Premier League: 10 Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Matches
The most recent set of top-flight games delivered a wealth of drama, shock outcomes, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from clashes between bosses to star performances, here are the key discussions coming out of the matches.
The Chelsea Boss Holds His Own Versus A Master Tactician
The young coach's surprise duel with Pep Guardiola evoked thoughts of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the debutant, embarking on his first-team coaching bow, the mission was ending his side's dreadful recent record when playing Manchester City. A last-gasp equaliser from the Argentine midfielder snatched a crucial draw, something former coaches had found it tough to do.
The Reds' Inability to See Out Matches
Even with their big-money signing finding the net, Arne Slot's team finished aggrieved after allowing a winning position evaporate against Marco Silva's side. The problem of not managing to command matches when in front persists, with the side previously throwing away similar margins in recent matches. Until they master the skill of seeing out a game, the season promises to be a challenging one.
The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Fire
Viktor Gyökeres is going through a significant goal drought from live action, but his teammate the England international has stressed the number nine is nevertheless immensely influential. The midfielder praised the striker's work off the ball and selfless efforts as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Success are bound to follow," was the midfielder's supportive prediction for his off-colour teammate.
Ruben Amorim Must Get The Slovenian to Find His Edge
Given the Red Devils adopting in a particularly conservative manner, the responsibility fell on the offensive pair to deliver. While one forward maintained his excellent performances, Benjamin Sesko suffered another frustrating outing. The young striker has found goals elusive since his high-profile move and missed a golden opportunity to claim the match. The new year provides a pressing imperative for Sesko to discover his confidence.
5. Le Fée Leaves Spurs in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss used his creative talent in a more defensive role initially, before pushing him further forward as the game wore on. The move proved masterful, with Le Fée turning into the chief creator of the visitor's push for an equalizing goal. After hitting the post, the midfielder supplied a exquisite assist for the crucial finish. Having settled in to the intensity of the top flight, his campaign continues to grow.
Nuno Espírito Santo Misses Opportunity to Bed In Pablo Felipe
During an woeful loss for the London club, manager Nuno chose against introduce any of his available bench players. This included new signing Pablo Felipe, who watched on even with his team's chronic failure to score. Nuno reasoned it would have been "unjust" to send the fresh recruit into the match. But, with firepower at a premium, the imperative to blood the youngster rapidly is glaringly clear.
Lewis Miley Makes Yet Another Huge Case
The 19-year-old turned in a further superb showing whilst operating in an unfamiliar role. The youngster was excellent in defence, created the opening goal, and raised the tone in a stop-start match. Now that established defenders available, the question for boss Eddie Howe is how to include the astonishingly talented player in his best central midfield role. "Future Toon teams will certainly be constructed on Miley," seems an increasingly fair assessment.
Are the Dyche Effect Running Out at Nottingham Forest?
Sean Dyche's early impact at the club was admirable, but concerns are now surface about the squad's adaptability. Forest's transition prowess exists, but seems less potent in the absence of previous attackers. While well-organised when defending deep, Dyche's men have been exposed when required to chase a game. Giving the ball away in these circumstances has shown costly, a issue they need to address rapidly.
9. Thiago's Goal Rush Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues
Thomas Frank's team produced a display that belied their poor away record. Key to their dominant display was the red-hot streak of forward the Brazilian. The striker's presence are offering a foundation for the team to aim higher. Teammate Kevin Schade even mentioned the lofty target of continental football as a potential outcome, underlining the growing belief in the team.
