Top-Flight Football: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Action
The most recent round of Premier League fixtures served up no shortage of intrigue, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. From clashes between managers to personal masterclasses, here are the primary discussions stemming from the matches.
The Chelsea Boss Stands Firm Against Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's unexpected confrontation with the Manchester City boss evoked memories of past managerial mismatches. In the case of the Chelsea boss, making his top-level management debut, the mission was halting the Blues' woeful run of form versus the champions. An injury-time strike from the Chelsea star secured a hard-fought draw, a feat previous managers had found it tough to achieve.
The Reds' Failure to See Out Matches
Even with their big-money signing scoring the net, the Merseyside club finished aggrieved after letting a lead evaporate versus Marco Silva's side. The concern of failing to command games when in the lead persists, with the side almost squandering comparable advantages in recent outings. Until the team learn the skill of defending a lead, the campaign promises to be a frustrating affair.
3. Rice Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Find Form
Arsenal's striker is going through a lengthy run without scoring from general play, but his fellow star Declan Rice insists the number nine is nevertheless hugely influential. The midfielder pointed to the striker's work off the ball and unselfish efforts as integral to Mikel Arteta's side title charge. "Good things are bound to come," was Rice's supportive prediction for his misfiring strike partner.
Ruben Amorim Must Get The Slovenian to Sharpen Up
With Ruben Amorim's team setting up in a notably cautious fashion, the onus was placed on the attacking duo to make the difference. While Matheus Cunha persisted with his fine run, his strike partner endured another forgettable game. The Slovenian has hit the net elusive since his major transfer and spurned a golden opening to snatch the match. January offers a obvious requirement for the striker to discover his form.
5. Le Fée Leaves Tottenham in a Muddle
Régis Le Bris deployed the French midfielder in a deeper position to start, before pushing him into advanced areas as the game wore on. The decision turned out to be masterful, with he emerging as the architect of his team's fightback for an leveler. After hitting the post, Le Fée supplied a exquisite assist for the crucial finish. Having fully adapted to the intensity of the Premier League, his campaign continues to grow.
6. Nuno Misses Opportunity to Bed In Pablo
During an dismal defeat for West Ham, manager Nuno opted against use any of his named bench players. Among them was January recruit the Brazilian striker, who stayed on the bench even with his team's complete failure to score. He reasoned it would have been "unjust" to send the fresh striker into the fray. Yet, with scoring at a shortage, the urgency to assimilate the new boy as soon as possible is glaringly apparent.
Lewis Miley Makes Another Major Statement
Lewis Miley turned in yet another superb showing while operating out of position. The youngster was impeccable in his own half, created the first goal, and raised the tone in a scrappy encounter. Now that first-choice defenders back, the conundrum for boss him is whether to fit the remarkably talented player in his natural midfield role. "Next Newcastle teams will surely be designed with the lad," seems an ever more safe statement.
Are the Dyche Effect Fading at The City Ground?
Sean Dyche's initial impact at the club was positive, but doubts are beginning to emerge about the squad's adaptability. The team's transition ability exists, but seems diminished without key attackers. Whilst well-organised when protecting a lead, Forest have been exposed when required to open up. Cheap turnovers in these situations has shown punishing, a problem they have to address quickly.
Igor Thiago's Hot Streak Halts Brentford's Away-Day Blues
Thomas Frank's team delivered a performance that masked their poor form on the road. Key to their dominant display was the prolific form of number nine Igor Thiago. His goals are offering a platform for the squad to progress. Winger Kevin Schade even floated the lofty aspiration of continental football as a target, highlighting the renewed optimism in the squad.
