Premier League: Ten Crucial Takeaways from the Latest Round of Action
The most recent round of Premier League action served up a wealth of drama, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. From battles between bosses to star performances, we examine the major points coming out of the matches.
1. McFarlane Makes a Statement When Facing Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's unexpected confrontation with the celebrated tactician brought back thoughts of previous managerial mismatches. For the debutant, taking charge for his first-team coaching bow, the challenge was overcoming his side's astonishingly bad sequence against Guardiola's side. A dramatic strike from Enzo Fernández snatched a valuable result, a feat past managers had found it tough to do.
The Reds' Struggle to Shut Up Shop
Even with Florian Wirtz scoring the net, the Merseyside club finished disappointed after allowing a advantage evaporate against Fulham. The problem of not managing to manage games when in the lead persists, with the side nearly throwing away comparable leads in previous matches. Before the team learn the skill of seeing out a game, the campaign will remain a challenging process.
The Arsenal Midfielder Backs Gyökeres to Find Form
Arsenal's striker is experiencing a significant run without scoring from open play, but his fellow star the England international is adamant the forward is nevertheless vitally important. Rice highlighted Gyökeres' hold-up play and selfless contributions as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Success are bound to come," was Rice's confident message for his struggling colleague.
Ruben Amorim Must Get The Slovenian to Sharpen Up
Given Manchester United setting up in a notably conservative way, the onus was placed on the forward duo to produce. Whereas the Brazilian persisted with his fine run, his strike partner endured another forgettable game. He has scored elusive since his big-money switch and missed a late opportunity to win the match. January provides a pressing need for him to regain his scoring touch.
5. Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a State of Confusion
Régis Le Bris deployed the French midfielder in a deeper role to start, before releasing him up the pitch as the game developed. The decision proved masterful, with the playmaker turning into the chief creator of Sunderland's comeback for an equalizing goal. Following directing the woodwork, Le Fée delivered a perfect pass for the all-important goal. Having found his feet to the demands of the Premier League, his campaign continues to grow.
The West Ham Manager Misses Opportunity to Bed In Pablo Felipe
During an dismal performance for the London club, boss Nuno decided not to use any of his permitted substitutes. This meant recent acquisition Pablo Felipe, who watched on even with his club's utter failure to score. He reasoned it would have been "too harsh" to throw the recently-arrived recruit into the action. Yet, with goals at a shortage, the need to integrate the 22-year-old as soon as possible is painfully apparent.
The Teenager Delivers Yet Another Huge Claim
Lewis Miley turned in yet another superb showing while filling in out of position. He was flawless in defence, set up the opening goal, and raised the tone in a stop-start affair. With established full-backs back, the conundrum for coach him is how to include the remarkably mature teenager in his best midfield position. "Next Newcastle line-ups will undoubtedly be constructed on the lad," seems an a fair assessment.
Could the Dyche Effect Running Out at Forest?
The manager's early impact at Nottingham Forest was positive, but questions are starting to arise about the team's plan B. Forest's counter-attacking prowess is still there, but looks diminished in the absence of previous attackers. While structured when protecting a lead, they have looked vulnerable when forced to open up. Losing possession in those situations has proven disastrous, a problem they have to address immediately.
The Striker's Scoring Form Stops Brentford's Away-Day Blues
Thomas Frank's team delivered a showing that contradicted their dismal travel sickness. Central to their dominant display was the in-form scoring of number nine Igor Thiago. The striker's presence are giving a platform for the side to build on. Winger he even suggested the optimistic target of continental football as a potential outcome, highlighting the growing confidence coursing through the team.