Premier League: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Matches
The most recent round of Premier League action provided a wealth of intrigue, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from duels between bosses to star performances, we examine the primary conversations emerging from the matches.
1. McFarlane Stands Firm Versus Pep Guardiola
The young coach's unexpected confrontation with Pep Guardiola recalled thoughts of past unequal sideline contests. For McFarlane, taking charge for his first-team management debut, the challenge was ending the Blues' woeful run of form against Guardiola's side. A dramatic strike from Enzo Fernández earned a hard-fought point, a feat previous coaches had failed to do.
2. Liverpool's Struggle to Shut Up Shop
Even with the German playmaker getting the net, Liverpool ended up aggrieved after surrendering a winning position slip versus Fulham. The problem of being unable to manage matches when in the lead remains, with the squad nearly letting slip identical leads in recent outings. Before the team discover the knack of seeing out a game, the quest promises to be a challenging affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Backs The Swedish Striker to Start Scoring
Arsenal's striker is enduring a notable dry spell from general play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin insists the forward is still vitally important. He praised his pressing and team-oriented performances as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side success. "Good things are sure to come," was the midfielder's confident prediction for his misfiring colleague.
Ruben Amorim Must Get The Slovenian to Improve
With Manchester United adopting in a particularly conservative way, the onus was placed on the forward partnership to make the difference. While one forward maintained his fine run, his strike partner experienced another frustrating game. The Slovenian has scored elusive since his major move and wasted a late opportunity to snatch the contest. The new year presents a clear imperative for him to discover his scoring touch.
The Sunderland Star Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a State of Confusion
The Sunderland manager deployed the French midfielder in a unfamiliar position initially, before pushing him further forward as the match progressed. The switch was masterful, with he becoming the main instigator of the visitor's comeback for an leveler. Following hitting the upright, he supplied a sumptuous through ball for the all-important strike. Now found his feet to the pace of the English game, his campaign continues to grow.
Nuno Espírito Santo Wastes Chance to Bed In Pablo Felipe
In a woeful defeat for the London club, boss Nuno Espírito Santo decided not to use any of his named bench players. Among them was January recruit Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench despite his side's utter lack of threat. He felt it would have been "too harsh" to send the recently-arrived striker into the action. Yet, with scoring at a dearth, the urgency to blood the 22-year-old quickly is painfully clear.
7. Miley Delivers Another Big Case
Lewis Miley turned in yet another exceptional showing while operating out of position. He was excellent in defence, created the first goal, and raised the tone in a untidy affair. Now that first-choice right-backs available, the conundrum for boss the Newcastle boss is if to include the astonishingly talented player in his best engine room berth. "Coming Magpies sides will certainly be built on him," seems an ever more fair prediction.
Are the Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?
Sean Dyche's first influence at Forest was notable, but concerns are starting to arise about the squad's plan B. Their transition ability exists, but looks reduced without previous personnel. While well-organised when defending deep, Dyche's men can struggle when needing to chase a game. Cheap turnovers in these moments has shown disastrous, a issue they need to rectify rapidly.
The Striker's Scoring Form Ends The Bees' Away-Day Blues
The West London club put in a performance that contradicted their troubled travel sickness. Vital to their commanding victory was the in-form scoring of number nine Igor Thiago. His presence are offering a base for the squad to aim higher. Attacker he even suggested the lofty target of European qualification as a potential outcome, highlighting the fresh belief within the team.
