Premier League: Ten Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Action
The most recent set of top-flight action delivered no shortage of intrigue, shock outcomes, and fascinating storylines. From duels between coaches to star performances, we examine the key points coming out of the matches.
The Chelsea Boss Stands Firm Against A Master Tactician
Calum McFarlane's unexpected duel with the celebrated tactician brought back thoughts of previous unequal sideline contests. For McFarlane, making his senior management debut, the task was ending the Blues' dreadful run of form when playing Guardiola's side. A dramatic strike from the Argentine midfielder earned a hard-fought draw, an achievement past coaches had struggled to do.
The Reds' Struggle to Close Games Out
Even with the German playmaker finding the net, the Merseyside club finished frustrated after allowing a advantage slip away versus Marco Silva's side. The concern of failing to command matches when in front continues, with the squad previously letting slip similar leads in earlier outings. Before the team discover the skill of defending a lead, the campaign is likely to stay a challenging process.
3. Rice Supports The Swedish Striker to Fire
The Swedish forward is enduring a lengthy dry spell from open play, but his fellow star Declan Rice insists the player is nonetheless immensely important. The midfielder pointed to the striker's work off the ball and unselfish performances as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side success. "Good things are going to come," was his supportive assessment for his misfiring colleague.
Ruben Amorim Needs Sesko to Improve
With Ruben Amorim's team adopting in a particularly cautious fashion, the responsibility rested with the attacking partnership to produce. While one forward persisted with his impressive form, the summer signing endured another frustrating game. The young striker has scored elusive since his high-profile transfer and spurned a excellent opening to snatch the contest. January presents a clear imperative for the striker to find his scoring touch.
The Sunderland Star Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss deployed the French midfielder in a deeper role initially, before releasing him into advanced areas as the game progressed. The decision was inspired, with the playmaker becoming the architect of Sunderland's comeback for an leveler. Following directing the post, the midfielder supplied a sumptuous assist for the levelling strike. Now fully adapted to the demands of the top flight, his impact keeps improving.
The West Ham Manager Wastes Opportunity to Introduce Pablo Felipe
During an woeful performance for West Ham, manager Nuno Espírito Santo chose against use any of his named substitutes. This meant January recruit Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench even with his team's complete ineffectiveness. Nuno reasoned it would have been "unjust" to throw the fresh striker into the action. However, with firepower at a premium, the urgency to blood the 22-year-old rapidly is painfully clear.
The Teenager Delivers Another Huge Claim
The teenage sensation produced a further superb performance whilst playing in an unfamiliar role. The youngster was impeccable in his defensive duties, created the first goal, and raised the tone in a untidy encounter. Now that first-choice full-backs available, the conundrum for coach Eddie Howe is whether to include the incredibly mature youngster in his natural engine room role. "Coming Magpies teams will undoubtedly be constructed around him," seems an increasingly accurate prediction.
8. Is the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?
Sean Dyche's first effect at Nottingham Forest was positive, but questions are beginning to arise about the team's adaptability. Their breakaway threat remains, but looks diminished without key players. While well-organised when defending deep, Forest have looked vulnerable when required to come from behind. Cheap turnovers in those moments has proven disastrous, a issue they have to solve immediately.
9. Thiago's Goal Rush Stops The Bees' Poor Road Form
The West London club produced a performance that contradicted their poor travel sickness. Central to their impressive win was the prolific form of number nine Igor Thiago. His presence are offering a base for the team to aim higher. Winger he even mentioned the ambitious dream of European qualification as a possibility, underlining the renewed confidence in the team.
