Premier League: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Action
The most recent set of top-flight action delivered plenty of drama, unexpected scores, and compelling narratives. Ranging from battles between managers to individual brilliance, we examine the key conversations emerging from the games.
1. McFarlane Makes a Statement Against Pep Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's unexpected confrontation with the celebrated tactician evoked thoughts of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. For McFarlane, taking charge for his first-team management debut, the mission was ending the Blues' woeful sequence against Guardiola's side. An injury-time equaliser from the Argentine midfielder snatched a crucial draw, a feat former managers had failed to do.
2. Liverpool's Inability to See Out Matches
Despite the German playmaker getting the net, Liverpool were left aggrieved after surrendering a advantage evaporate against the Cottagers. The concern of failing to command encounters when in the lead persists, with the side almost squandering comparable margins in recent weeks. Until the team master the art of defending a lead, the season is likely to stay a difficult affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Fire
Arsenal's striker is enduring a significant dry spell from live action, but his fellow star the Gunners lynchpin is adamant the number nine is nevertheless vitally valuable. He praised Gyökeres' work off the ball and team-oriented efforts as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side title charge. "Success are going to come," was Rice's confident prediction for his misfiring colleague.
The United Boss Requires The Slovenian to Sharpen Up
With Manchester United adopting in a incredibly cautious way, the onus was placed on the forward pair to deliver. Whereas one forward persisted with his impressive run, his strike partner suffered another forgettable afternoon. He has hit the net elusive since his major move and wasted a late opportunity to win the match. The coming months presents a clear need for Sesko to regain his form.
Enzo Le Fée Leaves Tottenham in a State of Confusion
The Sunderland manager positioned his creative talent in a more defensive role at first, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the match developed. The switch turned out to be masterful, with Le Fée turning into the architect of the visitor's comeback for an equaliser. After hitting the post, he supplied a perfect pass for the all-important strike. Having fully adapted to the demands of the top flight, his influence continues to grow.
The West Ham Manager Wastes Opportunity to Bed In Pablo
In a embarrassing performance for the Hammers, boss Nuno Espírito Santo chose not to use any of his available bench players. This included recent acquisition the Brazilian striker, who remained unused despite his team's utter ineffectiveness. Nuno suggested it would have been "too harsh" to send the recently-arrived player into the fray. Yet, with firepower at a shortage, the imperative to blood the new boy as soon as possible is glaringly apparent.
7. Miley States A Further Big Claim
The teenage sensation produced yet another superb display while filling in at right-back. He was impeccable in his own half, created the first goal, and set the standard in a untidy encounter. With established full-backs back, the question for boss him is whether to accommodate the astonishingly talented player in his natural central midfield position. "Coming Magpies line-ups will undoubtedly be built with Miley," seems an a fair statement.
Are the New Manager Bounce Running Out at Forest?
Sean Dyche's initial effect at Forest was admirable, but questions are beginning to surface about the team's versatility. The team's transition ability exists, but seems less potent in the absence of previous attackers. Although structured when sitting back, Dyche's men can struggle when required to open up. Giving the ball away in those moments has shown costly, a problem they have to solve rapidly.
The Striker's Hot Streak Ends Brentford's Away-Day Blues
Thomas Frank's team produced a display that belied their troubled form on the road. Central to their impressive victory was the prolific form of number nine the goal-getter. His finishing are giving a base for the team to progress. Attacker he even mentioned the ambitious aspiration of continental football as a possibility, underlining the growing optimism in the squad.
