Top-Flight Football: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Fixtures
The latest round of Premier League games delivered plenty of intrigue, unexpected scores, and fascinating storylines. From battles between bosses to individual brilliance, we examine the key points stemming from the games.
Calum McFarlane Makes a Statement When Facing Pep Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's unexpected confrontation with Pep Guardiola recalled thoughts of past unequal sideline contests. For McFarlane, embarking on his senior maiden game, the mission was overcoming the Blues' dreadful run of form against Guardiola's side. A last-gasp strike from Enzo Fernández snatched a hard-fought draw, an achievement past managers had struggled to achieve.
2. Liverpool's Failure to Close Games Out
Despite their big-money signing finding the net, the Merseyside club ended up disappointed after letting a winning position evaporate against Marco Silva's side. The concern of being unable to manage games when in front remains, with the side nearly letting slip comparable advantages in previous weeks. Until they master the art of seeing out a game, the season will remain a difficult one.
3. Rice Supports The Swedish Striker to Find Form
The Swedish forward is enduring a significant goal drought from live action, but his fellow star the England international is adamant the forward is still immensely important. The midfielder highlighted his pressing and team-oriented contributions as integral to Mikel Arteta's side success. "The goals are sure to follow," was the midfielder's optimistic prediction for his struggling strike partner.
The United Boss Needs Sesko to Improve
With Manchester United adopting in a particularly cautious fashion, the responsibility fell on the offensive duo to make the difference. While Matheus Cunha maintained his fine run, his strike partner endured another forgettable afternoon. The Slovenian has scored scarce since his high-profile transfer and missed a excellent opportunity to win the game. January offers a pressing need for the striker to find his scoring touch.
The Sunderland Star Leaves Spurs in a State of Confusion
Régis Le Bris deployed Enzo Le Fée in a unfamiliar position at first, before unleashing him up the pitch as the contest progressed. The decision proved a masterstroke, with Le Fée turning into the architect of his team's push for an equalizing goal. After glancing the post, Le Fée delivered a exquisite through ball for the levelling strike. Now found his feet to the demands of the Premier League, his impact continues to grow.
6. Nuno Fails to Take Chance to Use New Signing
In a dismal defeat for the Hammers, boss Nuno opted not to use any of his named substitutes. This included January recruit the Brazilian striker, who watched on even with his side's chronic lack of threat. The manager reasoned it would have been "too harsh" to send the fresh recruit into the match. However, with firepower at a shortage, the imperative to integrate the new boy rapidly is painfully clear.
Lewis Miley States Another Big Claim
The 19-year-old turned in a further exceptional performance whilst operating out of position. The midfielder was impeccable in his defensive duties, created the opening goal, and lifted the team in a scrappy encounter. With first-choice defenders returning, the dilemma for boss him is if to fit the remarkably mature teenager in his best engine room position. "Next Newcastle line-ups will surely be constructed on him," seems an a accurate assessment.
Could the Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at Forest?
The manager's initial effect at Forest was notable, but questions are now surface about the side's plan B. Their breakaway threat remains, but seems less potent in the absence of previous personnel. Although structured when sitting back, Dyche's men can struggle when forced to chase a game. Cheap turnovers in these circumstances has shown costly, a problem they must address quickly.
Igor Thiago's Scoring Form Ends Brentford's Poor Road Form
Brentford produced a display that contradicted their troubled form on the road. Key to their dominant win was the prolific streak of forward Igor Thiago. The striker's goals are providing a base for the side to aim higher. Winger the German international even suggested the optimistic dream of a top-seven finish as a possibility, underlining the fresh optimism coursing through the camp.
