England's Top Division: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Action
The most recent batch of English games served up a wealth of excitement, shock outcomes, and fascinating storylines. From duels between coaches to individual brilliance, here are the key discussions stemming from the games.
Calum McFarlane Holds His Own Versus A Master Tactician
The young coach's surprise duel with the celebrated tactician evoked thoughts of previous unequal sideline contests. For the debutant, embarking on his senior maiden game, the task was ending Chelsea's woeful sequence when playing the champions. An injury-time goal from the Argentine midfielder secured a hard-fought point, an achievement previous coaches had failed to achieve.
The Reds' Inability to See Out Matches
Despite the German playmaker scoring the net, Arne Slot's team ended up aggrieved after allowing a lead evaporate at Fulham. The problem of not managing to manage encounters when in front continues, with the side previously letting slip identical margins in recent outings. Before Slot's men discover the skill of killing off matches, the campaign is likely to stay a difficult affair.
3. Rice Supports The Swedish Striker to Fire
Viktor Gyökeres is going through a lengthy goal drought from general play, but his fellow star the England international insists the forward is still hugely important. Rice highlighted the striker's hold-up play and unselfish performances as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Success are going to come," was Rice's supportive assessment for his struggling strike partner.
4. Amorim Needs Sesko to Sharpen Up
Given the Red Devils lining up in a notably conservative way, the onus rested with the attacking duo to make the difference. While one forward continued his excellent form, Benjamin Sesko endured another difficult afternoon. The young striker has scored scarce since his high-profile switch and spurned a excellent opening to snatch the match. The new year offers a pressing requirement for him to discover his confidence.
The Sunderland Star Leaves Spurs in a Spin
Régis Le Bris deployed his creative talent in a unfamiliar role initially, before releasing him up the pitch as the match developed. The move proved a masterstroke, with Le Fée emerging as the architect of his team's comeback for an leveler. After directing the woodwork, the midfielder supplied a perfect through ball for the levelling finish. Having fully adapted to the demands of the Premier League, his influence keeps improving.
The West Ham Manager Misses Chance to Introduce Pablo Felipe
Amid an woeful performance for West Ham, head coach Nuno chose not to use any of his available replacements. Among them was recent acquisition Pablo Felipe, who watched on despite his side's utter ineffectiveness. He suggested it would have been "too harsh" to send the fresh recruit into the action. However, with scoring at a premium, the need to assimilate the youngster as soon as possible is glaringly apparent.
Lewis Miley Delivers Another Huge Statement
Lewis Miley delivered another superb performance while playing out of position. The youngster was excellent in his defensive duties, created the first goal, and set the standard in a stop-start affair. Now that first-choice full-backs available, the dilemma for coach the Newcastle boss is if to include the astonishingly mature youngster in his best central midfield position. "Future Magpies sides will certainly be constructed around the lad," seems an a fair statement.
Could the Dyche Effect Running Out at Nottingham Forest?
The former Burnley boss's initial impact at the club was notable, but concerns are now arise about the team's plan B. Forest's transition ability remains, but seems diminished in the absence of previous attackers. While well-organised when protecting a lead, Dyche's men can struggle when forced to chase a game. Cheap turnovers in these situations has proven disastrous, a lesson they have to solve rapidly.
The Striker's Goal Rush Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues
Brentford produced a display that masked their troubled away record. Key to their commanding victory was the red-hot streak of striker the Brazilian. The striker's goals are providing a base for the team to build on. Teammate Kevin Schade even mentioned the lofty dream of continental football as a potential outcome, highlighting the fresh belief coursing through the squad.
