Top-Flight Football: 10 Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Fixtures
This past set of top-flight games delivered a wealth of drama, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. From battles between coaches to star performances, we examine the primary points coming out of the matches.
Calum McFarlane Stands Firm Versus Pep Guardiola
The young coach's unforeseen battle with the Manchester City boss recalled thoughts of past managerial mismatches. For the debutant, taking charge for his top-level maiden game, the task was ending Chelsea's woeful recent record versus the champions. An injury-time goal from the Chelsea star secured a hard-fought point, an achievement past incumbents had found it tough to accomplish.
The Reds' Inability to Shut Up Shop
Even with the German playmaker scoring the net, Liverpool ended up aggrieved after letting a winning position evaporate against the Cottagers. The issue of being unable to control encounters when in the lead remains, with the team almost letting slip comparable advantages in recent weeks. Before the team discover the art of seeing out a game, the quest promises to be a challenging process.
3. Rice Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form
The Swedish forward is enduring a significant run without scoring from open play, but his midfield colleague Declan Rice is adamant the player is still immensely important. Rice praised his hold-up play and unselfish efforts as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side title charge. "The goals are bound to arrive," was Rice's confident message for his off-colour teammate.
The United Boss Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Improve
Given the Red Devils lining up in a notably defensive manner, the onus was placed on the offensive pair to deliver. Whereas Matheus Cunha continued his excellent performances, his strike partner endured another difficult game. He has scored scarce since his major transfer and spurned a golden opening to snatch the contest. The new year presents a obvious imperative for Sesko to regain his confidence.
5. Le Fée Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle
Régis Le Bris deployed the French midfielder in a deeper position to start, before releasing him further forward as the match developed. The move turned out to be a masterstroke, with Le Fée becoming the main instigator of Sunderland's fightback for an equalizing goal. Following hitting the woodwork, the midfielder supplied a sumptuous pass for the all-important goal. Having settled in to the pace of the top flight, his impact is on the rise.
Nuno EspÃrito Santo Fails to Take Chance to Use Pablo
Amid an dismal defeat for the Hammers, manager Nuno decided against use any of his named substitutes. This included new signing Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench even with his team's utter lack of threat. He reasoned it would have been "unjust" to introduce the new player into the action. Yet, with scoring at a shortage, the need to assimilate the youngster as soon as possible is abundantly obvious.
The Teenager Makes A Further Huge Case
Lewis Miley produced another exceptional performance whilst playing in an unfamiliar role. He was excellent in his defensive duties, created the first goal, and lifted the team in a scrappy encounter. With established full-backs available, the conundrum for boss the Newcastle boss is if to fit the astonishingly mature teenager in his best midfield berth. "Next Newcastle sides will undoubtedly be designed around him," seems an ever more safe assessment.
Are the New Manager Bounce Fading at Nottingham Forest?
Sean Dyche's early influence at Forest was positive, but concerns are beginning to emerge about the side's versatility. The team's transition prowess is still there, but appears reduced without previous players. While structured when sitting back, they have been exposed when forced to chase a game. Losing possession in such moments has proven punishing, a issue they must rectify immediately.
9. Thiago's Goal Rush Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Travel Woes
Thomas Frank's team produced a performance that contradicted their dismal form on the road. Key to their dominant victory was the prolific scoring of striker the Brazilian. His presence are giving a base for the side to aim higher. Winger Kevin Schade even mentioned the ambitious dream of European qualification as a potential outcome, highlighting the growing optimism in the camp.
