Top-Flight Football: Ten Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Fixtures
The most recent set of top-flight action delivered plenty of excitement, shock outcomes, and compelling narratives. Ranging from clashes between bosses to star performances, we examine the major points stemming from the encounters.
1. McFarlane Stands Firm Against A Master Tactician
The young coach's surprise battle with the Manchester City boss brought back recollections of previous unequal sideline contests. In the case of McFarlane, taking charge for his first-team maiden game, the challenge was halting the Blues' astonishingly bad recent record versus Manchester City. An injury-time strike from the Chelsea star snatched a crucial point, something past coaches had struggled to accomplish.
The Reds' Struggle to Close Games Out
Despite their big-money signing getting the net, Liverpool were left frustrated after letting a winning position slip versus Marco Silva's side. The concern of being unable to control matches when ahead continues, with the side almost squandering comparable margins in recent outings. Until the team learn the skill of defending a lead, the season will remain a challenging affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Backs The Swedish Striker to Start Scoring
The Swedish forward is enduring a significant dry spell from general play, but his teammate the England international insists the player is nevertheless hugely important. He praised the striker's pressing and team-oriented performances as key to the league leaders form. "Good things are going to follow," was his supportive prediction for his struggling strike partner.
Ruben Amorim Must Get The Slovenian to Improve
With the Red Devils lining up in a notably conservative manner, the burden rested with the forward pair to deliver. Whereas the Brazilian persisted with his impressive performances, Benjamin Sesko experienced another forgettable afternoon. The young striker has hit the net scarce since his major switch and missed a golden opportunity to win the match. The new year presents a clear need for him to find his form.
Enzo Le Fée Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Spin
The Sunderland manager used Enzo Le Fée in a deeper role at first, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the game progressed. The switch proved a masterstroke, with the playmaker becoming the chief creator of Sunderland's push for an leveler. After hitting the upright, he delivered a exquisite through ball for the levelling finish. Having found his feet to the demands of the Premier League, his impact keeps improving.
6. Nuno Wastes Opportunity to Use Pablo
Amid an woeful performance for the London club, manager Nuno EspÃrito Santo decided against use any of his available replacements. This included January recruit the Brazilian striker, who remained unused even with his club's complete failure to score. Nuno suggested it would have been "too harsh" to throw the fresh player into the action. However, with goals at a shortage, the imperative to assimilate the youngster rapidly is glaringly obvious.
7. Miley States Another Major Case
The 19-year-old delivered a further superb display whilst operating at right-back. The youngster was excellent in his own half, created the first goal, and raised the tone in a untidy encounter. Now that first-choice right-backs available, the conundrum for manager him is whether to fit the incredibly talented teenager in his preferred engine room berth. "Coming Newcastle sides will certainly be built around Miley," seems an a safe assessment.
Could the Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?
The manager's initial effect at Forest was positive, but doubts are now emerge about the team's adaptability. Forest's breakaway threat remains, but seems diminished without certain personnel. While well-organised when protecting a lead, they have been exposed when required to chase a game. Giving the ball away in those circumstances has shown costly, a problem they must rectify quickly.
9. Thiago's Scoring Form Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Travel Woes
The West London club produced a showing that masked their dismal away record. Key to their commanding display was the red-hot streak of striker Igor Thiago. Thiago's presence are giving a platform for the squad to aim higher. Winger he even floated the lofty target of a top-seven finish as a potential outcome, highlighting the renewed confidence coursing through the squad.
