England's Top Division: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Fixtures
The latest set of top-flight action served up plenty of intrigue, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. Ranging from battles between coaches to individual brilliance, here are the primary conversations emerging from the games.
Calum McFarlane Makes a Statement When Facing A Master Tactician
Calum McFarlane's unexpected duel with Pep Guardiola evoked memories of previous managerial mismatches. In the case of the Chelsea boss, making his top-level management debut, the challenge was halting the Blues' woeful run of form against the champions. A last-gasp strike from the Chelsea star earned a crucial draw, an achievement past managers had struggled to accomplish.
The Reds' Struggle to Shut Up Shop
Even with Florian Wirtz getting the net, Arne Slot's team ended up disappointed after letting a winning position evaporate at Fulham. The problem of failing to control matches when ahead persists, with the squad nearly letting slip comparable leads in earlier weeks. Until they learn the skill of killing off matches, the campaign promises to be a difficult process.
The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In Gyökeres to Start Scoring
The Swedish forward is enduring a significant goal drought from live action, but his teammate the Gunners lynchpin has stressed the player is nevertheless hugely important. Rice pointed to his hold-up play and unselfish performances as key to Mikel Arteta's side success. "Good things are bound to come," was Rice's optimistic message for his struggling strike partner.
Ruben Amorim Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up
With Ruben Amorim's team setting up in a particularly cautious way, the onus was placed on the offensive duo to make the difference. Whereas the Brazilian maintained his fine form, Benjamin Sesko endured another forgettable game. The Slovenian has hit the net scarce since his big-money transfer and spurned a golden opportunity to snatch the contest. The new year offers a pressing imperative for Sesko to find his form.
5. Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Spin
Régis Le Bris positioned Enzo Le Fée in a unfamiliar role at first, before unleashing him further forward as the contest progressed. The switch proved inspired, with Le Fée becoming the chief creator of the visitor's push for an equaliser. Following glancing the upright, he provided a perfect assist for the levelling finish. Having settled in to the intensity of the English game, his influence keeps improving.
The West Ham Manager Misses Opportunity to Use Pablo
In a woeful loss for West Ham, manager Nuno Espírito Santo chose not to utilize any of his named substitutes. This meant recent acquisition the forward, who watched on even with his club's chronic failure to score. Nuno felt it would have been "unjust" to send the new recruit into the action. But, with scoring at a premium, the imperative to assimilate the youngster quickly is painfully clear.
7. Miley Makes Another Major Statement
The 19-year-old turned in yet another superb performance while operating at right-back. The youngster was impeccable in his defensive duties, set up the first goal, and set the standard in a untidy match. Now that first-choice full-backs back, the conundrum for boss Eddie Howe is how to accommodate the remarkably mature teenager in his natural midfield berth. "Coming Newcastle teams will surely be designed around him," seems an increasingly accurate assessment.
8. Is the Sean Dyche Impact Fading at Forest?
The manager's first effect at Nottingham Forest was positive, but concerns are beginning to emerge about the side's adaptability. Forest's counter-attacking ability is still there, but appears reduced without certain players. While structured when sitting back, they have been exposed when required to come from behind. Losing possession in those circumstances has been costly, a lesson they need to solve immediately.
9. Thiago's Scoring Form Stops Brentford's Away-Day Blues
Brentford put in a showing that masked their troubled travel sickness. Central to their dominant victory was the red-hot form of forward the Brazilian. The striker's goals are providing a base for the side to progress. Teammate Kevin Schade even floated the lofty dream of a top-seven finish as a possibility, highlighting the renewed optimism coursing through the squad.
