England's Top Division: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Matches
The latest round of Premier League action delivered a wealth of intrigue, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from battles between managers to individual brilliance, here are the key conversations stemming from the matches.
The Chelsea Boss Makes a Statement Versus Guardiola
The young coach's unexpected duel with the celebrated tactician brought back memories of previous David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the debutant, embarking on his senior management debut, the task was overcoming Chelsea's dreadful run of form when playing Manchester City. A dramatic strike from the Argentine midfielder snatched a crucial draw, an achievement past managers had found it tough to do.
The Reds' Inability to See Out Matches
Even with the German playmaker scoring the net, the Merseyside club ended up aggrieved after allowing a lead slip at the Cottagers. The issue of being unable to control matches when in front remains, with the team previously letting slip similar leads in recent outings. Until they learn the art of defending a lead, the season is likely to stay a difficult affair.
3. Rice Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Fire
Arsenal's striker is experiencing a lengthy goal drought from live action, but his fellow star Declan Rice insists the forward is still vitally influential. The midfielder pointed to the striker's hold-up play and selfless efforts as key to the league leaders title charge. "The goals are bound to arrive," was his confident prediction for his struggling colleague.
4. Amorim Must Get Sesko to Find His Edge
Given the Red Devils adopting in a particularly defensive way, the responsibility fell on the forward duo to make the difference. While one forward maintained his impressive form, Benjamin Sesko experienced another forgettable game. The young striker has hit the net scarce since his big-money transfer and wasted a golden opportunity to snatch the match. The new year provides a pressing requirement for the striker to regain his scoring touch.
Enzo Le Fée Puts Tottenham in a Muddle
The Sunderland manager used the French midfielder in a more defensive role initially, before releasing him further forward as the contest wore on. The decision turned out to be masterful, with Le Fée becoming the chief creator of Sunderland's push for an leveler. After directing the post, the midfielder delivered a exquisite assist for the crucial goal. Now settled in to the pace of the top flight, his influence continues to grow.
6. Nuno Fails to Take Chance to Introduce New Signing
Amid an embarrassing defeat for the London club, manager Nuno EspÃrito Santo chose against utilize any of his named replacements. This included recent acquisition Pablo Felipe, who watched on despite his side's chronic ineffectiveness. Nuno felt it would have been "too harsh" to send the new striker into the fray. However, with goals at a shortage, the need to assimilate the youngster rapidly is painfully obvious.
The Teenager States Yet Another Big Statement
The 19-year-old delivered yet another superb display whilst filling in out of position. The midfielder was excellent in defence, created the opening goal, and raised the tone in a stop-start affair. With first-choice right-backs available, the question for coach him is whether to accommodate the incredibly mature youngster in his preferred central midfield berth. "Next Toon line-ups will undoubtedly be built with Miley," seems an ever more accurate statement.
Are the Sean Dyche Impact Fading at Forest?
The former Burnley boss's initial influence at Nottingham Forest was admirable, but concerns are now arise about the side's adaptability. Their transition threat exists, but seems less potent without key players. Whilst structured when sitting back, Dyche's men have looked vulnerable when forced to chase a game. Cheap turnovers in such moments has proven costly, a problem they must address immediately.
9. Thiago's Hot Streak Stops Brentford's Away-Day Blues
Brentford put in a display that belied their dismal travel sickness. Key to their dominant victory was the red-hot streak of striker Igor Thiago. The striker's goals are giving a foundation for the side to aim higher. Teammate the German international even suggested the optimistic aspiration of continental football as a potential outcome, underlining the renewed belief in the team.