Premier League: Ten Crucial Takeaways from the Weekend's Fixtures
This past set of top-flight games served up a wealth of excitement, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. From duels between managers to star performances, here are the key discussions coming out of the games.
1. McFarlane Holds His Own Versus A Master Tactician
The Chelsea manager's unforeseen duel with the celebrated tactician evoked memories of past unequal sideline contests. For McFarlane, making his top-level coaching bow, the task was halting the Blues' astonishingly bad sequence when playing the champions. A dramatic strike from the Argentine midfielder secured a valuable draw, an achievement previous incumbents had found it tough to do.
Arne Slot's Inability to Close Games Out
Despite the German playmaker scoring the net, Arne Slot's team finished aggrieved after letting a lead evaporate versus Fulham. The concern of not managing to manage encounters when ahead remains, with the side nearly throwing away comparable advantages in previous matches. Until they master the knack of killing off matches, the quest promises to be a frustrating affair.
3. Rice Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form
Arsenal's striker is going through a notable run without scoring from general play, but his teammate the England international has stressed the forward is nevertheless immensely valuable. He highlighted his pressing and team-oriented performances as crucial to the league leaders title charge. "The goals are bound to follow," was the midfielder's confident prediction for his misfiring colleague.
Ruben Amorim Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Find His Edge
Given Manchester United setting up in a notably cautious fashion, the onus fell on the forward partnership to produce. Whereas Matheus Cunha persisted with his excellent performances, Benjamin Sesko experienced another forgettable game. The young striker has hit the net scarce since his high-profile switch and wasted a golden opportunity to snatch the contest. The new year offers a pressing imperative for Sesko to regain his form.
5. Le Fée Puts Tottenham in a State of Confusion
The Black Cats boss used Enzo Le Fée in a more defensive position to start, before pushing him up the pitch as the contest progressed. The move turned out to be a masterstroke, with he turning into the architect of his team's fightback for an equaliser. Following directing the woodwork, he delivered a perfect assist for the all-important finish. Now fully adapted to the demands of the top flight, his impact is on the rise.
The West Ham Manager Misses Chance to Introduce New Signing
Amid an embarrassing defeat for the London club, manager Nuno Espírito Santo chose against utilize any of his named substitutes. This meant new signing Pablo Felipe, who watched on even with his club's chronic ineffectiveness. The manager felt it would have been "too harsh" to throw the fresh player into the action. However, with scoring at a dearth, the urgency to assimilate the youngster rapidly is painfully obvious.
Lewis Miley States A Further Huge Statement
The 19-year-old delivered another exceptional performance while playing in an unfamiliar role. The youngster was flawless in defence, set up the first goal, and raised the tone in a untidy encounter. Now that specialist right-backs returning, the conundrum for coach the Newcastle boss is if to include the remarkably talented teenager in his natural central midfield position. "Coming Magpies teams will certainly be designed with Miley," seems an ever more safe assessment.
8. Is the Sean Dyche Impact Running Out at Nottingham Forest?
The manager's early impact at the club was positive, but doubts are beginning to emerge about the squad's adaptability. The team's transition prowess is still there, but looks reduced in the absence of certain players. While disciplined when protecting a lead, Forest have looked vulnerable when needing to chase a game. Cheap turnovers in those situations has been disastrous, a problem they must rectify quickly.
The Striker's Goal Rush Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues
The West London club delivered a showing that belied their dismal travel sickness. Vital to their impressive display was the red-hot streak of striker Igor Thiago. The striker's goals are providing a foundation for the side to build on. Attacker the German international even suggested the optimistic dream of a top-seven finish as a potential outcome, highlighting the growing belief within the camp.
