England's Top Division: Ten Crucial Takeaways from the Latest Round of Action
The latest round of Premier League games provided a wealth of intrigue, surprise results, and interesting subplots. From clashes between coaches to star performances, we examine the key discussions stemming from the games.
Calum McFarlane Holds His Own Versus A Master Tactician
The young coach's unforeseen duel with the Manchester City boss evoked recollections of previous David vs Goliath coaching battles. For the Chelsea boss, embarking on his first-team management debut, the task was halting his side's astonishingly bad sequence against the champions. An injury-time equaliser from the Chelsea star secured a hard-fought draw, a feat former coaches had failed to accomplish.
The Reds' Failure to See Out Matches
Despite their big-money signing scoring the net, the Merseyside club finished disappointed after letting a winning position evaporate versus Fulham. The problem of failing to manage matches when in the lead remains, with the team almost squandering identical advantages in recent matches. Before they learn the art of killing off matches, the campaign promises to be a frustrating affair.
3. Rice Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring
The Swedish forward is experiencing a significant goal drought from open play, but his teammate the Gunners lynchpin has stressed the number nine is nonetheless immensely valuable. He highlighted Gyökeres' hold-up play and selfless performances as integral to the league leaders success. "The goals are bound to arrive," was Rice's supportive assessment for his misfiring colleague.
Ruben Amorim Must Get Sesko to Find His Edge
With Ruben Amorim's team lining up in a notably cautious manner, the onus fell on the forward duo to make the difference. While one forward maintained his impressive form, the summer signing endured another forgettable afternoon. The Slovenian has found goals elusive since his high-profile transfer and wasted a excellent opportunity to win the match. The coming months presents a clear need for the striker to discover his form.
5. Le Fée Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Spin
Régis Le Bris used the French midfielder in a more defensive role to start, before releasing him into advanced areas as the contest progressed. The switch was masterful, with he emerging as the main instigator of Sunderland's comeback for an equaliser. Following glancing the woodwork, the midfielder delivered a sumptuous assist for the all-important goal. Having found his feet to the pace of the English game, his impact continues to grow.
The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Opportunity to Introduce New Signing
During an dismal defeat for West Ham, head coach Nuno opted against introduce any of his permitted replacements. Among them was recent acquisition Pablo Felipe, who watched on even with his team's complete failure to score. The manager reasoned it would have been "unfair" to introduce the recently-arrived player into the action. But, with goals at a premium, the imperative to blood the new boy rapidly is glaringly obvious.
Lewis Miley Makes A Further Huge Case
Lewis Miley delivered another superb display while filling in out of position. He was flawless in defence, created the first goal, and lifted the team in a scrappy match. With first-choice right-backs returning, the conundrum for boss him is if to accommodate the incredibly composed youngster in his best midfield position. "Future Newcastle teams will surely be constructed with Miley," seems an a fair statement.
8. Is the New Manager Bounce Running Out at Nottingham Forest?
The manager's early impact at Nottingham Forest was admirable, but questions are now surface about the squad's plan B. Forest's transition prowess exists, but looks reduced without key attackers. Whilst well-organised when sitting back, Dyche's men have been exposed when forced to chase a game. Losing possession in these circumstances has been punishing, a lesson they need to address rapidly.
The Striker's Hot Streak Stops Brentford's Away-Day Blues
Thomas Frank's team delivered a display that belied their troubled away record. Key to their commanding victory was the prolific streak of number nine Igor Thiago. His finishing are offering a base for the side to build on. Teammate the German international even suggested the ambitious dream of European qualification as a target, highlighting the fresh optimism coursing through the team.