Premier League: 10 Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Matches
The most recent batch of English action provided no shortage of excitement, shock outcomes, and fascinating storylines. From battles between managers to star performances, let's delve into the primary points emerging from the games.
The Chelsea Boss Makes a Statement When Facing A Master Tactician
The Chelsea manager's unforeseen duel with Pep Guardiola recalled recollections of previous David vs Goliath coaching battles. For the debutant, making his top-level coaching bow, the mission was overcoming his side's woeful recent record when playing Manchester City. A last-gasp equaliser from the Chelsea star secured a valuable point, a feat former coaches had found it tough to accomplish.
Arne Slot's Inability to Shut Up Shop
Despite their big-money signing getting the net, Arne Slot's team finished aggrieved after letting a lead slip at Marco Silva's side. The problem of not managing to manage matches when in the lead continues, with the squad almost letting slip comparable margins in previous weeks. Before Slot's men master the art of killing off matches, the season is likely to stay a frustrating affair.
Declan Rice Supports Gyökeres to Fire
The Swedish forward is experiencing a significant dry spell from open play, but his midfield colleague Declan Rice is adamant the forward is still immensely important. The midfielder pointed to his pressing and team-oriented efforts as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side title charge. "The goals are going to arrive," was Rice's supportive prediction for his struggling colleague.
4. Amorim Must Get Sesko to Find His Edge
With Ruben Amorim's team lining up in a notably conservative fashion, the onus was placed on the offensive duo to produce. While the Brazilian continued his fine run, Benjamin Sesko endured another frustrating outing. He has scored scarce since his big-money switch and wasted a golden chance to snatch the contest. The new year offers a pressing need for the striker to find his scoring touch.
5. Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a State of Confusion
The Sunderland manager positioned Enzo Le Fée in a unfamiliar position to start, before releasing him into advanced areas as the contest developed. The switch proved inspired, with the playmaker becoming the main instigator of Sunderland's comeback for an equaliser. After hitting the upright, Le Fée supplied a perfect assist for the levelling goal. Now fully adapted to the demands of the English game, his campaign is on the rise.
The West Ham Manager Wastes Opportunity to Use Pablo
Amid an embarrassing loss for West Ham, manager Nuno Espírito Santo opted not to use any of his named bench players. Among them was new signing the forward, who remained unused despite his side's complete failure to score. Nuno felt it would have been "too harsh" to send the fresh player into the fray. But, with goals at a shortage, the need to integrate the new boy as soon as possible is abundantly clear.
The Teenager Delivers A Further Huge Statement
The teenage sensation produced another exceptional display whilst playing at right-back. He was excellent in his own half, provided the breakthrough, and set the standard in a scrappy affair. With specialist right-backs returning, the question for manager Eddie Howe is how to accommodate the astonishingly mature youngster in his best midfield position. "Coming Newcastle teams will undoubtedly be designed around the lad," seems an ever more fair assessment.
Could the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Forest?
Sean Dyche's initial influence at the club was notable, but doubts are starting to emerge about the team's adaptability. The team's breakaway ability is still there, but looks diminished without previous attackers. While well-organised when sitting back, Forest have been exposed when needing to open up. Losing possession in these situations has been disastrous, a lesson they need to rectify rapidly.
The Striker's Goal Rush Stops The Bees' Travel Woes
Brentford produced a display that contradicted their troubled form on the road. Key to their commanding win was the prolific form of number nine the goal-getter. The striker's presence are providing a base for the side to progress. Teammate Kevin Schade even suggested the optimistic dream of European qualification as a potential outcome, underlining the fresh optimism coursing through the team.
