Premier League: 10 Crucial Takeaways from the Latest Round of Fixtures
The most recent round of Premier League fixtures delivered plenty of excitement, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. From battles between coaches to individual brilliance, here are the primary discussions stemming from the matches.
Calum McFarlane Makes a Statement Against Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's unexpected battle with the Manchester City boss evoked recollections of previous managerial mismatches. For the debutant, making his first-team maiden game, the mission was ending the Blues' dreadful sequence against Guardiola's side. A last-gasp equaliser from the Chelsea star earned a crucial point, an achievement previous coaches had struggled to achieve.
The Reds' Inability to Shut Up Shop
Even with the German playmaker getting the net, Arne Slot's team were left aggrieved after allowing a advantage slip away versus the Cottagers. The issue of being unable to manage matches when ahead remains, with the team previously throwing away similar advantages in previous outings. Until Slot's men learn the skill of seeing out a game, the quest is likely to stay a difficult affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Supports Gyökeres to Fire
Arsenal's striker is experiencing a significant goal drought from open play, but his fellow star the England international is adamant the forward is still immensely influential. The midfielder praised his work off the ball and selfless efforts as key to the league leaders title charge. "The goals are going to arrive," was Rice's confident assessment for his misfiring strike partner.
The United Boss Must Get The Slovenian to Sharpen Up
With the Red Devils adopting in a particularly conservative way, the burden was placed on the attacking duo to make the difference. While the Brazilian maintained his excellent form, Benjamin Sesko endured another frustrating afternoon. He has found goals hard to come by since his major transfer and wasted a golden chance to snatch the contest. The coming months provides a pressing requirement for him to find his confidence.
Enzo Le FĂ©e Puts Spurs in a Spin
The Black Cats boss deployed the French midfielder in a deeper position initially, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the contest wore on. The move proved a masterstroke, with the playmaker emerging as the architect of the visitor's push for an equalizing goal. Following glancing the woodwork, Le FĂ©e delivered a exquisite through ball for the levelling finish. Now fully adapted to the demands of the Premier League, his impact continues to grow.
Nuno EspĂrito Santo Wastes Chance to Use Pablo
Amid an dismal loss for the Hammers, boss Nuno EspĂrito Santo opted not to introduce any of his available bench players. This meant January recruit Pablo Felipe, who remained unused even with his side's complete ineffectiveness. He suggested it would have been "unfair" to throw the recently-arrived player into the fray. Yet, with scoring at a premium, the need to integrate the new boy as soon as possible is abundantly obvious.
The Teenager Makes Another Major Claim
The teenage sensation produced another exceptional performance whilst playing in an unfamiliar role. He was impeccable in his defensive duties, provided the breakthrough, and lifted the team in a stop-start match. With first-choice defenders back, the question for manager the Newcastle boss is if to include the remarkably composed teenager in his natural midfield role. "Coming Magpies teams will undoubtedly be designed with Miley," seems an ever more fair assessment.
8. Is the Sean Dyche Impact Wearing Thin at Forest?
Sean Dyche's initial influence at Nottingham Forest was notable, but questions are beginning to arise about the team's versatility. Forest's counter-attacking prowess remains, but seems diminished without previous personnel. While structured when sitting back, Dyche's men can struggle when forced to come from behind. Losing possession in such circumstances has proven disastrous, a lesson they need to solve quickly.
Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Halts The Bees' Away-Day Blues
Brentford delivered a performance that contradicted their poor form on the road. Central to their commanding display was the red-hot form of number nine the Brazilian. Thiago's goals are providing a platform for the team to aim higher. Teammate Kevin Schade even suggested the lofty aspiration of a top-seven finish as a target, underlining the renewed optimism coursing through the camp.
