Premier League: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Action
This past round of Premier League games served up no shortage of excitement, unexpected scores, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from duels between coaches to personal masterclasses, here are the major points emerging from the matches.
1. McFarlane Holds His Own Versus A Master Tactician
The Chelsea manager's surprise confrontation with the celebrated tactician evoked recollections of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of McFarlane, embarking on his first-team maiden game, the mission was halting the Blues' astonishingly bad sequence against the champions. A last-gasp strike from Enzo Fernández snatched a crucial result, a feat former incumbents had struggled to achieve.
Arne Slot's Failure to Shut Up Shop
Despite the German playmaker scoring the net, Arne Slot's team ended up disappointed after letting a lead slip against Marco Silva's side. The concern of being unable to manage encounters when ahead continues, with the team almost throwing away comparable leads in previous weeks. Until Slot's men master the knack of defending a lead, the quest will remain a difficult affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Fire
The Swedish forward is going through a notable dry spell from live action, but his teammate Declan Rice has stressed the number nine is nevertheless vitally valuable. The midfielder pointed to his work off the ball and selfless efforts as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side success. "Success are bound to arrive," was Rice's supportive assessment for his off-colour strike partner.
The United Boss Must Get The Slovenian to Find His Edge
Given Manchester United lining up in a particularly conservative manner, the onus fell on the offensive duo to produce. Whereas one forward maintained his impressive run, the summer signing endured another forgettable game. He has scored scarce since his high-profile switch and missed a late chance to claim the contest. January presents a clear imperative for the striker to discover his form.
5. Le Fée Leaves Tottenham in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss deployed Enzo Le Fée in a unfamiliar role initially, before releasing him further forward as the match developed. The switch proved a masterstroke, with he emerging as the architect of his team's comeback for an leveler. After directing the post, he provided a sumptuous through ball for the crucial goal. Having settled in to the pace of the English game, his campaign continues to grow.
6. Nuno Misses Opportunity to Bed In Pablo Felipe
Amid an woeful loss for West Ham, boss Nuno Espírito Santo opted not to introduce any of his named bench players. This included January recruit Pablo Felipe, who remained unused even with his side's utter lack of threat. He felt it would have been "unfair" to throw the recently-arrived recruit into the fray. However, with scoring at a premium, the urgency to assimilate the new boy quickly is glaringly apparent.
Lewis Miley Makes Another Big Claim
The 19-year-old produced yet another superb display whilst playing in an unfamiliar role. He was impeccable in his defensive duties, created the first goal, and raised the tone in a scrappy affair. With specialist defenders returning, the question for coach Eddie Howe is whether to accommodate the incredibly talented youngster in his best central midfield position. "Next Magpies line-ups will surely be constructed on him," seems an increasingly safe prediction.
Could the Dyche Effect Fading at The City Ground?
The manager's early influence at Forest was positive, but concerns are beginning to surface about the squad's plan B. Their transition threat exists, but appears diminished in the absence of previous attackers. Although structured when protecting a lead, Forest have been exposed when forced to come from behind. Cheap turnovers in these moments has proven costly, a lesson they have to solve rapidly.
Igor Thiago's Scoring Form Ends The Bees' Away-Day Blues
Brentford produced a performance that masked their poor away record. Vital to their dominant display was the red-hot streak of number nine the goal-getter. His finishing are giving a foundation for the squad to aim higher. Teammate Kevin Schade even mentioned the lofty dream of European qualification as a target, underlining the renewed belief within the team.
