Top-Flight Football: Ten Crucial Takeaways from the Weekend's Action
The most recent set of top-flight fixtures provided plenty of intrigue, surprise results, and compelling narratives. Ranging from duels between managers to star performances, we examine the key conversations coming out of the matches.
Calum McFarlane Holds His Own Versus A Master Tactician
Calum McFarlane's surprise confrontation with Pep Guardiola brought back thoughts of past unequal sideline contests. In the case of the Chelsea boss, making his first-team coaching bow, the mission was overcoming his side's woeful recent record versus Guardiola's side. A dramatic goal from the Argentine midfielder secured a valuable point, an achievement previous incumbents had struggled to do.
The Reds' Failure to Shut Up Shop
Despite the German playmaker finding the net, Liverpool were left disappointed after allowing a advantage slip versus Fulham. The issue of failing to command matches when ahead continues, with the team almost throwing away comparable margins in earlier outings. Until Slot's men discover the knack of seeing out a game, the quest is likely to stay a difficult affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Supports Gyökeres to Fire
Arsenal's striker is enduring a notable dry spell from general play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin has stressed the player is nonetheless immensely important. He pointed to Gyökeres' hold-up play and unselfish contributions as integral to Mikel Arteta's side title charge. "Good things are bound to come," was the midfielder's optimistic message for his struggling teammate.
4. Amorim Needs The Slovenian to Sharpen Up
With the Red Devils lining up in a incredibly conservative way, the onus was placed on the forward pair to make the difference. While Matheus Cunha persisted with his impressive run, the summer signing suffered another forgettable game. He has hit the net elusive since his big-money switch and spurned a late opening to win the game. The new year offers a clear requirement for him to regain his scoring touch.
5. Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a State of Confusion
The Sunderland manager used the French midfielder in a more defensive position at first, before pushing him up the pitch as the contest wore on. The move was masterful, with the playmaker emerging as the architect of his team's fightback for an equaliser. Following hitting the post, Le Fée provided a perfect through ball for the levelling goal. Now fully adapted to the demands of the top flight, his campaign keeps improving.
Nuno Espírito Santo Fails to Take Opportunity to Use Pablo Felipe
In a dismal performance for the London club, manager Nuno decided against use any of his named bench players. This included January recruit the forward, who watched on even with his club's complete failure to score. The manager suggested it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the new player into the match. However, with scoring at a shortage, the need to blood the 22-year-old rapidly is abundantly clear.
The Teenager States Another Big Case
The teenage sensation turned in yet another superb display whilst filling in out of position. The midfielder was impeccable in his own half, created the opening goal, and raised the tone in a stop-start encounter. Now that first-choice full-backs back, the question for coach the Newcastle boss is whether to include the astonishingly talented youngster in his best midfield position. "Coming Newcastle sides will undoubtedly be constructed around Miley," seems an ever more fair assessment.
Are the Sean Dyche Impact Wearing Thin at Forest?
The former Burnley boss's early effect at Forest was positive, but concerns are starting to surface about the side's versatility. Their breakaway ability remains, but seems diminished without previous attackers. Whilst structured when defending deep, Forest have been exposed when forced to come from behind. Losing possession in such situations has proven punishing, a lesson they have to rectify quickly.
9. Thiago's Hot Streak Ends Thomas Frank's Side's Poor Road Form
Thomas Frank's team produced a display that belied their dismal travel sickness. Key to their impressive win was the prolific form of number nine Igor Thiago. Thiago's goals are giving a platform for the team to progress. Attacker Kevin Schade even floated the ambitious dream of continental football as a target, highlighting the fresh optimism within the team.
