Premier League: 10 Crucial Takeaways from the Weekend's Fixtures
The latest set of top-flight action served up a wealth of excitement, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from clashes between bosses to individual brilliance, we examine the key discussions emerging from the encounters.
Calum McFarlane Holds His Own When Facing Pep Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's unforeseen battle with the celebrated tactician evoked thoughts of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of McFarlane, taking charge for his senior management debut, the challenge was ending his side's dreadful sequence against Manchester City. A dramatic equaliser from the Argentine midfielder snatched a valuable point, a feat previous coaches had struggled to accomplish.
Arne Slot's Struggle to Close Games Out
Despite Florian Wirtz finding the net, Arne Slot's team were left disappointed after allowing a lead evaporate at Fulham. The issue of failing to control games when ahead continues, with the side almost letting slip identical advantages in previous matches. Until Slot's men learn the knack of killing off matches, the quest promises to be a frustrating affair.
3. Rice Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Fire
Arsenal's striker is experiencing a significant run without scoring from open play, but his fellow star the England international has stressed the forward is nonetheless vitally valuable. Rice praised Gyökeres' hold-up play and unselfish efforts as integral to Mikel Arteta's side form. "The goals are bound to come," was the midfielder's supportive prediction for his struggling strike partner.
Ruben Amorim Must Get Sesko to Improve
With Manchester United adopting in a notably conservative way, the onus was placed on the offensive duo to produce. Whereas the Brazilian persisted with his excellent run, Benjamin Sesko suffered another frustrating afternoon. The Slovenian has scored elusive since his major transfer and missed a late opportunity to win the game. January offers a obvious need for Sesko to discover his scoring touch.
Enzo Le Fée Puts Tottenham in a State of Confusion
Régis Le Bris deployed Enzo Le Fée in a more defensive position to start, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the game progressed. The decision proved a masterstroke, with he turning into the main instigator of the visitor's fightback for an equaliser. After directing the upright, Le Fée supplied a sumptuous through ball for the all-important strike. Having found his feet to the demands of the Premier League, his campaign is on the rise.
6. Nuno Misses Opportunity to Bed In Pablo Felipe
During an dismal defeat for the Hammers, boss Nuno Espírito Santo chose not to introduce any of his available substitutes. Among them was new signing Pablo Felipe, who watched on even with his club's chronic lack of threat. He reasoned it would have been "unfair" to throw the recently-arrived striker into the action. Yet, with goals at a premium, the imperative to blood the 22-year-old as soon as possible is painfully clear.
Lewis Miley Delivers A Further Major Case
Lewis Miley delivered a further exceptional performance whilst playing out of position. The midfielder was impeccable in his defensive duties, provided the opening goal, and lifted the team in a untidy match. Now that specialist full-backs available, the question for coach Eddie Howe is if to accommodate the astonishingly talented teenager in his best engine room role. "Future Toon line-ups will certainly be built on Miley," seems an a fair assessment.
Are the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Forest?
The manager's first influence at the club was positive, but doubts are beginning to emerge about the squad's versatility. Their breakaway prowess exists, but looks diminished without certain personnel. While structured when sitting back, Forest have been exposed when required to chase a game. Cheap turnovers in these situations has been disastrous, a lesson they must address immediately.
9. Thiago's Goal Rush Halts Brentford's Poor Road Form
The West London club delivered a performance that belied their troubled form on the road. Central to their commanding display was the prolific streak of striker Igor Thiago. His presence are giving a base for the side to aim higher. Teammate the German international even floated the lofty target of European qualification as a possibility, underlining the fresh belief in the squad.
