Top-Flight Football: Ten Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Fixtures
The latest batch of English action delivered no shortage of excitement, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. From battles between bosses to star performances, we examine the key discussions coming out of the games.
Calum McFarlane Makes a Statement When Facing Pep Guardiola
The young coach's unexpected confrontation with Pep Guardiola brought back memories of earlier managerial mismatches. In the case of the debutant, embarking on his first-team coaching bow, the task was halting the Blues' woeful run of form when playing the champions. A last-gasp goal from the Chelsea star secured a crucial point, an achievement former incumbents had found it tough to do.
2. Liverpool's Inability to Shut Up Shop
Despite the German playmaker getting the net, the Merseyside club were left frustrated after allowing a winning position slip versus Marco Silva's side. The concern of being unable to control matches when in front persists, with the squad nearly squandering similar margins in earlier weeks. Before they discover the skill of killing off matches, the quest is likely to stay a difficult process.
3. Rice Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring
The Swedish forward is going through a notable goal drought from open play, but his teammate Declan Rice has stressed the forward is still hugely influential. Rice praised his pressing and unselfish efforts as crucial to Arsenal's success. "Success are bound to follow," was his confident message for his struggling strike partner.
The United Boss Requires Sesko to Sharpen Up
With Manchester United lining up in a particularly defensive way, the responsibility rested with the forward duo to make the difference. While Matheus Cunha persisted with his excellent run, Benjamin Sesko endured another frustrating outing. The Slovenian has found goals scarce since his major move and missed a golden opening to claim the contest. The new year presents a pressing imperative for Sesko to discover his scoring touch.
The Sunderland Star Leaves Spurs in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss used his creative talent in a unfamiliar role to start, before pushing him further forward as the game progressed. The switch proved masterful, with the playmaker emerging as the main instigator of the visitor's push for an leveler. Following directing the post, the midfielder delivered a exquisite through ball for the crucial strike. Now found his feet to the demands of the English game, his influence keeps improving.
6. Nuno Fails to Take Opportunity to Use New Signing
During an embarrassing performance for the Hammers, head coach Nuno EspĂrito Santo opted against use any of his available bench players. Among them was recent acquisition Pablo Felipe, who watched on despite his team's utter ineffectiveness. Nuno reasoned it would have been "unjust" to send the recently-arrived player into the match. But, with goals at a premium, the imperative to blood the youngster as soon as possible is abundantly apparent.
7. Miley States A Further Major Statement
The teenage sensation produced a further exceptional performance while filling in at right-back. The youngster was impeccable in his defensive duties, set up the opening goal, and raised the tone in a untidy affair. Now that specialist right-backs back, the conundrum for manager the Newcastle boss is how to fit the incredibly mature youngster in his best midfield position. "Next Toon teams will undoubtedly be designed with the lad," seems an increasingly fair statement.
Are the New Manager Bounce Running Out at The City Ground?
The manager's first impact at Nottingham Forest was positive, but concerns are beginning to surface about the squad's adaptability. The team's transition threat remains, but looks reduced without key players. Although disciplined when protecting a lead, Forest can struggle when needing to chase a game. Cheap turnovers in these circumstances has shown punishing, a lesson they must address rapidly.
The Striker's Goal Rush Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Poor Road Form
The West London club put in a showing that contradicted their poor form on the road. Vital to their commanding win was the red-hot streak of forward the Brazilian. His finishing are offering a platform for the side to progress. Teammate Kevin Schade even mentioned the optimistic dream of continental football as a target, underlining the growing belief coursing through the team.
