Premier League: Ten Crucial Takeaways from the Weekend's Matches
The most recent round of Premier League games provided plenty of excitement, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. From duels between managers to individual brilliance, here are the primary points emerging from the games.
Calum McFarlane Stands Firm When Facing Guardiola
The young coach's surprise confrontation with the Manchester City boss brought back memories of past David vs Goliath coaching battles. For McFarlane, taking charge for his senior maiden game, the task was ending his side's dreadful recent record when playing Guardiola's side. A last-gasp equaliser from the Chelsea star earned a hard-fought result, something previous incumbents had failed to do.
2. Liverpool's Inability to See Out Matches
Despite the German playmaker getting the net, the Merseyside club finished frustrated after surrendering a winning position slip versus the Cottagers. The problem of being unable to manage matches when ahead remains, with the team nearly squandering comparable leads in earlier weeks. Before Slot's men learn the knack of killing off matches, the quest will remain a challenging affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Backs Gyökeres to Start Scoring
The Swedish forward is experiencing a notable goal drought from open play, but his teammate the England international is adamant the number nine is nonetheless immensely important. He highlighted Gyökeres' hold-up play and selfless efforts as crucial to Arsenal's title charge. "The goals are sure to follow," was the midfielder's optimistic prediction for his struggling strike partner.
Ruben Amorim Requires Benjamin Sesko to Improve
Given Ruben Amorim's team adopting in a notably defensive fashion, the onus rested with the attacking duo to make the difference. Whereas one forward maintained his excellent form, Benjamin Sesko endured another forgettable game. The Slovenian has scored hard to come by since his high-profile move and missed a late opportunity to win the game. The new year provides a clear requirement for Sesko to find his confidence.
5. Le Fée Puts Spurs in a State of Confusion
Régis Le Bris deployed Enzo Le Fée in a deeper role initially, before pushing him up the pitch as the game developed. The decision turned out to be masterful, with he becoming the architect of his team's comeback for an equalizing goal. After glancing the upright, the midfielder delivered a sumptuous through ball for the crucial finish. Having fully adapted to the pace of the English game, his influence continues to grow.
6. Nuno Misses Opportunity to Use Pablo Felipe
Amid an embarrassing defeat for the Hammers, head coach Nuno Espírito Santo opted against utilize any of his available substitutes. Among them was new signing Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench even with his side's complete lack of threat. He reasoned it would have been "unjust" to introduce the recently-arrived player into the match. But, with scoring at a shortage, the need to blood the youngster rapidly is abundantly clear.
Lewis Miley Makes Another Huge Statement
The teenage sensation delivered yet another superb showing whilst filling in out of position. The youngster was impeccable in his defensive duties, created the opening goal, and lifted the team in a scrappy affair. Now that established right-backs available, the dilemma for coach him is if to include the astonishingly mature teenager in his preferred engine room berth. "Coming Newcastle line-ups will certainly be constructed on him," seems an increasingly safe statement.
Are the Sean Dyche Impact Fading at Nottingham Forest?
Sean Dyche's early influence at Nottingham Forest was admirable, but doubts are now surface about the squad's adaptability. The team's counter-attacking prowess remains, but seems less potent in the absence of key personnel. Although well-organised when sitting back, they have been exposed when required to chase a game. Giving the ball away in these situations has proven punishing, a problem they must solve quickly.
9. Thiago's Scoring Form Stops The Bees' Travel Woes
The West London club delivered a showing that masked their dismal travel sickness. Central to their commanding display was the red-hot streak of striker the goal-getter. His presence are offering a platform for the side to aim higher. Teammate he even mentioned the optimistic dream of a top-seven finish as a potential outcome, highlighting the growing belief coursing through the camp.
