Top-Flight Football: 10 Crucial Takeaways from the Latest Round of Fixtures
This past round of Premier League action provided plenty of intrigue, surprise results, and compelling narratives. Ranging from battles between bosses to star performances, we examine the key points emerging from the games.
Calum McFarlane Holds His Own Versus Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's unexpected confrontation with the Manchester City boss brought back thoughts of previous managerial mismatches. For the debutant, taking charge for his senior coaching bow, the task was ending his side's astonishingly bad recent record against the champions. A last-gasp goal from the Argentine midfielder snatched a crucial result, something former coaches had struggled to do.
2. Liverpool's Inability to Shut Up Shop
Even with the German playmaker getting the net, Liverpool finished aggrieved after letting a winning position slip away against Fulham. The issue of being unable to manage matches when in the lead persists, with the squad nearly throwing away comparable advantages in earlier weeks. Before they master the skill of seeing out a game, the quest promises to be a frustrating process.
The Arsenal Midfielder Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Fire
The Swedish forward is going through a significant run without scoring from general play, but his teammate the Gunners lynchpin is adamant the number nine is nevertheless vitally important. Rice pointed to his hold-up play and unselfish efforts as key to the league leaders form. "Good things are sure to follow," was Rice's supportive assessment for his misfiring teammate.
4. Amorim Requires Benjamin Sesko to Improve
Given Manchester United lining up in a notably cautious manner, the burden rested with the attacking pair to produce. While the Brazilian persisted with his excellent form, his strike partner suffered another frustrating game. He has hit the net elusive since his high-profile switch and wasted a late opening to win the contest. January provides a pressing imperative for Sesko to discover his scoring touch.
5. Le Fée Puts Tottenham in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss deployed Enzo Le Fée in a unfamiliar position to start, before releasing him further forward as the contest wore on. The decision turned out to be inspired, with he becoming the chief creator of the visitor's fightback for an equalizing goal. After hitting the post, Le Fée delivered a exquisite pass for the all-important goal. Having found his feet to the intensity of the English game, his campaign is on the rise.
Nuno Espírito Santo Wastes Chance to Bed In Pablo Felipe
In a woeful loss for West Ham, boss Nuno Espírito Santo chose against utilize any of his permitted substitutes. This meant recent acquisition Pablo Felipe, who watched on despite his club's complete failure to score. Nuno suggested it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the new player into the action. Yet, with firepower at a premium, the imperative to integrate the 22-year-old rapidly is abundantly obvious.
The Teenager Makes Another Major Statement
The 19-year-old produced another superb showing whilst filling in at right-back. The youngster was impeccable in defence, set up the first goal, and raised the tone in a stop-start match. Now that first-choice defenders available, the conundrum for manager Eddie Howe is whether to fit the astonishingly composed player in his preferred engine room berth. "Next Newcastle sides will surely be built on the lad," seems an a safe assessment.
Are the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Forest?
The manager's early influence at Forest was admirable, but questions are beginning to arise about the squad's versatility. Forest's breakaway ability exists, but seems reduced without key personnel. Whilst structured when sitting back, they have been exposed when required to come from behind. Cheap turnovers in these situations has proven disastrous, a issue they need to address quickly.
The Striker's Goal Rush Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues
The West London club put in a display that belied their poor travel sickness. Key to their commanding win was the in-form streak of striker Igor Thiago. The striker's presence are providing a base for the squad to progress. Winger the German international even mentioned the optimistic dream of a top-seven finish as a potential outcome, highlighting the renewed confidence in the squad.
