This past batch of English games delivered no shortage of drama, surprise results, and interesting subplots. From clashes between coaches to personal masterclasses, we examine the major discussions stemming from the encounters.
The Chelsea manager's surprise battle with the celebrated tactician brought back memories of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. For the debutant, embarking on his top-level management debut, the mission was ending the Blues' astonishingly bad sequence versus the champions. A last-gasp goal from Enzo Fernández secured a hard-fought draw, an achievement former incumbents had failed to achieve.
Despite their big-money signing getting the net, Liverpool finished aggrieved after allowing a winning position slip versus Fulham. The problem of failing to manage matches when in the lead continues, with the side almost squandering similar leads in earlier weeks. Until the team discover the art of killing off matches, the quest is likely to stay a challenging affair.
The Swedish forward is enduring a notable run without scoring from open play, but his teammate the Gunners lynchpin is adamant the forward is still vitally valuable. Rice highlighted his hold-up play and unselfish efforts as key to the league leaders form. "The goals are bound to follow," was the midfielder's optimistic message for his off-colour colleague.
With Manchester United setting up in a notably defensive manner, the onus was placed on the offensive partnership to produce. Whereas the Brazilian continued his impressive run, Benjamin Sesko experienced another difficult outing. He has found goals elusive since his big-money move and missed a golden chance to snatch the game. The new year provides a clear requirement for the striker to discover his scoring touch.
The Black Cats boss positioned his creative talent in a deeper role initially, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the contest progressed. The decision turned out to be masterful, with he emerging as the main instigator of his team's fightback for an leveler. Following directing the post, Le Fée provided a perfect through ball for the all-important finish. Having settled in to the pace of the Premier League, his influence keeps improving.
Amid an embarrassing performance for West Ham, boss Nuno chose against use any of his permitted replacements. This meant new signing the forward, who stayed on the bench despite his side's complete lack of threat. The manager suggested it would have been "unjust" to throw the new recruit into the match. Yet, with firepower at a shortage, the need to integrate the youngster rapidly is abundantly obvious.
Lewis Miley delivered yet another exceptional showing whilst filling in at right-back. The midfielder was flawless in his defensive duties, set up the breakthrough, and lifted the team in a untidy encounter. With specialist full-backs back, the conundrum for coach Eddie Howe is if to include the astonishingly talented player in his natural midfield berth. "Next Toon line-ups will surely be constructed on him," seems an ever more safe assessment.
The former Burnley boss's first effect at Forest was notable, but doubts are starting to arise about the squad's versatility. Their counter-attacking ability remains, but seems reduced in the absence of certain personnel. Although well-organised when protecting a lead, Dyche's men can struggle when required to chase a game. Giving the ball away in these moments has proven costly, a problem they need to address rapidly.
Thomas Frank's team put in a showing that contradicted their poor travel sickness. Key to their commanding display was the prolific scoring of number nine the goal-getter. Thiago's finishing are providing a platform for the squad to build on. Attacker the German international even mentioned the optimistic dream of European qualification as a possibility, highlighting the renewed optimism coursing through the team.
Elara is a financial strategist with over a decade of experience in wealth management and entrepreneurship.
