England's Top Division: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Fixtures
This past set of top-flight action delivered no shortage of drama, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from battles between bosses to star performances, we examine the primary conversations stemming from the matches.
Calum McFarlane Makes a Statement When Facing Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's unforeseen confrontation with the Manchester City boss evoked memories of past unequal sideline contests. In the case of the debutant, taking charge for his top-level coaching bow, the task was overcoming his side's woeful recent record versus the champions. An injury-time goal from Enzo Fernández snatched a crucial result, an achievement past managers had failed to achieve.
2. Liverpool's Struggle to Close Games Out
Despite their big-money signing finding the net, Liverpool finished disappointed after letting a advantage slip away versus Marco Silva's side. The problem of failing to command games when in front persists, with the side almost squandering similar leads in earlier outings. Until they discover the skill of killing off matches, the season will remain a frustrating one.
3. Rice Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form
Viktor Gyökeres is going through a significant run without scoring from general play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin insists the player is nonetheless hugely valuable. He highlighted Gyökeres' work off the ball and selfless efforts as crucial to Arsenal's form. "The goals are bound to come," was the midfielder's supportive message for his misfiring teammate.
4. Amorim Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up
Given Manchester United adopting in a incredibly conservative way, the responsibility was placed on the offensive pair to produce. Whereas one forward persisted with his fine form, his strike partner suffered another forgettable outing. The Slovenian has scored hard to come by since his high-profile switch and wasted a late opportunity to win the match. The coming months offers a obvious imperative for Sesko to regain his confidence.
5. Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle
The Sunderland manager deployed Enzo Le Fée in a deeper position to start, before unleashing him further forward as the game developed. The decision turned out to be inspired, with he emerging as the main instigator of his team's push for an equalizing goal. After directing the upright, he delivered a perfect through ball for the crucial finish. Having fully adapted to the intensity of the English game, his campaign keeps improving.
Nuno Espírito Santo Misses Chance to Use New Signing
During an dismal defeat for West Ham, head coach Nuno Espírito Santo chose against utilize any of his available bench players. This included recent acquisition the Brazilian striker, who watched on even with his team's utter failure to score. He felt it would have been "unjust" to introduce the fresh recruit into the action. However, with scoring at a shortage, the urgency to blood the youngster as soon as possible is glaringly obvious.
The Teenager Makes Yet Another Major Statement
Lewis Miley turned in another superb display while operating out of position. He was impeccable in his own half, provided the breakthrough, and set the standard in a untidy encounter. Now that first-choice full-backs returning, the question for boss him is how to fit the astonishingly composed teenager in his preferred midfield role. "Coming Toon sides will certainly be designed with him," seems an ever more safe statement.
Are the Sean Dyche Impact Running Out at Forest?
Sean Dyche's first effect at Nottingham Forest was notable, but doubts are beginning to arise about the side's plan B. Their breakaway ability remains, but seems less potent in the absence of key attackers. Although structured when defending deep, Forest have looked vulnerable when forced to chase a game. Giving the ball away in those moments has shown disastrous, a issue they have to address immediately.
The Striker's Hot Streak Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Travel Woes
Thomas Frank's team delivered a showing that contradicted their poor travel sickness. Central to their commanding win was the red-hot scoring of striker the Brazilian. The striker's goals are providing a foundation for the team to build on. Attacker the German international even suggested the lofty dream of European qualification as a target, highlighting the renewed optimism within the camp.
