Premier League: Ten Key Talking Points from the Latest Round of Action
This past round of Premier League games provided no shortage of excitement, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. Ranging from duels between bosses to personal masterclasses, here are the primary conversations stemming from the matches.
Calum McFarlane Holds His Own Versus Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's surprise duel with Pep Guardiola evoked recollections of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. For the debutant, making his top-level coaching bow, the task was halting Chelsea's astonishingly bad run of form when playing the champions. A dramatic strike from the Argentine midfielder secured a valuable draw, a feat previous incumbents had failed to accomplish.
Arne Slot's Failure to Shut Up Shop
Despite the German playmaker finding the net, the Merseyside club were left aggrieved after allowing a lead evaporate at Marco Silva's side. The concern of failing to manage encounters when ahead remains, with the team previously throwing away identical advantages in previous matches. Before the team learn the art of defending a lead, the quest will remain a challenging one.
The Arsenal Midfielder Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring
Arsenal's striker is enduring a lengthy run without scoring from general play, but his midfield colleague the England international has stressed the player is still immensely important. Rice pointed to the striker's work off the ball and selfless efforts as crucial to the league leaders form. "Success are bound to arrive," was Rice's supportive message for his struggling teammate.
The United Boss Requires The Slovenian to Sharpen Up
Given Ruben Amorim's team lining up in a incredibly conservative way, the onus was placed on the offensive partnership to make the difference. Whereas the Brazilian persisted with his fine run, his strike partner experienced another difficult afternoon. He has found goals scarce since his major transfer and spurned a golden opportunity to win the contest. January presents a clear requirement for Sesko to regain his form.
The Sunderland Star Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a State of Confusion
The Black Cats boss used his creative talent in a more defensive role to start, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the match progressed. The switch turned out to be a masterstroke, with Le Fée becoming the main instigator of the visitor's push for an equaliser. After directing the upright, he supplied a sumptuous pass for the levelling goal. Now found his feet to the pace of the top flight, his impact is on the rise.
Nuno Espírito Santo Wastes Chance to Use Pablo Felipe
In a dismal performance for West Ham, boss Nuno Espírito Santo chose against use any of his available bench players. Among them was January recruit the Brazilian striker, who stayed on the bench despite his side's chronic lack of threat. Nuno suggested it would have been "unjust" to introduce the new player into the match. Yet, with scoring at a dearth, the urgency to integrate the 22-year-old quickly is glaringly apparent.
Lewis Miley Delivers Yet Another Huge Claim
The teenage sensation delivered a further superb display whilst filling in at right-back. The youngster was excellent in his defensive duties, provided the opening goal, and lifted the team in a scrappy affair. Now that specialist full-backs returning, the question for boss him is if to fit the remarkably composed youngster in his best engine room role. "Coming Magpies teams will undoubtedly be constructed around the lad," seems an a safe prediction.
Are the Sean Dyche Impact Fading at Forest?
The manager's first effect at the club was notable, but questions are starting to surface about the side's plan B. Forest's counter-attacking prowess is still there, but appears reduced without previous players. Although well-organised when sitting back, Dyche's men can struggle when needing to come from behind. Cheap turnovers in these circumstances has been punishing, a lesson they have to solve rapidly.
The Striker's Scoring Form Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Travel Woes
Thomas Frank's team produced a showing that belied their troubled form on the road. Key to their dominant display was the prolific streak of forward Igor Thiago. The striker's presence are offering a foundation for the side to build on. Winger he even suggested the ambitious target of European qualification as a target, highlighting the growing belief coursing through the team.
