England's Top Division: 10 Crucial Takeaways from the Weekend's Action
The latest round of Premier League fixtures provided no shortage of drama, surprise results, and interesting subplots. From clashes between managers to star performances, we examine the major points stemming from the matches.
1. McFarlane Stands Firm Versus A Master Tactician
Calum McFarlane's unforeseen confrontation with Pep Guardiola evoked recollections of past unequal sideline contests. In the case of the Chelsea boss, making his top-level maiden game, the challenge was overcoming the Blues' astonishingly bad recent record against Manchester City. A dramatic strike from Enzo Fernández earned a valuable point, a feat former incumbents had failed to achieve.
2. Liverpool's Failure to Shut Up Shop
Despite the German playmaker finding the net, the Merseyside club ended up frustrated after allowing a lead slip away against the Cottagers. The problem of failing to control games when in front remains, with the team almost throwing away similar advantages in recent weeks. Before the team learn the skill of defending a lead, the quest promises to be a difficult process.
Declan Rice Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form
Viktor Gyökeres is experiencing a significant dry spell from live action, but his teammate the England international has stressed the forward is nevertheless immensely influential. The midfielder praised his work off the ball and team-oriented performances as key to Arsenal's form. "Good things are bound to arrive," was Rice's confident prediction for his struggling colleague.
Ruben Amorim Needs Sesko to Find His Edge
Given Manchester United setting up in a notably conservative manner, the responsibility rested with the offensive duo to deliver. Whereas one forward persisted with his fine performances, his strike partner suffered another forgettable afternoon. The Slovenian has hit the net elusive since his high-profile switch and spurned a late chance to win the game. The new year offers a obvious imperative for Sesko to find his confidence.
The Sunderland Star Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss deployed the French midfielder in a unfamiliar position at first, before releasing him further forward as the contest progressed. The decision turned out to be inspired, with he becoming the main instigator of his team's fightback for an equaliser. After glancing the woodwork, Le Fée supplied a perfect pass for the crucial strike. Having found his feet to the pace of the English game, his influence continues to grow.
6. Nuno Wastes Chance to Use New Signing
Amid an woeful defeat for West Ham, boss the Portuguese coach opted not to utilize any of his available replacements. This included January recruit the forward, who remained unused despite his team's complete ineffectiveness. He suggested it would have been "unjust" to introduce the fresh striker into the action. But, with goals at a shortage, the urgency to assimilate the youngster as soon as possible is glaringly obvious.
7. Miley Makes Another Major Claim
The 19-year-old produced a further exceptional display whilst operating out of position. The midfielder was excellent in defence, provided the opening goal, and lifted the team in a untidy match. With specialist right-backs available, the dilemma for boss him is whether to fit the remarkably talented player in his preferred midfield role. "Next Newcastle sides will surely be built with the lad," seems an a fair assessment.
Are the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at The City Ground?
The manager's early impact at the club was admirable, but questions are now surface about the team's adaptability. Their counter-attacking threat exists, but seems diminished without previous personnel. Although disciplined when defending deep, Dyche's men can struggle when forced to open up. Giving the ball away in those situations has been punishing, a problem they need to rectify immediately.
9. Thiago's Goal Rush Ends The Bees' Away-Day Blues
Brentford produced a performance that contradicted their dismal travel sickness. Central to their dominant victory was the in-form form of forward Igor Thiago. His finishing are giving a foundation for the squad to build on. Teammate Kevin Schade even floated the optimistic dream of European qualification as a potential outcome, underlining the fresh belief in the squad.