England's Top Division: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Action
This past batch of English action served up a wealth of drama, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. From battles between bosses to star performances, we examine the key points emerging from the games.
The Chelsea Boss Stands Firm When Facing A Master Tactician
Calum McFarlane's unforeseen battle with the Manchester City boss evoked thoughts of earlier managerial mismatches. For the Chelsea boss, embarking on his senior management debut, the challenge was ending his side's astonishingly bad run of form when playing Guardiola's side. A last-gasp equaliser from the Argentine midfielder earned a crucial point, something former incumbents had found it tough to accomplish.
Arne Slot's Inability to Close Games Out
Despite their big-money signing finding the net, Liverpool were left disappointed after letting a winning position slip away at Fulham. The issue of not managing to manage games when in the lead remains, with the side previously throwing away comparable margins in previous weeks. Before the team master the skill of defending a lead, the quest is likely to stay a challenging one.
3. Rice Backs Gyökeres to Fire
Arsenal's striker is experiencing a lengthy run without scoring from live action, but his fellow star Declan Rice insists the forward is nonetheless immensely influential. The midfielder highlighted his pressing and selfless contributions as integral to Mikel Arteta's side success. "Success are going to follow," was the midfielder's optimistic assessment for his misfiring strike partner.
4. Amorim Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up
Given the Red Devils lining up in a notably cautious way, the burden rested with the attacking pair to deliver. While Matheus Cunha persisted with his excellent run, the summer signing suffered another difficult afternoon. The young striker has hit the net hard to come by since his big-money switch and missed a excellent opening to claim the contest. January provides a clear imperative for Sesko to regain his scoring touch.
5. Le Fée Leaves Spurs in a State of Confusion
The Sunderland manager deployed his creative talent in a deeper position initially, before pushing him further forward as the match progressed. The move turned out to be inspired, with he emerging as the architect of the visitor's comeback for an leveler. Following glancing the upright, Le Fée delivered a sumptuous pass for the levelling strike. Now found his feet to the demands of the English game, his impact is on the rise.
Nuno Espírito Santo Fails to Take Chance to Use Pablo Felipe
In a embarrassing defeat for the Hammers, boss Nuno Espírito Santo decided against introduce any of his permitted bench players. Among them was new signing Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench even with his club's complete failure to score. The manager reasoned it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the recently-arrived recruit into the fray. But, with goals at a dearth, the imperative to integrate the youngster rapidly is painfully apparent.
The Teenager Makes A Further Big Claim
Lewis Miley delivered another outstanding showing while playing at right-back. He was excellent in his defensive duties, provided the opening goal, and lifted the team in a scrappy match. Now that first-choice right-backs returning, the question for boss the Newcastle boss is how to include the incredibly talented player in his preferred midfield role. "Future Newcastle teams will certainly be constructed with the lad," seems an increasingly safe assessment.
8. Is the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at The City Ground?
Sean Dyche's first impact at Forest was notable, but doubts are beginning to surface about the squad's plan B. Forest's counter-attacking ability remains, but seems less potent in the absence of previous players. While well-organised when sitting back, they have been exposed when needing to chase a game. Losing possession in those circumstances has proven costly, a lesson they must solve rapidly.
Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Poor Road Form
The West London club produced a showing that belied their dismal away record. Central to their commanding win was the prolific streak of number nine the goal-getter. His goals are providing a foundation for the team to build on. Teammate the German international even suggested the optimistic aspiration of a top-seven finish as a possibility, highlighting the renewed confidence in the camp.
