Premier League: 10 Crucial Takeaways from the Weekend's Action
The latest batch of English games provided plenty of excitement, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from clashes between bosses to star performances, we examine the key points coming out of the games.
1. McFarlane Stands Firm Versus Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's surprise confrontation with Pep Guardiola recalled memories of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. For McFarlane, making his senior maiden game, the mission was overcoming his side's woeful recent record when playing Guardiola's side. A dramatic goal from the Chelsea star secured a valuable result, something past coaches had struggled to achieve.
2. Liverpool's Struggle to See Out Matches
Despite Florian Wirtz getting the net, Arne Slot's team finished frustrated after letting a advantage evaporate at Marco Silva's side. The problem of being unable to manage encounters when in front persists, with the team almost letting slip similar advantages in previous outings. Before Slot's men learn the skill of killing off matches, the quest promises to be a difficult process.
Declan Rice Backs Gyökeres to Find Form
The Swedish forward is enduring a significant dry spell from open play, but his midfield colleague Declan Rice insists the player is nonetheless hugely influential. Rice pointed to Gyökeres' hold-up play and unselfish performances as crucial to the league leaders title charge. "Good things are going to come," was his confident message for his off-colour colleague.
4. Amorim Must Get Sesko to Improve
With Manchester United lining up in a notably defensive manner, the responsibility fell on the offensive partnership to make the difference. While the Brazilian maintained his impressive run, the summer signing suffered another frustrating afternoon. The Slovenian has found goals scarce since his high-profile move and missed a excellent chance to claim the game. The new year provides a pressing imperative for Sesko to regain his form.
Enzo Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a State of Confusion
The Sunderland manager used his creative talent in a more defensive position at first, before unleashing him further forward as the match wore on. The switch was a masterstroke, with he emerging as the architect of the visitor's push for an equalizing goal. After glancing the upright, the midfielder delivered a perfect pass for the all-important strike. Having fully adapted to the demands of the English game, his influence continues to grow.
The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Chance to Use Pablo
During an embarrassing loss for the Hammers, boss Nuno Espírito Santo opted not to use any of his permitted substitutes. This included new signing the forward, who stayed on the bench despite his club's utter lack of threat. Nuno suggested it would have been "too harsh" to throw the fresh recruit into the action. But, with scoring at a dearth, the need to blood the 22-year-old quickly is painfully obvious.
Lewis Miley Delivers Yet Another Big Case
The 19-year-old produced a further exceptional performance whilst filling in at right-back. The midfielder was flawless in his own half, provided the opening goal, and raised the tone in a untidy affair. With specialist right-backs available, the question for manager the Newcastle boss is whether to accommodate the astonishingly composed player in his preferred central midfield position. "Future Toon sides will undoubtedly be built on him," seems an a fair prediction.
Could the New Manager Bounce Fading at Nottingham Forest?
Sean Dyche's initial effect at Forest was positive, but questions are now surface about the side's adaptability. The team's breakaway ability is still there, but looks reduced in the absence of certain players. Although structured when sitting back, Forest can struggle when required to open up. Cheap turnovers in these circumstances has shown disastrous, a problem they need to solve quickly.
The Striker's Goal Rush Ends Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues
The West London club produced a performance that belied their dismal form on the road. Central to their dominant victory was the in-form scoring of forward Igor Thiago. His finishing are giving a platform for the squad to build on. Attacker he even mentioned the ambitious dream of a top-seven finish as a target, emphasizing the renewed confidence within the camp.