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This past set of top-flight games served up no shortage of intrigue, shock outcomes, and fascinating storylines. From duels between bosses to individual brilliance, we examine the key discussions stemming from the games.

Calum McFarlane Holds His Own When Facing Pep Guardiola

The young coach's surprise duel with the celebrated tactician recalled memories of past managerial mismatches. For the Chelsea boss, taking charge for his top-level coaching bow, the challenge was halting Chelsea's dreadful run of form against Guardiola's side. A last-gasp goal from the Chelsea star snatched a valuable result, something past managers had struggled to do.

Arne Slot's Inability to Shut Up Shop

Despite their big-money signing finding the net, the Merseyside club were left disappointed after allowing a winning position slip away at Fulham. The concern of failing to command matches when in the lead continues, with the side nearly squandering identical margins in recent outings. Until they discover the skill of defending a lead, the campaign promises to be a difficult one.

The Arsenal Midfielder Supports Gyökeres to Fire

Viktor Gyökeres is enduring a notable goal drought from live action, but his fellow star Declan Rice is adamant the forward is nevertheless immensely important. He praised the striker's pressing and selfless contributions as key to Arsenal's title charge. "Success are sure to follow," was the midfielder's optimistic message for his struggling strike partner.

4. Amorim Requires Sesko to Improve

With Manchester United adopting in a particularly conservative fashion, the responsibility was placed on the attacking duo to deliver. While one forward continued his fine run, the summer signing experienced another forgettable outing. The young striker has hit the net scarce since his major switch and missed a late opportunity to snatch the match. The new year presents a clear requirement for him to regain his form.

Enzo Le Fée Leaves Tottenham in a State of Confusion

The Sunderland manager positioned his creative talent in a deeper position at first, before releasing him into advanced areas as the match progressed. The switch proved masterful, with the playmaker turning into the main instigator of Sunderland's fightback for an equaliser. After glancing the woodwork, he supplied a sumptuous pass for the all-important goal. Having settled in to the intensity of the top flight, his influence keeps improving.

Nuno Espírito Santo Wastes Chance to Bed In Pablo Felipe

Amid an dismal performance for the London club, head coach the Portuguese coach decided not to use any of his permitted substitutes. This meant January recruit the forward, who remained unused despite his side's utter ineffectiveness. Nuno felt it would have been "unfair" to throw the fresh striker into the action. But, with goals at a shortage, the urgency to blood the youngster as soon as possible is painfully apparent.

The Teenager Delivers Yet Another Big Case

Lewis Miley produced another exceptional display while operating out of position. He was excellent in his own half, provided the first goal, and lifted the team in a stop-start match. Now that first-choice right-backs back, the question for manager the Newcastle boss is whether to fit the astonishingly mature player in his natural midfield position. "Next Newcastle sides will certainly be designed with Miley," seems an increasingly fair assessment.

Could the Sean Dyche Impact Running Out at Forest?

Sean Dyche's initial impact at Forest was notable, but doubts are starting to surface about the side's versatility. Their breakaway prowess exists, but seems diminished without previous players. Whilst well-organised when protecting a lead, Forest have looked vulnerable when forced to come from behind. Losing possession in those moments has shown costly, a lesson they need to solve quickly.

9. Thiago's Scoring Form Halts The Bees' Poor Road Form

Brentford put in a performance that contradicted their troubled travel sickness. Key to their commanding victory was the prolific form of striker the Brazilian. The striker's goals are providing a base for the side to progress. Teammate he even suggested the optimistic dream of European qualification as a possibility, highlighting the growing optimism in the squad.

Scott Parker's Side