Premier League: 10 Crucial Takeaways from the Latest Round of Matches
The latest set of top-flight action served up a wealth of drama, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from clashes between managers to individual brilliance, let's delve into the key points coming out of the matches.
The Chelsea Boss Makes a Statement When Facing Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's surprise duel with the Manchester City boss recalled recollections of earlier unequal sideline contests. In the case of the Chelsea boss, embarking on his senior maiden game, the task was ending his side's astonishingly bad sequence versus the champions. A last-gasp goal from the Chelsea star snatched a hard-fought draw, an achievement former managers had struggled to achieve.
The Reds' Inability to Close Games Out
Even with their big-money signing finding the net, Arne Slot's team were left disappointed after allowing a winning position slip away against the Cottagers. The problem of failing to manage matches when in front persists, with the squad almost letting slip identical margins in recent outings. Before Slot's men discover the knack of defending a lead, the campaign promises to be a challenging affair.
Declan Rice Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form
Arsenal's striker is enduring a lengthy goal drought from live action, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin has stressed the player is still hugely valuable. The midfielder praised the striker's hold-up play and selfless efforts as crucial to the league leaders success. "The goals are going to come," was Rice's optimistic assessment for his off-colour teammate.
Ruben Amorim Requires Benjamin Sesko to Find His Edge
Given Ruben Amorim's team setting up in a notably cautious fashion, the onus rested with the attacking duo to produce. Whereas one forward persisted with his impressive run, Benjamin Sesko endured another difficult outing. He has scored hard to come by since his high-profile move and missed a excellent chance to claim the match. The new year offers a clear requirement for Sesko to discover his form.
Enzo Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle
Régis Le Bris positioned his creative talent in a deeper position initially, before releasing him up the pitch as the match progressed. The move proved inspired, with the playmaker turning into the chief creator of the visitor's comeback for an equalizing goal. Following glancing the woodwork, he delivered a perfect assist for the levelling strike. Having found his feet to the intensity of the top flight, his influence is on the rise.
6. Nuno Fails to Take Opportunity to Use Pablo
Amid an embarrassing defeat for West Ham, head coach Nuno opted against use any of his permitted bench players. This meant January recruit the forward, who stayed on the bench even with his side's utter ineffectiveness. He reasoned it would have been "unjust" to introduce the recently-arrived player into the action. However, with firepower at a dearth, the need to integrate the youngster as soon as possible is painfully obvious.
Lewis Miley Delivers A Further Huge Case
Lewis Miley turned in yet another outstanding display whilst operating in an unfamiliar role. The youngster was impeccable in his defensive duties, provided the first goal, and lifted the team in a untidy encounter. With first-choice full-backs back, the dilemma for boss Eddie Howe is whether to fit the incredibly composed youngster in his preferred engine room role. "Next Newcastle teams will surely be designed around Miley," seems an increasingly accurate prediction.
Are the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?
The manager's initial impact at Nottingham Forest was notable, but concerns are beginning to surface about the team's versatility. The team's breakaway ability is still there, but looks diminished in the absence of previous personnel. Whilst well-organised when protecting a lead, they have been exposed when needing to come from behind. Giving the ball away in those situations has been punishing, a problem they have to address immediately.
The Striker's Goal Rush Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Poor Road Form
Thomas Frank's team produced a showing that contradicted their poor form on the road. Vital to their commanding win was the prolific streak of number nine the goal-getter. Thiago's goals are providing a foundation for the squad to build on. Teammate he even suggested the ambitious dream of a top-seven finish as a target, underlining the growing confidence in the squad.
