England's Top Division: 10 Crucial Takeaways from the Latest Round of Matches
This past set of top-flight fixtures served up no shortage of excitement, surprise results, and interesting subplots. From clashes between coaches to individual brilliance, we examine the major conversations emerging from the matches.
1. McFarlane Stands Firm When Facing Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's unforeseen duel with the celebrated tactician evoked memories of previous managerial mismatches. In the case of McFarlane, taking charge for his top-level maiden game, the task was ending Chelsea's woeful recent record when playing the champions. A dramatic equaliser from the Argentine midfielder secured a crucial draw, something previous coaches had found it tough to achieve.
The Reds' Failure to Shut Up Shop
Even with the German playmaker finding the net, the Merseyside club finished frustrated after surrendering a winning position slip against Fulham. The issue of being unable to control games when ahead continues, with the team almost squandering comparable advantages in recent outings. Before the team master the art of killing off matches, the quest will remain a challenging process.
The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Start Scoring
Viktor Gyökeres is experiencing a lengthy run without scoring from open play, but his teammate the England international is adamant the forward is nevertheless immensely valuable. He praised the striker's hold-up play and selfless contributions as key to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Success are bound to come," was Rice's optimistic prediction for his off-colour strike partner.
4. Amorim Needs Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up
Given Ruben Amorim's team adopting in a incredibly cautious way, the burden was placed on the attacking pair to make the difference. Whereas Matheus Cunha persisted with his excellent performances, his strike partner suffered another difficult outing. The Slovenian has hit the net elusive since his high-profile move and spurned a golden chance to snatch the match. The coming months offers a clear imperative for Sesko to discover his scoring touch.
5. Le FĂ©e Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle
The Black Cats boss deployed Enzo Le FĂ©e in a unfamiliar role to start, before releasing him further forward as the contest developed. The decision proved a masterstroke, with Le FĂ©e becoming the main instigator of Sunderland's push for an equaliser. Following hitting the post, Le FĂ©e delivered a exquisite assist for the crucial goal. Having settled in to the demands of the English game, his campaign is on the rise.
The West Ham Manager Wastes Opportunity to Introduce Pablo
Amid an woeful defeat for the London club, manager Nuno EspĂrito Santo decided against introduce any of his available replacements. Among them was new signing the Brazilian striker, who stayed on the bench even with his team's utter failure to score. He reasoned it would have been "unjust" to throw the recently-arrived player into the action. However, with goals at a shortage, the need to integrate the youngster as soon as possible is painfully clear.
7. Miley Delivers Yet Another Big Statement
Lewis Miley delivered yet another outstanding performance whilst playing out of position. He was excellent in his own half, set up the opening goal, and lifted the team in a untidy encounter. With specialist right-backs back, the conundrum for boss him is whether to accommodate the remarkably composed youngster in his natural midfield position. "Future Newcastle sides will certainly be built on Miley," seems an ever more accurate assessment.
Could the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Forest?
The former Burnley boss's first influence at Forest was positive, but concerns are beginning to surface about the side's versatility. Forest's transition ability is still there, but appears less potent without certain attackers. Whilst structured when protecting a lead, Forest can struggle when required to open up. Losing possession in such situations has proven costly, a issue they need to rectify rapidly.
The Striker's Hot Streak Ends Thomas Frank's Side's Travel Woes
The West London club put in a performance that contradicted their troubled form on the road. Key to their dominant win was the prolific form of forward Igor Thiago. Thiago's goals are giving a platform for the squad to build on. Teammate he even suggested the ambitious dream of continental football as a possibility, emphasizing the growing belief coursing through the camp.
