England's Top Division: Ten Crucial Takeaways from the Weekend's Matches
The most recent batch of English games provided a wealth of intrigue, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from battles between managers to individual brilliance, we examine the primary discussions stemming from the matches.
Calum McFarlane Holds His Own Against Pep Guardiola
The Chelsea manager's unexpected duel with Pep Guardiola recalled recollections of past unequal sideline contests. In the case of the debutant, taking charge for his first-team coaching bow, the task was ending the Blues' astonishingly bad recent record against Manchester City. A dramatic strike from the Chelsea star earned a crucial result, a feat previous incumbents had failed to achieve.
The Reds' Struggle to Shut Up Shop
Even with the German playmaker scoring the net, Liverpool finished aggrieved after surrendering a lead evaporate against the Cottagers. The problem of failing to command games when ahead remains, with the squad previously throwing away similar margins in earlier outings. Until the team discover the skill of defending a lead, the season will remain a challenging affair.
The Arsenal Midfielder Supports Gyökeres to Start Scoring
Viktor Gyökeres is experiencing a notable goal drought from live action, but his fellow star the England international has stressed the player is nonetheless hugely influential. He praised his work off the ball and unselfish efforts as integral to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Good things are bound to come," was Rice's confident message for his off-colour colleague.
The United Boss Requires Benjamin Sesko to Improve
With the Red Devils lining up in a incredibly defensive fashion, the onus fell on the offensive partnership to deliver. While one forward continued his excellent form, his strike partner suffered another frustrating afternoon. The young striker has scored hard to come by since his major switch and missed a late opening to snatch the match. The coming months offers a obvious requirement for him to find his confidence.
Enzo Le Fée Leaves Spurs in a Spin
Régis Le Bris deployed his creative talent in a more defensive role initially, before releasing him further forward as the match wore on. The decision proved a masterstroke, with the playmaker turning into the chief creator of Sunderland's push for an equalizing goal. After hitting the post, the midfielder provided a sumptuous pass for the all-important strike. Having fully adapted to the pace of the English game, his influence is on the rise.
6. Nuno Wastes Opportunity to Use New Signing
Amid an embarrassing defeat for the Hammers, head coach the Portuguese coach opted not to use any of his named replacements. This meant new signing Pablo Felipe, who watched on despite his side's chronic lack of threat. The manager reasoned it would have been "too harsh" to throw the fresh player into the match. Yet, with goals at a premium, the urgency to blood the 22-year-old rapidly is abundantly apparent.
7. Miley Delivers Yet Another Big Claim
The 19-year-old turned in another outstanding showing whilst operating out of position. The youngster was flawless in his defensive duties, provided the opening goal, and lifted the team in a stop-start encounter. Now that established full-backs available, the dilemma for manager the Newcastle boss is how to accommodate the astonishingly mature player in his best engine room role. "Next Toon sides will surely be designed on him," seems an increasingly fair statement.
8. Is the New Manager Bounce Fading at Nottingham Forest?
Sean Dyche's early effect at Nottingham Forest was admirable, but doubts are starting to arise about the side's plan B. Forest's breakaway threat exists, but seems less potent without certain personnel. While well-organised when protecting a lead, they have been exposed when required to open up. Cheap turnovers in these moments has been costly, a problem they must rectify rapidly.
Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Ends Brentford's Poor Road Form
The West London club produced a performance that belied their troubled form on the road. Key to their commanding victory was the red-hot streak of number nine the Brazilian. Thiago's finishing are providing a foundation for the side to build on. Winger he even floated the lofty dream of European qualification as a target, underlining the fresh confidence within the squad.
