England's Top Division: Ten Crucial Takeaways from the Latest Round of Fixtures
The latest round of Premier League games provided no shortage of excitement, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from duels between coaches to personal masterclasses, we examine the primary points emerging from the games.
1. McFarlane Stands Firm When Facing A Master Tactician
The Chelsea manager's unforeseen duel with the celebrated tactician recalled thoughts of previous David vs Goliath coaching battles. For the debutant, embarking on his top-level maiden game, the task was ending the Blues' dreadful run of form when playing Manchester City. A dramatic goal from the Argentine midfielder snatched a valuable result, a feat former managers had failed to achieve.
The Reds' Inability to Close Games Out
Even with the German playmaker finding the net, Liverpool were left aggrieved after surrendering a lead evaporate versus Marco Silva's side. The concern of failing to control matches when in the lead persists, with the team almost squandering identical margins in recent outings. Until the team discover the art of killing off matches, the quest is likely to stay a challenging affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Supports The Swedish Striker to Start Scoring
Arsenal's striker is experiencing a notable goal drought from general play, but his teammate the England international insists the number nine is nonetheless hugely influential. He highlighted Gyökeres' work off the ball and unselfish performances as integral to the league leaders title charge. "The goals are bound to arrive," was the midfielder's supportive message for his off-colour colleague.
4. Amorim Needs The Slovenian to Improve
Given Ruben Amorim's team adopting in a particularly defensive way, the responsibility fell on the offensive pair to produce. Whereas the Brazilian continued his impressive run, his strike partner endured another forgettable afternoon. The Slovenian has scored elusive since his high-profile move and spurned a late opening to snatch the contest. January offers a clear requirement for him to discover his form.
Enzo Le Fée Leaves Tottenham in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss positioned Enzo Le Fée in a unfamiliar role at first, before releasing him up the pitch as the contest developed. The move turned out to be masterful, with the playmaker turning into the main instigator of the visitor's push for an leveler. Following directing the woodwork, the midfielder supplied a perfect through ball for the levelling finish. Now settled in to the intensity of the top flight, his campaign continues to grow.
6. Nuno Misses Chance to Use New Signing
Amid an woeful defeat for the London club, manager Nuno opted not to utilize any of his permitted replacements. This included January recruit the forward, who watched on despite his club's utter ineffectiveness. He reasoned it would have been "unfair" to send the new player into the action. Yet, with goals at a shortage, the urgency to blood the youngster quickly is abundantly clear.
7. Miley Makes Another Huge Statement
The teenage sensation turned in another outstanding performance whilst filling in out of position. The midfielder was flawless in his defensive duties, set up the breakthrough, and lifted the team in a stop-start encounter. With specialist defenders available, the conundrum for manager Eddie Howe is if to include the astonishingly talented player in his preferred midfield berth. "Next Newcastle line-ups will undoubtedly be designed on him," seems an a fair assessment.
Are the Sean Dyche Impact Fading at Nottingham Forest?
The manager's initial influence at the club was positive, but concerns are now surface about the team's versatility. The team's breakaway ability remains, but appears reduced without certain attackers. While disciplined when defending deep, they have been exposed when required to chase a game. Giving the ball away in those circumstances has been disastrous, a lesson they have to rectify rapidly.
The Striker's Scoring Form Ends Brentford's Poor Road Form
Thomas Frank's team delivered a performance that contradicted their troubled form on the road. Key to their dominant win was the prolific scoring of number nine the Brazilian. The striker's goals are giving a platform for the squad to progress. Winger he even floated the lofty dream of European qualification as a possibility, underlining the growing confidence coursing through the squad.
