England's Top Division: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Fixtures
The latest round of Premier League action served up no shortage of drama, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from clashes between managers to individual brilliance, here are the primary points coming out of the encounters.
The Chelsea Boss Stands Firm When Facing Pep Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's unexpected confrontation with Pep Guardiola recalled recollections of previous managerial mismatches. For McFarlane, taking charge for his first-team maiden game, the mission was halting his side's astonishingly bad recent record when playing Manchester City. A dramatic goal from the Chelsea star snatched a valuable draw, something former coaches had struggled to achieve.
2. Liverpool's Failure to Shut Up Shop
Despite their big-money signing finding the net, Liverpool were left frustrated after letting a lead slip away at the Cottagers. The concern of failing to manage matches when in front remains, with the squad almost squandering identical leads in previous weeks. Before the team discover the skill of killing off matches, the campaign is likely to stay a challenging one.
Declan Rice Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Fire
Arsenal's striker is going through a significant run without scoring from general play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin insists the player is nevertheless vitally important. The midfielder pointed to his pressing and team-oriented efforts as key to Mikel Arteta's side success. "The goals are sure to arrive," was the midfielder's optimistic assessment for his misfiring strike partner.
4. Amorim Must Get Sesko to Improve
Given Ruben Amorim's team lining up in a incredibly conservative manner, the onus was placed on the offensive partnership to deliver. Whereas the Brazilian maintained his fine form, the summer signing endured another difficult afternoon. The Slovenian has scored scarce since his high-profile switch and spurned a excellent opening to win the contest. The coming months presents a pressing need for Sesko to discover his form.
5. Le Fée Leaves Spurs in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss used Enzo Le Fée in a more defensive role to start, before pushing him further forward as the game wore on. The decision proved masterful, with the playmaker emerging as the main instigator of Sunderland's push for an equalizing goal. Following directing the upright, Le Fée delivered a perfect pass for the all-important goal. Now settled in to the pace of the top flight, his impact is on the rise.
Nuno Espírito Santo Misses Opportunity to Introduce Pablo Felipe
In a woeful defeat for the Hammers, manager Nuno Espírito Santo opted not to introduce any of his permitted bench players. This included new signing Pablo Felipe, who watched on even with his team's chronic lack of threat. He felt it would have been "unjust" to introduce the recently-arrived recruit into the fray. But, with scoring at a premium, the need to integrate the new boy as soon as possible is glaringly apparent.
7. Miley Delivers Another Major Claim
The 19-year-old turned in yet another superb performance whilst playing in an unfamiliar role. The midfielder was impeccable in his defensive duties, provided the first goal, and lifted the team in a stop-start encounter. Now that specialist right-backs available, the dilemma for boss the Newcastle boss is how to accommodate the incredibly talented teenager in his natural midfield berth. "Coming Newcastle teams will certainly be constructed on the lad," seems an a fair statement.
Are the Sean Dyche Impact Running Out at The City Ground?
Sean Dyche's initial influence at Nottingham Forest was notable, but doubts are now arise about the team's adaptability. Their counter-attacking threat is still there, but looks diminished in the absence of key players. Although structured when sitting back, Forest have been exposed when forced to open up. Cheap turnovers in such circumstances has been disastrous, a problem they must rectify immediately.
The Striker's Hot Streak Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues
Brentford put in a display that contradicted their dismal form on the road. Central to their dominant win was the red-hot scoring of striker the goal-getter. The striker's finishing are offering a platform for the squad to build on. Attacker Kevin Schade even floated the lofty dream of a top-seven finish as a possibility, highlighting the fresh belief in the camp.