Top-Flight Football: 10 Crucial Takeaways from the Weekend's Action
The most recent set of top-flight action delivered plenty of intrigue, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. Ranging from battles between managers to individual brilliance, here are the key conversations coming out of the games.
1. McFarlane Holds His Own When Facing Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's unexpected confrontation with the celebrated tactician recalled thoughts of earlier unequal sideline contests. For McFarlane, embarking on his top-level maiden game, the challenge was overcoming Chelsea's astonishingly bad sequence when playing the champions. An injury-time strike from the Chelsea star secured a valuable draw, a feat past coaches had found it tough to accomplish.
The Reds' Struggle to See Out Matches
Despite the German playmaker getting the net, Liverpool ended up disappointed after allowing a lead slip against the Cottagers. The concern of being unable to control matches when ahead remains, with the side nearly letting slip identical margins in recent outings. Until Slot's men discover the skill of seeing out a game, the quest is likely to stay a challenging process.
Declan Rice Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring
The Swedish forward is enduring a notable goal drought from general play, but his teammate the England international insists the player is still immensely important. The midfielder praised the striker's work off the ball and selfless performances as key to Arsenal's title charge. "The goals are bound to come," was the midfielder's optimistic message for his misfiring teammate.
The United Boss Requires Sesko to Improve
Given Ruben Amorim's team adopting in a notably conservative manner, the onus fell on the attacking duo to produce. While one forward maintained his fine performances, his strike partner experienced another difficult game. The Slovenian has hit the net hard to come by since his major transfer and missed a late opening to win the contest. January provides a pressing imperative for the striker to find his scoring touch.
Enzo Le Fée Puts Spurs in a State of Confusion
The Sunderland manager deployed Enzo Le Fée in a deeper role at first, before releasing him into advanced areas as the game progressed. The move proved inspired, with he turning into the chief creator of the visitor's push for an leveler. After glancing the woodwork, Le Fée supplied a sumptuous assist for the crucial strike. Now settled in to the pace of the top flight, his influence is on the rise.
Nuno Espírito Santo Wastes Chance to Introduce Pablo
During an embarrassing performance for West Ham, manager Nuno chose not to utilize any of his available substitutes. Among them was new signing Pablo Felipe, who watched on despite his side's complete ineffectiveness. Nuno felt it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the fresh striker into the action. However, with firepower at a dearth, the imperative to assimilate the new boy quickly is abundantly clear.
7. Miley Makes Another Huge Case
The teenage sensation turned in yet another exceptional performance whilst filling in out of position. The youngster was impeccable in defence, created the opening goal, and lifted the team in a stop-start match. Now that first-choice full-backs returning, the question for manager the Newcastle boss is if to fit the incredibly mature youngster in his best central midfield role. "Next Newcastle sides will certainly be built on Miley," seems an ever more safe statement.
8. Is the New Manager Bounce Fading at The City Ground?
The former Burnley boss's initial effect at Nottingham Forest was notable, but questions are now emerge about the team's plan B. Forest's transition ability remains, but seems less potent without certain attackers. Whilst structured when defending deep, they have been exposed when forced to come from behind. Giving the ball away in those circumstances has been punishing, a problem they have to solve immediately.
The Striker's Hot Streak Stops Brentford's Poor Road Form
Thomas Frank's team produced a display that contradicted their troubled form on the road. Central to their impressive display was the in-form form of striker the goal-getter. His goals are giving a platform for the squad to aim higher. Attacker Kevin Schade even suggested the optimistic dream of continental football as a target, highlighting the growing optimism in the camp.