Premier League: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Action
The latest round of Premier League games served up plenty of drama, surprise results, and compelling narratives. Ranging from battles between managers to individual brilliance, let's delve into the major points emerging from the games.
1. McFarlane Makes a Statement Versus Pep Guardiola
The young coach's surprise confrontation with Pep Guardiola brought back memories of past managerial mismatches. In the case of McFarlane, embarking on his top-level management debut, the mission was overcoming the Blues' woeful sequence when playing Manchester City. A dramatic goal from the Argentine midfielder earned a valuable draw, something previous coaches had found it tough to achieve.
The Reds' Failure to See Out Matches
Even with the German playmaker finding the net, Liverpool were left aggrieved after allowing a advantage slip away versus Marco Silva's side. The problem of being unable to control games when in front remains, with the team nearly throwing away comparable leads in earlier weeks. Before the team master the art of killing off matches, the quest will remain a difficult one.
The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring
Viktor Gyökeres is experiencing a lengthy dry spell from live action, but his fellow star Declan Rice insists the number nine is still vitally important. Rice pointed to the striker's work off the ball and team-oriented contributions as key to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Success are bound to arrive," was his optimistic assessment for his misfiring colleague.
The United Boss Must Get Sesko to Sharpen Up
With Ruben Amorim's team lining up in a incredibly cautious fashion, the burden fell on the forward partnership to deliver. Whereas the Brazilian persisted with his impressive run, Benjamin Sesko experienced another forgettable outing. The young striker has scored elusive since his high-profile switch and spurned a late opportunity to win the contest. The coming months presents a obvious requirement for him to find his form.
5. Le Fée Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss deployed the French midfielder in a more defensive position initially, before pushing him up the pitch as the contest progressed. The switch proved masterful, with he emerging as the architect of Sunderland's fightback for an leveler. After hitting the upright, he supplied a perfect pass for the levelling finish. Having found his feet to the demands of the Premier League, his influence continues to grow.
The West Ham Manager Wastes Opportunity to Bed In Pablo
During an embarrassing loss for the London club, boss the Portuguese coach opted not to use any of his permitted substitutes. Among them was January recruit Pablo Felipe, who watched on despite his club's chronic failure to score. He felt it would have been "unjust" to throw the recently-arrived striker into the fray. Yet, with scoring at a dearth, the imperative to integrate the 22-year-old quickly is glaringly clear.
7. Miley States Yet Another Huge Claim
The teenage sensation produced a further outstanding showing whilst filling in out of position. The youngster was impeccable in defence, set up the opening goal, and raised the tone in a stop-start affair. With first-choice full-backs available, the question for coach Eddie Howe is whether to include the astonishingly composed player in his preferred engine room berth. "Coming Newcastle teams will surely be constructed with him," seems an a fair prediction.
8. Is the Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?
The former Burnley boss's initial impact at the club was positive, but concerns are starting to arise about the side's plan B. Their breakaway ability exists, but seems diminished in the absence of previous players. Although disciplined when sitting back, Dyche's men can struggle when required to come from behind. Losing possession in those situations has shown costly, a lesson they need to rectify immediately.
The Striker's Hot Streak Ends Brentford's Poor Road Form
Brentford put in a performance that contradicted their poor away record. Key to their dominant display was the prolific streak of striker Igor Thiago. Thiago's finishing are giving a foundation for the side to build on. Winger he even floated the ambitious target of a top-seven finish as a potential outcome, underlining the growing optimism coursing through the squad.
