Top-Flight Football: 10 Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Matches
This past set of top-flight fixtures delivered plenty of intrigue, shock outcomes, and compelling narratives. From duels between managers to personal masterclasses, we examine the primary points stemming from the encounters.
The Chelsea Boss Holds His Own Versus Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's unexpected confrontation with Pep Guardiola recalled memories of past David vs Goliath coaching battles. For McFarlane, embarking on his top-level maiden game, the mission was halting his side's dreadful recent record versus Manchester City. A last-gasp strike from the Chelsea star secured a valuable result, an achievement previous managers had found it tough to do.
2. Liverpool's Failure to Shut Up Shop
Even with the German playmaker finding the net, Liverpool were left aggrieved after surrendering a winning position slip at the Cottagers. The issue of failing to manage matches when ahead remains, with the side almost throwing away comparable margins in previous weeks. Before they learn the knack of defending a lead, the quest will remain a difficult process.
The Arsenal Midfielder Backs The Swedish Striker to Fire
The Swedish forward is experiencing a lengthy dry spell from open play, but his teammate the Gunners lynchpin insists the number nine is still vitally important. The midfielder pointed to Gyökeres' hold-up play and unselfish efforts as key to the league leaders form. "Good things are sure to follow," was his optimistic message for his off-colour colleague.
Ruben Amorim Needs Sesko to Find His Edge
Given Ruben Amorim's team adopting in a incredibly cautious way, the responsibility was placed on the forward pair to produce. Whereas the Brazilian continued his excellent form, the summer signing suffered another difficult outing. He has scored elusive since his major transfer and missed a late opportunity to snatch the contest. The new year offers a clear requirement for the striker to discover his form.
5. Le FĂ©e Puts Spurs in a Spin
The Black Cats boss positioned the French midfielder in a deeper role initially, before releasing him into advanced areas as the match developed. The move proved inspired, with Le FĂ©e turning into the main instigator of Sunderland's fightback for an equalizing goal. After directing the woodwork, he supplied a exquisite through ball for the crucial finish. Now fully adapted to the intensity of the top flight, his influence is on the rise.
Nuno EspĂrito Santo Misses Opportunity to Bed In Pablo Felipe
Amid an embarrassing defeat for West Ham, manager Nuno EspĂrito Santo decided not to introduce any of his named substitutes. Among them was new signing the forward, who watched on even with his club's complete lack of threat. The manager suggested it would have been "too harsh" to send the new striker into the fray. Yet, with firepower at a shortage, the imperative to blood the 22-year-old quickly is painfully obvious.
7. Miley States Another Major Claim
The 19-year-old turned in yet another superb performance whilst filling in at right-back. The midfielder was excellent in defence, provided the opening goal, and lifted the team in a untidy match. Now that first-choice full-backs returning, the question for coach him is if to fit the astonishingly talented youngster in his best central midfield position. "Coming Newcastle teams will certainly be designed around him," seems an ever more accurate statement.
8. Is the Sean Dyche Impact Fading at Nottingham Forest?
The manager's first impact at Nottingham Forest was admirable, but questions are beginning to arise about the team's adaptability. Forest's counter-attacking ability exists, but looks less potent in the absence of certain attackers. Whilst structured when protecting a lead, Forest have looked vulnerable when needing to come from behind. Giving the ball away in such moments has been costly, a lesson they must solve immediately.
The Striker's Scoring Form Halts The Bees' Travel Woes
The West London club put in a showing that contradicted their poor form on the road. Key to their dominant display was the prolific streak of forward the Brazilian. His presence are providing a base for the squad to progress. Winger Kevin Schade even mentioned the optimistic target of continental football as a target, highlighting the renewed optimism within the squad.
