🔗 Share this article

The latest round of Premier League fixtures provided no shortage of excitement, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from clashes between coaches to individual brilliance, let's delve into the primary conversations emerging from the games.

The Chelsea Boss Stands Firm When Facing A Master Tactician

Calum McFarlane's surprise battle with Pep Guardiola brought back memories of previous unequal sideline contests. For the Chelsea boss, embarking on his top-level coaching bow, the mission was halting his side's woeful run of form versus Guardiola's side. A dramatic goal from the Argentine midfielder secured a hard-fought result, something former managers had found it tough to achieve.

The Reds' Inability to Close Games Out

Even with Florian Wirtz scoring the net, the Merseyside club ended up disappointed after allowing a winning position slip at Fulham. The problem of not managing to command encounters when in front persists, with the side nearly squandering similar advantages in previous matches. Until the team discover the knack of killing off matches, the campaign is likely to stay a difficult one.

The Arsenal Midfielder Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Fire

Arsenal's striker is going through a lengthy run without scoring from general play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin insists the player is nonetheless hugely important. The midfielder praised Gyökeres' pressing and selfless efforts as integral to Arsenal's title charge. "The goals are going to follow," was the midfielder's confident assessment for his misfiring strike partner.

The United Boss Needs Benjamin Sesko to Improve

With the Red Devils adopting in a particularly conservative manner, the burden fell on the attacking duo to produce. While one forward maintained his fine run, his strike partner experienced another frustrating afternoon. The Slovenian has scored elusive since his major move and wasted a late chance to snatch the contest. The new year offers a pressing imperative for the striker to regain his scoring touch.

The Sunderland Star Puts Tottenham in a Spin

The Sunderland manager deployed the French midfielder in a deeper role at first, before pushing him up the pitch as the game progressed. The switch turned out to be inspired, with he emerging as the architect of the visitor's fightback for an equaliser. Following hitting the woodwork, the midfielder supplied a sumptuous through ball for the levelling goal. Having found his feet to the intensity of the Premier League, his influence keeps improving.

The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Opportunity to Use New Signing

In a embarrassing loss for West Ham, manager Nuno Espírito Santo chose against introduce any of his available replacements. This meant January recruit Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench despite his team's chronic ineffectiveness. Nuno felt it would have been "too harsh" to throw the fresh recruit into the match. But, with firepower at a dearth, the urgency to blood the new boy rapidly is painfully apparent.

Lewis Miley Makes Another Major Case

The teenage sensation turned in another superb showing while playing out of position. The midfielder was excellent in defence, set up the breakthrough, and lifted the team in a scrappy match. With established defenders available, the conundrum for manager the Newcastle boss is how to include the remarkably mature player in his best midfield position. "Coming Newcastle teams will undoubtedly be designed around Miley," seems an increasingly fair statement.

8. Is the New Manager Bounce Running Out at Forest?

The manager's early impact at the club was admirable, but questions are beginning to emerge about the side's plan B. Their counter-attacking ability exists, but seems diminished without previous personnel. Although disciplined when defending deep, they have looked vulnerable when required to come from behind. Cheap turnovers in such moments has proven punishing, a issue they need to address rapidly.

9. Thiago's Hot Streak Stops Brentford's Away-Day Blues

Thomas Frank's team put in a display that contradicted their dismal form on the road. Central to their dominant win was the red-hot form of number nine the goal-getter. Thiago's presence are providing a foundation for the team to aim higher. Teammate Kevin Schade even mentioned the ambitious aspiration of continental football as a possibility, underlining the fresh belief coursing through the camp.

The Clarets