Premier League: 10 Crucial Takeaways from the Weekend's Fixtures
The most recent set of top-flight fixtures served up no shortage of drama, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. From battles between coaches to star performances, let's delve into the primary discussions stemming from the matches.
1. McFarlane Holds His Own Versus Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's unexpected duel with the celebrated tactician recalled memories of past David vs Goliath coaching battles. For the Chelsea boss, embarking on his senior coaching bow, the mission was ending his side's dreadful recent record against Manchester City. A last-gasp strike from the Argentine midfielder secured a crucial result, an achievement former incumbents had found it tough to do.
2. Liverpool's Struggle to Close Games Out
Even with their big-money signing finding the net, the Merseyside club ended up frustrated after allowing a winning position slip away versus the Cottagers. The concern of failing to control matches when ahead persists, with the team almost letting slip identical advantages in earlier weeks. Until they learn the skill of defending a lead, the quest is likely to stay a challenging affair.
3. Rice Supports The Swedish Striker to Find Form
Arsenal's striker is experiencing a lengthy run without scoring from general play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin insists the forward is nonetheless hugely valuable. Rice pointed to the striker's work off the ball and selfless efforts as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Good things are going to arrive," was Rice's optimistic assessment for his struggling colleague.
The United Boss Needs Benjamin Sesko to Improve
Given the Red Devils setting up in a notably conservative manner, the responsibility was placed on the forward pair to deliver. While the Brazilian continued his excellent run, the summer signing experienced another frustrating game. He has scored scarce since his high-profile move and wasted a excellent opening to claim the match. The coming months offers a pressing imperative for him to regain his form.
Enzo Le FĂ©e Puts Spurs in a State of Confusion
The Black Cats boss positioned the French midfielder in a deeper position to start, before pushing him further forward as the game progressed. The switch was inspired, with the playmaker emerging as the chief creator of the visitor's push for an equalizing goal. After glancing the post, Le FĂ©e delivered a sumptuous through ball for the levelling finish. Now found his feet to the intensity of the top flight, his impact is on the rise.
The West Ham Manager Wastes Opportunity to Introduce Pablo
Amid an dismal performance for the Hammers, manager Nuno EspĂrito Santo decided not to use any of his named bench players. This meant new signing the Brazilian striker, who watched on despite his side's utter ineffectiveness. He suggested it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the recently-arrived striker into the fray. Yet, with goals at a premium, the imperative to assimilate the 22-year-old as soon as possible is abundantly clear.
The Teenager States Another Major Statement
The 19-year-old delivered a further outstanding performance while playing in an unfamiliar role. The midfielder was flawless in defence, set up the first goal, and set the standard in a scrappy encounter. With first-choice full-backs available, the conundrum for boss the Newcastle boss is how to include the astonishingly mature player in his best central midfield berth. "Next Newcastle line-ups will certainly be designed around the lad," seems an a accurate statement.
Are the Sean Dyche Impact Running Out at Forest?
The manager's early influence at the club was admirable, but questions are starting to emerge about the side's plan B. Their breakaway threat is still there, but looks reduced without certain attackers. Whilst structured when sitting back, Forest have been exposed when required to come from behind. Giving the ball away in those situations has been punishing, a problem they need to address quickly.
Igor Thiago's Scoring Form Stops Brentford's Travel Woes
The West London club put in a performance that belied their dismal travel sickness. Key to their dominant win was the red-hot form of forward the Brazilian. His presence are offering a platform for the team to build on. Teammate Kevin Schade even mentioned the ambitious aspiration of a top-seven finish as a target, emphasizing the renewed optimism within the team.
