Premier League: 10 Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Action
This past set of top-flight action served up a wealth of excitement, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. From battles between managers to star performances, we examine the primary conversations stemming from the matches.
The Chelsea Boss Stands Firm Against Pep Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's unexpected battle with Pep Guardiola brought back recollections of previous managerial mismatches. In the case of the Chelsea boss, embarking on his top-level coaching bow, the challenge was ending the Blues' dreadful recent record when playing Guardiola's side. An injury-time equaliser from the Chelsea star snatched a valuable draw, an achievement former coaches had found it tough to do.
2. Liverpool's Struggle to See Out Matches
Even with the German playmaker finding the net, Arne Slot's team were left disappointed after surrendering a lead evaporate at Marco Silva's side. The issue of being unable to command encounters when ahead remains, with the side almost letting slip similar leads in earlier matches. Until Slot's men discover the knack of killing off matches, the season will remain a frustrating process.
Declan Rice Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Fire
Viktor Gyökeres is enduring a significant run without scoring from open play, but his fellow star Declan Rice insists the number nine is nonetheless vitally valuable. The midfielder highlighted the striker's work off the ball and unselfish contributions as key to Arsenal's success. "Good things are sure to follow," was his supportive assessment for his misfiring colleague.
4. Amorim Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Find His Edge
Given Manchester United lining up in a notably defensive way, the burden was placed on the offensive pair to deliver. Whereas the Brazilian persisted with his excellent run, Benjamin Sesko suffered another frustrating afternoon. He has hit the net scarce since his big-money transfer and wasted a late opening to win the match. The new year offers a clear need for the striker to regain his scoring touch.
The Sunderland Star Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Spin
Régis Le Bris used Enzo Le Fée in a unfamiliar position at first, before releasing him into advanced areas as the game progressed. The decision proved a masterstroke, with Le Fée emerging as the architect of Sunderland's push for an equaliser. After glancing the post, he delivered a perfect through ball for the all-important strike. Having settled in to the pace of the Premier League, his impact keeps improving.
Nuno Espírito Santo Misses Opportunity to Use Pablo
Amid an woeful performance for the London club, manager the Portuguese coach opted against utilize any of his available substitutes. Among them was new signing the Brazilian striker, who remained unused despite his club's chronic ineffectiveness. Nuno felt it would have been "too harsh" to send the recently-arrived recruit into the fray. But, with firepower at a dearth, the imperative to blood the new boy rapidly is glaringly clear.
Lewis Miley States A Further Major Case
The teenage sensation delivered a further outstanding performance while playing in an unfamiliar role. He was impeccable in his own half, created the breakthrough, and lifted the team in a untidy affair. With established right-backs available, the question for manager him is if to include the incredibly mature teenager in his preferred midfield role. "Coming Magpies sides will surely be built around him," seems an ever more accurate statement.
Are the Sean Dyche Impact Wearing Thin at The City Ground?
Sean Dyche's early impact at Forest was positive, but questions are now emerge about the team's plan B. Their transition ability exists, but seems diminished without previous attackers. Although structured when protecting a lead, Dyche's men have been exposed when needing to come from behind. Giving the ball away in such situations has shown punishing, a problem they have to rectify quickly.
The Striker's Hot Streak Ends Brentford's Away-Day Blues
The West London club produced a display that masked their dismal away record. Central to their dominant display was the in-form form of number nine Igor Thiago. The striker's finishing are offering a platform for the squad to build on. Teammate the German international even mentioned the optimistic aspiration of a top-seven finish as a possibility, highlighting the growing optimism within the squad.
