Top-Flight Football: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Fixtures
This past set of top-flight fixtures served up no shortage of intrigue, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. Ranging from clashes between coaches to personal masterclasses, let's delve into the key discussions stemming from the encounters.
Calum McFarlane Stands Firm Against A Master Tactician
The Chelsea manager's unforeseen battle with the celebrated tactician evoked thoughts of past unequal sideline contests. For the debutant, embarking on his top-level coaching bow, the task was halting the Blues' dreadful recent record versus the champions. An injury-time equaliser from the Chelsea star earned a hard-fought result, something past incumbents had struggled to achieve.
The Reds' Struggle to See Out Matches
Despite the German playmaker getting the net, Liverpool were left disappointed after surrendering a winning position slip away against Fulham. The problem of not managing to control games when in the lead continues, with the side almost squandering similar advantages in recent outings. Until they learn the knack of seeing out a game, the quest promises to be a frustrating one.
3. Rice Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Start Scoring
The Swedish forward is going through a lengthy run without scoring from general play, but his fellow star the England international insists the forward is still hugely valuable. The midfielder highlighted his pressing and team-oriented contributions as crucial to Arsenal's title charge. "Success are sure to follow," was his optimistic prediction for his off-colour colleague.
Ruben Amorim Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Improve
With Manchester United lining up in a notably conservative manner, the responsibility rested with the offensive partnership to make the difference. Whereas the Brazilian continued his excellent run, Benjamin Sesko endured another difficult game. The young striker has hit the net hard to come by since his big-money move and spurned a late opening to win the match. The new year offers a pressing requirement for him to regain his scoring touch.
5. Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Spin
Régis Le Bris positioned his creative talent in a unfamiliar role initially, before releasing him up the pitch as the game progressed. The decision was masterful, with the playmaker emerging as the architect of his team's comeback for an leveler. Following glancing the woodwork, Le Fée delivered a sumptuous pass for the all-important strike. Now settled in to the intensity of the Premier League, his influence keeps improving.
6. Nuno Wastes Opportunity to Use Pablo
During an woeful performance for West Ham, boss Nuno chose not to use any of his available substitutes. Among them was new signing the Brazilian striker, who remained unused even with his side's complete failure to score. He reasoned it would have been "unjust" to throw the fresh player into the action. However, with scoring at a premium, the imperative to assimilate the youngster as soon as possible is glaringly obvious.
7. Miley Makes Yet Another Major Case
The 19-year-old turned in a further superb showing while playing out of position. The midfielder was impeccable in his own half, provided the breakthrough, and set the standard in a stop-start match. Now that specialist full-backs available, the conundrum for manager Eddie Howe is if to include the incredibly talented youngster in his best central midfield role. "Future Newcastle teams will certainly be constructed with Miley," seems an a fair assessment.
Are the Dyche Effect Running Out at Nottingham Forest?
The former Burnley boss's initial impact at the club was positive, but questions are now arise about the side's versatility. The team's transition threat remains, but seems less potent without previous players. While disciplined when protecting a lead, they have been exposed when forced to chase a game. Giving the ball away in those situations has shown costly, a problem they need to solve quickly.
The Striker's Scoring Form Halts Brentford's Travel Woes
The West London club produced a showing that contradicted their poor form on the road. Key to their dominant victory was the in-form streak of striker Igor Thiago. The striker's goals are offering a base for the side to progress. Teammate Kevin Schade even mentioned the lofty aspiration of continental football as a target, underlining the growing confidence in the team.
