Premier League: 10 Crucial Takeaways from the Weekend's Matches
The most recent batch of English games provided a wealth of excitement, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. From duels between coaches to star performances, we examine the key points coming out of the matches.
The Chelsea Boss Holds His Own Against Pep Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's unexpected duel with the celebrated tactician recalled recollections of earlier managerial mismatches. For the Chelsea boss, making his top-level maiden game, the task was halting the Blues' astonishingly bad sequence when playing the champions. A dramatic equaliser from Enzo Fernández snatched a crucial point, something past coaches had found it tough to achieve.
The Reds' Inability to Shut Up Shop
Despite the German playmaker scoring the net, Liverpool were left frustrated after letting a lead slip away versus the Cottagers. The concern of failing to manage encounters when in the lead remains, with the squad almost letting slip similar margins in recent matches. Until the team learn the knack of defending a lead, the campaign promises to be a difficult one.
Declan Rice Supports Gyökeres to Start Scoring
Viktor Gyökeres is enduring a lengthy goal drought from open play, but his teammate Declan Rice has stressed the number nine is still vitally valuable. He pointed to the striker's work off the ball and team-oriented efforts as integral to Arsenal's form. "Good things are sure to arrive," was the midfielder's confident prediction for his off-colour teammate.
4. Amorim Needs Benjamin Sesko to Improve
Given Ruben Amorim's team lining up in a notably conservative fashion, the responsibility rested with the attacking duo to make the difference. While Matheus Cunha persisted with his fine form, Benjamin Sesko suffered another frustrating game. The Slovenian has found goals elusive since his big-money move and spurned a excellent opportunity to claim the contest. The new year provides a clear need for the striker to regain his form.
5. Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle
The Sunderland manager used his creative talent in a deeper position at first, before pushing him up the pitch as the game developed. The decision turned out to be masterful, with he emerging as the architect of Sunderland's comeback for an equaliser. After directing the upright, the midfielder supplied a sumptuous through ball for the crucial goal. Having found his feet to the intensity of the Premier League, his campaign continues to grow.
6. Nuno Fails to Take Chance to Bed In Pablo
In a embarrassing performance for the London club, boss the Portuguese coach decided not to utilize any of his named bench players. Among them was new signing the Brazilian striker, who stayed on the bench even with his side's complete lack of threat. He suggested it would have been "unfair" to throw the new recruit into the action. But, with goals at a dearth, the imperative to assimilate the 22-year-old as soon as possible is glaringly apparent.
7. Miley Makes A Further Big Case
The 19-year-old produced yet another superb display while filling in out of position. The midfielder was excellent in his own half, set up the opening goal, and lifted the team in a stop-start affair. With specialist full-backs available, the dilemma for coach Eddie Howe is how to fit the astonishingly mature player in his best central midfield berth. "Future Newcastle line-ups will certainly be constructed on him," seems an a accurate statement.
8. Is the Dyche Effect Fading at Nottingham Forest?
The former Burnley boss's initial influence at Nottingham Forest was notable, but questions are now surface about the team's plan B. Their breakaway ability is still there, but seems reduced without key personnel. While structured when protecting a lead, Dyche's men have looked vulnerable when needing to come from behind. Losing possession in such situations has proven punishing, a problem they must rectify rapidly.
Igor Thiago's Hot Streak Stops The Bees' Travel Woes
The West London club put in a performance that masked their troubled form on the road. Vital to their impressive victory was the prolific form of striker Igor Thiago. Thiago's presence are providing a platform for the side to progress. Teammate he even mentioned the optimistic target of European qualification as a target, underlining the growing optimism within the squad.