major Case
The teenage sensation produced a further outstanding showing whilst filling in in an unfamiliar role. The youngster was flawless in his own half, provided the opening goal, and set the standard in a untidy encounter. With established defenders available, the dilemma for manager him is how to fit the astonishingly composed player in his natural central midfield role. "Future Toon sides will surely be designed on the lad," seems an increasingly safe prediction.
Are the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at The City Ground?
The former Burnley boss's first influence at the club was admirable, but questions are now surface about the side's versatility. Forest's breakaway threat is still there, but appears diminished in the absence of previous personnel. Although structured when sitting back, Forest have looked vulnerable when needing to open up. Cheap turnovers in those situations has proven costly, a lesson they must address rapidly.
The Striker's Hot Streak Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Poor Road Form
The West London club delivered a display that contradicted their troubled travel sickness. Key to their impressive display was the prolific streak of number nine the goal-getter. His presence are providing a foundation for the side to build on. Attacker the German international even mentioned the ambitious aspiration of a top-seven finish as a possibility, underlining the fresh belief coursing through the camp.
