Top-Flight Football: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Fixtures
This past batch of English fixtures served up plenty of intrigue, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. From clashes between coaches to personal masterclasses, here are the primary conversations stemming from the games.
Calum McFarlane Makes a Statement Against A Master Tactician
Calum McFarlane's unexpected battle with Pep Guardiola recalled thoughts of previous David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of McFarlane, taking charge for his top-level management debut, the mission was ending Chelsea's woeful recent record when playing Guardiola's side. A last-gasp equaliser from the Chelsea star earned a crucial result, an achievement past managers had struggled to do.
2. Liverpool's Inability to Shut Up Shop
Even with the German playmaker finding the net, Liverpool finished disappointed after letting a lead slip against Marco Silva's side. The problem of being unable to manage matches when ahead remains, with the side previously letting slip comparable advantages in previous outings. Until the team discover the art of seeing out a game, the quest promises to be a challenging one.
Declan Rice Supports Gyökeres to Fire
The Swedish forward is going through a lengthy dry spell from live action, but his midfield colleague the England international has stressed the player is still immensely valuable. Rice pointed to his pressing and unselfish performances as integral to the league leaders title charge. "Good things are bound to follow," was his optimistic assessment for his struggling strike partner.
Ruben Amorim Needs Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up
Given the Red Devils setting up in a incredibly cautious way, the burden fell on the offensive partnership to deliver. Whereas one forward continued his impressive run, Benjamin Sesko suffered another difficult afternoon. The Slovenian has hit the net hard to come by since his major transfer and spurned a excellent opportunity to claim the contest. The new year presents a obvious imperative for the striker to find his form.
5. Le Fée Puts Tottenham in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss used his creative talent in a deeper role to start, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the match wore on. The switch proved masterful, with the playmaker turning into the main instigator of Sunderland's fightback for an leveler. After directing the upright, Le Fée provided a perfect assist for the levelling finish. Having fully adapted to the pace of the top flight, his influence keeps improving.
Nuno Espírito Santo Wastes Opportunity to Use New Signing
During an dismal performance for the Hammers, boss the Portuguese coach chose against utilize any of his named bench players. This meant new signing the Brazilian striker, who remained unused even with his team's utter ineffectiveness. Nuno reasoned it would have been "too harsh" to send the fresh recruit into the fray. Yet, with firepower at a premium, the need to blood the 22-year-old rapidly is abundantly apparent.
Lewis Miley Makes Yet Another Major Claim
The 19-year-old delivered yet another superb display while operating at right-back. The youngster was impeccable in his own half, created the first goal, and raised the tone in a scrappy encounter. Now that first-choice right-backs back, the question for manager Eddie Howe is whether to fit the astonishingly composed player in his best midfield position. "Coming Magpies line-ups will surely be constructed around him," seems an increasingly fair prediction.
Could the Sean Dyche Impact Running Out at Nottingham Forest?
The former Burnley boss's initial influence at Forest was admirable, but concerns are beginning to arise about the side's versatility. The team's transition threat is still there, but seems diminished in the absence of certain personnel. Although structured when sitting back, Forest have looked vulnerable when required to come from behind. Losing possession in these situations has shown punishing, a issue they have to address rapidly.
Igor Thiago's Scoring Form Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues
The West London club produced a display that masked their poor travel sickness. Vital to their dominant display was the in-form streak of number nine Igor Thiago. The striker's goals are giving a platform for the squad to build on. Attacker he even floated the lofty target of continental football as a target, underlining the renewed confidence coursing through the team.