Premier League: 10 Crucial Takeaways from the Latest Round of Action
The latest round of Premier League action provided no shortage of intrigue, unexpected scores, and compelling narratives. Ranging from battles between managers to individual brilliance, here are the key conversations emerging from the matches.
1. McFarlane Makes a Statement Against A Master Tactician
The young coach's unexpected confrontation with Pep Guardiola evoked memories of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the debutant, making his top-level management debut, the mission was overcoming the Blues' astonishingly bad recent record versus Manchester City. A dramatic goal from the Argentine midfielder snatched a valuable point, a feat former coaches had struggled to achieve.
The Reds' Failure to See Out Matches
Even with the German playmaker scoring the net, the Merseyside club were left aggrieved after surrendering a winning position slip at the Cottagers. The problem of not managing to control encounters when in front remains, with the squad nearly throwing away similar leads in earlier weeks. Before they master the knack of killing off matches, the quest will remain a frustrating process.
The Arsenal Midfielder Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Fire
The Swedish forward is enduring a lengthy dry spell from live action, but his fellow star the Gunners lynchpin insists the player is still hugely valuable. The midfielder highlighted the striker's hold-up play and team-oriented contributions as integral to the league leaders form. "Success are bound to arrive," was the midfielder's supportive prediction for his off-colour strike partner.
4. Amorim Needs Sesko to Sharpen Up
Given the Red Devils lining up in a incredibly conservative way, the responsibility fell on the forward duo to deliver. Whereas the Brazilian maintained his impressive form, his strike partner experienced another frustrating afternoon. He has scored elusive since his high-profile transfer and spurned a late opportunity to win the game. The new year offers a pressing requirement for the striker to discover his scoring touch.
5. Le FĂ©e Leaves Tottenham in a State of Confusion
The Black Cats boss positioned Enzo Le FĂ©e in a deeper role to start, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the contest wore on. The switch proved inspired, with the playmaker turning into the main instigator of the visitor's push for an equaliser. Following directing the woodwork, he provided a sumptuous through ball for the levelling strike. Having found his feet to the pace of the Premier League, his influence keeps improving.
6. Nuno Fails to Take Chance to Bed In New Signing
Amid an woeful performance for the Hammers, head coach Nuno decided not to introduce any of his available substitutes. This included January recruit the forward, who stayed on the bench despite his side's chronic ineffectiveness. He felt it would have been "unfair" to throw the recently-arrived player into the match. But, with scoring at a shortage, the need to assimilate the youngster rapidly is painfully apparent.
The Teenager Delivers Another Big Case
Lewis Miley produced yet another outstanding display whilst playing in an unfamiliar role. The youngster was excellent in his own half, provided the breakthrough, and raised the tone in a scrappy match. With first-choice full-backs available, the question for boss him is how to accommodate the astonishingly mature youngster in his natural engine room position. "Next Magpies sides will undoubtedly be constructed with Miley," seems an increasingly safe statement.
Are the Dyche Effect Running Out at Forest?
The manager's first influence at Nottingham Forest was positive, but concerns are starting to emerge about the side's plan B. Forest's counter-attacking prowess remains, but looks diminished without certain attackers. Whilst disciplined when defending deep, they can struggle when required to open up. Losing possession in these circumstances has shown disastrous, a issue they need to address immediately.
9. Thiago's Scoring Form Ends Brentford's Poor Road Form
Thomas Frank's team put in a showing that contradicted their dismal form on the road. Central to their commanding win was the red-hot form of forward the goal-getter. The striker's finishing are offering a foundation for the squad to build on. Attacker the German international even mentioned the ambitious aspiration of continental football as a possibility, emphasizing the renewed belief within the camp.
