England's Top Division: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Fixtures
The most recent round of Premier League fixtures delivered plenty of intrigue, surprise results, and compelling narratives. From battles between coaches to star performances, we examine the primary discussions emerging from the matches.
1. McFarlane Stands Firm Against Pep Guardiola
The young coach's unexpected battle with the celebrated tactician brought back recollections of past managerial mismatches. For the debutant, taking charge for his top-level maiden game, the task was ending his side's astonishingly bad sequence versus Manchester City. A last-gasp equaliser from the Argentine midfielder snatched a hard-fought draw, something former incumbents had struggled to accomplish.
2. Liverpool's Struggle to Close Games Out
Despite their big-money signing finding the net, the Merseyside club finished aggrieved after surrendering a lead slip versus Fulham. The issue of failing to command encounters when in front remains, with the team almost squandering identical advantages in recent outings. Until they master the art of killing off matches, the quest will remain a challenging process.
The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Find Form
Viktor Gyökeres is going through a lengthy dry spell from open play, but his fellow star the England international insists the number nine is nevertheless hugely important. The midfielder praised his pressing and unselfish performances as key to Mikel Arteta's side success. "Good things are bound to come," was Rice's optimistic prediction for his misfiring strike partner.
Ruben Amorim Needs Sesko to Sharpen Up
With Ruben Amorim's team lining up in a notably cautious way, the onus fell on the offensive partnership to make the difference. Whereas the Brazilian persisted with his excellent performances, his strike partner suffered another forgettable outing. He has hit the net scarce since his major switch and missed a golden chance to claim the contest. January provides a clear need for Sesko to discover his form.
5. Le Fée Leaves Tottenham in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss used his creative talent in a more defensive position initially, before pushing him into advanced areas as the game wore on. The decision turned out to be a masterstroke, with he becoming the main instigator of the visitor's fightback for an equaliser. After directing the post, Le Fée provided a perfect through ball for the crucial finish. Now found his feet to the pace of the Premier League, his impact continues to grow.
The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Chance to Bed In Pablo Felipe
During an embarrassing performance for West Ham, head coach Nuno Espírito Santo opted not to introduce any of his available bench players. This meant recent acquisition Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench despite his club's utter lack of threat. The manager felt it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the recently-arrived player into the fray. Yet, with scoring at a dearth, the imperative to assimilate the youngster quickly is glaringly obvious.
Lewis Miley Delivers Another Major Statement
The teenage sensation delivered a further outstanding performance whilst filling in in an unfamiliar role. The youngster was flawless in his defensive duties, provided the breakthrough, and set the standard in a scrappy match. Now that first-choice right-backs returning, the question for coach the Newcastle boss is whether to accommodate the remarkably talented player in his natural midfield position. "Coming Newcastle line-ups will certainly be constructed with Miley," seems an ever more fair statement.
Could the Dyche Effect Running Out at The City Ground?
The former Burnley boss's initial influence at Nottingham Forest was notable, but questions are starting to surface about the team's plan B. The team's breakaway ability remains, but looks reduced without certain attackers. Although disciplined when sitting back, Dyche's men can struggle when needing to chase a game. Cheap turnovers in those circumstances has proven disastrous, a problem they must address rapidly.
9. Thiago's Scoring Form Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues
Thomas Frank's team put in a showing that contradicted their poor form on the road. Key to their commanding win was the prolific streak of forward Igor Thiago. The striker's goals are providing a platform for the squad to aim higher. Teammate Kevin Schade even mentioned the lofty target of a top-seven finish as a possibility, highlighting the fresh belief within the team.
